If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth as an adult, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not too late. More adults than ever are exploring orthodontic and oral surgery solutions to improve their smile, bite, and overall oral health. At West Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we partner closely with orthodontists and general dentists throughout West Jordan, UT and the surrounding area to help adult patients understand all of their options — including how oral surgery may play a key role in achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.

Whether you’re just starting to research adult braces in West Valley, or your orthodontist has referred you to an oral surgeon as part of your treatment plan, this guide will walk you through what you need to know.

Why Adults Are Choosing Orthodontic Treatment Now

The idea that braces are “just for teenagers” has faded fast. Today, nearly one in four orthodontic patients in the United States is an adult. For many people in West Jordan, UT, the motivation comes from wanting to correct issues they’ve lived with for years — crowding, gaps, bite problems, or even jaw misalignment that affects how they eat, speak, and feel day-to-day.

Adults also have more treatment options than ever before, from traditional metal braces to clear aligners like Invisalign. But depending on the complexity of your case, your orthodontist may recommend a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon before or during treatment.

The Role of Oral Surgery in Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Not every adult who wants straighter teeth needs surgery — but some do. The most common reasons an oral surgeon gets involved in an adult orthodontic case include:

• Impacted or retained teeth: If you have teeth that never erupted properly (including adult canines or wisdom teeth), they may need to be surgically exposed or removed before orthodontic movement can happen effectively. Learn more about tooth extractions at West Valley OMS.
• Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery): For adults with significant skeletal discrepancies — such as an underbite, overbite, or asymmetrical jaw — braces alone cannot fully correct the problem. Jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment is often the most effective and lasting solution.
• Dental implants to fill gaps: Some adults need to close spaces caused by missing teeth before or after orthodontic treatment. Dental implants are often the best long-term option for replacing those missing teeth after orthodontic alignment is complete.
• Bone grafting: If significant bone loss has occurred from long-term tooth loss or gum disease, bone grafting may be necessary to support orthodontic movement or future implants.

Our team at West Valley OMS works collaboratively with referring orthodontists throughout West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Herriman, Taylorsville, and Murray to ensure your care is coordinated, efficient, and focused on the best outcome for you.

What to Expect During an Adult Orthodontic Surgery Consultation

If your orthodontist in West Jordan, UT or a nearby community has referred you to our office, here’s what a typical consultation at West Valley OMS looks like:

1. Comprehensive evaluation: We’ll review your dental and medical history, existing X-rays, and any records from your orthodontist.
2. Imaging: We may take cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans or panoramic X-rays to get a full 3D picture of your jaw, teeth, and bone structure.
3. Treatment discussion: We’ll explain exactly what surgical procedure is recommended, why, and how it fits into your overall orthodontic plan.
4. Coordinated care: We communicate directly with your orthodontist so your surgical and orthodontic timelines align seamlessly.

We know that surgery can feel intimidating, especially when you came in just wanting straighter teeth. Our surgeons take the time to answer every question and make sure you feel fully informed and at ease before moving forward.

Jaw Surgery for Adults: What You Should Know

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery is one of the most transformative procedures available to adult patients who have been told that orthodontics alone won’t fix their bite. It’s performed under general anesthesia, typically in an outpatient surgical facility, and involves carefully repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to achieve proper alignment.

Adults in West Jordan, UT, as well as patients coming from South Jordan, Riverton, and Taylorsville, choose jaw surgery with West Valley OMS because:

• It can dramatically improve chewing function, speech, and facial aesthetics
• Results are permanent and life-changing
• It’s often covered (at least partially) by medical insurance when there is a documented functional problem
• Recovery is manageable with proper preparation and our dedicated post-operative care team

If you’ve been living with chronic jaw pain, difficulty biting, or a noticeable facial imbalance, jaw surgery may be the missing piece of your orthodontic puzzle. Read more about jaw surgery at West Valley OMS.

Wisdom Teeth and Adult Braces: Timing Matters

Many adults who begin orthodontic treatment still have their wisdom teeth — or have partially erupted third molars that could undermine the results of braces or aligners. Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on existing teeth as they try to emerge, potentially reversing the alignment your orthodontist has worked hard to achieve.

That’s why it’s very common for orthodontists in the West Jordan, UT area to refer adult patients to us for wisdom teeth removal before or during orthodontic treatment. Our oral surgeons perform wisdom teeth extractions routinely, using IV sedation for a comfortable, anxiety-free experience. Learn more about tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal at our West Valley office.

Serving West Valley Adults from Across the Region

West Valley Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is conveniently located to serve patients from throughout the Salt Lake Valley. We regularly see adult patients pursuing orthodontic-related oral surgery from:

• West Jordan, UT — our primary service community
• South Jordan — just minutes to our south
• Riverton — convenient access via Bangerter Highway
• Herriman — growing community we’re proud to serve
• Taylorsville — just north of our office
• Murray — easy access from I-215

If you have questions about whether oral surgery is part of your path to adult braces in West Valley, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team today — we’ll review your situation, coordinate with your orthodontist, and make sure you have a clear, confident plan moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Braces & Oral Surgery in West Valley

Do I need to see an oral surgeon if I just want adult braces?

Not necessarily. Most adults who want braces or clear aligners work directly with an orthodontist. However, if your orthodontist identifies issues like impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, or missing teeth that need implants, they may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. West Valley OMS works closely with local orthodontists to make that coordination seamless.

Is jaw surgery required for adult braces?

Jaw surgery is only recommended when orthodontics alone cannot fully correct a skeletal misalignment — such as a severe underbite, overbite, or crossbite. Many adults complete orthodontic treatment without any surgery at all. A consultation with both your orthodontist and our oral surgery team is the best way to determine what your specific case requires.

Does insurance cover oral surgery related to braces for adults?

Coverage varies by plan. Procedures with a documented functional component — such as jaw surgery for bite correction — may be covered under medical insurance. Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth removal) may be covered under dental insurance. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and financing options during your consultation.

How long does recovery take after jaw surgery?

Most patients take one to two weeks off work or school after orthognathic jaw surgery, with a full recovery typically occurring over six to eight weeks. Your orthodontist will continue treatment after healing is complete. We provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available to answer questions throughout your recovery.

Can I still get braces as an adult in my 30s, 40s, or 50s?

Absolutely. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Adults of all ages in West Jordan, UT and surrounding communities like South Jordan, Herriman, and Murray successfully complete orthodontic treatment. The main considerations are gum and bone health — which our team can evaluate as part of a comprehensive consultation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Every patient’s situation is unique. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.