Jaw surgery orthodontics in Dubai — assessment for orthognathic surgery versus camouflage

Key facts

• Surgery is for significant skeletal jaw discrepancies
• Camouflage moves teeth to compensate for mild to moderate differences
• TADs and MARPE extend non-surgical options in some adults
• Combined care: pre-surgical orthodontics, surgery, then finishing
• Assessment uses photographs, scans, X-rays and CBCT where justified

When a bite problem is skeletal

Some malocclusions are mainly dental — the teeth are crowded or tilted but the jaws are well related. Others are skeletal, meaning the upper or lower jaw is too far forward, too far back, too narrow, too long or asymmetric. Common skeletal patterns include Class III with a prominent lower jaw or underdeveloped upper jaw, Class II with a small or retruded lower jaw, skeletal open bites with increased lower-face height, and facial asymmetry where the chin and jaw are shifted to one side. In adults, growth has finished, so the jaw bones cannot be redirected with growth appliances. The size of the discrepancy and its effect on function and appearance guide the choice of treatment.

Orthodontic camouflage

Camouflage means correcting the bite by moving the teeth to compensate for the jaw difference, without changing the jaws themselves — for example tipping upper incisors forward and lower incisors back in a mild Class III, or retracting upper incisors after extractions in a Class II. It can produce a good functional bite when the skeletal difference is mild to moderate and the face is acceptable to the patient. However, there are limits: excessive tooth compensation can thin the bone around roots, cause gum recession, worsen the facial profile or prove unstable. TADs and, in suitable cases, MARPE can extend what is possible non-surgically, but they do not reposition the lower jaw.

When surgery is the better option

Surgery is considered when the skeletal discrepancy is large, when camouflage would compromise the teeth, gums or facial appearance, when there is a marked asymmetry or open bite, or when breathing or jaw function are significantly affected. In some severe obstructive sleep apnoea cases, jaw advancement surgery is one option discussed by the sleep and surgical team. The decision also depends on the patient’s priorities: some people with a moderate skeletal difference are content with camouflage, while others want the facial change that only surgery can provide. Dr. Pacha’s clinical PhD focused on skeletal jaw growth modification and the correction of skeletal facial problems, giving him a strong grounding in this assessment.

The orthodontist–surgeon pathway

Combined treatment usually runs in phases. First, pre-surgical orthodontics with braces (or sometimes aligners) aligns the teeth in each jaw and removes dental compensations, so the bite may temporarily look worse — this is expected. Detailed records, including CBCT and digital planning, are used by the orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to plan the jaw movements. The surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthesia by the surgical team, followed by a recovery period with a soft diet. Post-surgical orthodontics then fine-tunes the bite over several months, followed by retainers. Total treatment often spans well over a year. General anaesthesia procedures are not carried out at Manhal; referral is arranged.

Your assessment at Manhal

At Manhal Medical Center in Dubai, consultant orthodontist Dr. Moaiyad Pacha examines your bite, jaw joints, facial proportions, profile and airway, and takes photographs, a digital scan, X-rays and CBCT where justified to measure the skeletal pattern. He explains, in English or Arabic, whether camouflage, non-surgical skeletal approaches or a surgical pathway is most appropriate, the likely sequence and timescale, and the risks and limitations of each, in a written plan. If surgery is suitable, he coordinates the orthodontic phases with an appropriate maxillofacial surgical team. Contact the clinic for his Dubai dates.

It is never too late to straighten teeth. Adult orthodontics often works alongside implants, veneers or gum treatment, and discreet appliances fit professional life.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moaiyad Pacha

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.