I am curious if braces can close an open bite, why is my orthodontist recommending i get jaw surgery?

Braces can't fix all: There are situations that the ability to move the teeth into a good biting pattern can only be achieved with surgical help. If you have a question as to the need for this, please ask your orthodontist or seek a second opinion. There can be differing opinions within the dental profession.

Some Case's Cannot: Every case is different. Some open bites are due to the position of teeth, other open bites are do to your skeletal structure. A lot of open bites are a combination of both. If your orthodontist is recommending jaw surgery to correct and re-position your bite, your open bite is probably due to your skeletal structure and cannot be fixed with mere braces.

Won't keep closed: Because usually braces can't close open bites and keep them closed.

Look at cause: An open bite is usually the result of a tongue habit. Unless the surgery is correcting the tongue habit, the open bite can return even after surgery. You might want to get a second opinion before having surgery.

Braces are limited: Although many mild open bite cases that are dental in nature can be effectively treated with braces alone, many more complicated cases require jaw surgery in conjunction with braces to definitively correct a significant jaw discrepancy problem that is the basis of the open bite. Ask your doctor to review with you the nature of your problem for a better understanding of his recommendation.

Limitations: All forms of treatment have limitations. Aspirin may mask a headache, but will not fix a brain tumor. Braces will straighten teeth, but will not fix malrelated jaws. Depending on cause (dental and/or skeletal) of open bite, braces, surgery, or both may be required.