Understanding the Connection
Whether you’re pursuing facial feminization surgery (FFS) or facial masculinization surgery (FMS) as part of your gender-affirming care, you may also benefit from orthodontic or jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). These services work together to help you achieve facial harmony — improving both how your face looks and how your teeth and jaws function.
At iSmiles Orthodontics, we take a team-based approach to ensure that your treatment plan is personalized, coordinated, and optimized for both aesthetic results and long-term health.
Why Orthodontics Matters in FFS & FMS
Your facial bones — especially the jaws, chin, and teeth — form the foundation of your appearance. Adjusting these structures can have a major impact on how masculine or feminine your face looks.
Here’s how orthodontics and jaw surgery support your surgical goals:
- Improved Facial Balance: By aligning your teeth and jaws, we help create smoother transitions between the upper, mid, and lower face.
- Better Function: Proper alignment supports healthy breathing, chewing, and speaking.
- Support for Surgical Changes: In many cases, we work alongside your surgeon to prepare your bite and jaw so that facial surgeries are more precise and long-lasting.
Common Facial Surgery Goals – and How Orthodontics Helps
|
Feminization Goals (FFS)
|
Masculinization Goals (FMS)
|
How Orthodontics Helps
|
|---|---|---|
|
Soften jawline, narrow the chin
|
Widen jaw, increase chin projection
|
Prepares or maintains correct bite after bone reshaping
|
|
Reduce forehead or brow ridge
|
Build up brow ridge
|
Helps assess symmetry and facial proportions
|
|
Refine nose, cheeks, and lips
|
Add definition to nose, cheeks, jaw
|
Jaw position affects overall facial balance
|
|
Tracheal shave (Adam’s apple reduction)
|
Increase neck prominence
|
May influence neck/jaw posture in healing
|
What to Expect: Coordinated Care
Your journey may involve a combination of:
- Consultation – We work with your surgeon (or refer you to trusted specialists) to evaluate your facial structure, dental health, and goals.
- Orthodontic Treatment (if needed) – Braces or aligners may be used before surgery to correct your bite or position your teeth.
- Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery – If needed, jaw repositioning can reshape the lower face and enhance the results of your FFS or FMS.
- Facial Surgery – Forehead contouring, chin reshaping, cheek augmentation, etc., done by your plastic or craniofacial surgeon.
- Follow-Up and Refinement – Post-surgical orthodontics or adjustments to ensure lasting results.
We’re Here for You
We understand that gender-affirming care is deeply personal. Whether you’re early in your journey or preparing for surgery, we’re here to support you every step of the way with expertise, respect, and compassion.
Have questions about how orthodontics fits into your facial surgery plan?
We’re happy to offer a consultation and connect you with the right providers to make your goals a reality.
Sepi Torkan DDS, MSDDiplomate of American Board of OrthodonticsMember of American Association of orthodontics