# Why tooth work and a jaw change have different jobs The combined\-care discussion Understanding the connected work In a combined\-care proposal, orthodontic work can position the teeth in relation to the proposed jaw change. Surgery has the different stated job of changing the jaw relationship. Further tooth work may remain because how the teeth fit together is still part of the combined goal. Each lesson includes an original fictional explanation and a completed interpretation. Read on screen, in Markdown or with your browser's Print command. ## Understand what the tooth work is for When a clinician proposes orthodontics alongside a jaw\-position change, the tooth work needs an explanation of its own. Its purpose may be to align the teeth in relation to the jaw relationship being proposed. That connection explains why looking at tooth alignment alone does not describe the whole plan. The two jobs address different parts of the proposal. Orthodontic work addresses tooth positions; the proposed operation addresses the stated jaw relationship. The intended tooth fit connects those purposes. Further orthodontic work can therefore have a specific role within combined care. Its purpose should be explained as clearly as the purpose of the proposed jaw change in the person's actual proposal. Source: [AAO: combined orthodontic and surgical care](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/) ## A complete fictional explanation Maya is an invented adult who has already received a combined\-care proposal. This original example supplies the explanation she hears; it is not an account of a real consultation. Her fictional orthodontist explains: "The tooth work aims to align your teeth for the jaw relationship proposed in our combined plan. The proposed jaw operation has a separate purpose: to change that jaw relationship. We are considering those tooth positions and that jaw change together because both relate to how your teeth would meet." The explanation continues: "Further orthodontic work may still be needed to address the fit of the teeth within the changed jaw relationship. I would review the orthodontic progress and explain what tooth work remains in relation to that goal. The surgeon would explain the proposed jaw change. Your team still needs to set out the order and timing for your particular plan." Source: [AAO: combined orthodontic and surgical care](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/) ## What Maya can now understand The explanation gives the orthodontic work a clear purpose: positioning the teeth with the proposed jaw relationship in mind. It also gives further tooth work a purpose: addressing the tooth fit within that relationship. Those are connected aims, rather than two unrelated treatments joined only by an appointment schedule. Further orthodontic work, by itself, would not tell Maya that the jaw operation had failed. In the explanation she received, tooth fit remains part of the planned work. Reviewing orthodontic progress matters because she needs to understand what remains and how it relates to the shared goal. This example explains that relationship without establishing an order that everyone must follow. Source: [AAO: combined orthodontic and surgical care](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/) ## Use this connection in your own discussion For an actual proposal, the useful takeaway is the reason for each piece of work: the tooth positions being addressed, the jaw relationship being proposed and the purpose of any further orthodontics. If one connection is missing from the explanation you received, bring that specific gap to your treating team. Understanding these jobs prepares you to consider the stated endpoint and tradeoffs as a separate part of the discussion. Source: [AAO: combined orthodontic and surgical care](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/) ## Can SMILE-FX® help with the orthodontic part of a surgical plan? SMILE-FX® handles surgical orthodontic cases with surgeon collaboration. Your orthodontic team explains how the proposed tooth work connects with the jaw goal and reviews your orthodontic progress as care continues. Board-certified orthodontists see every SMILE-FX® patient, including at follow-up visits. Digital planning and imaging when clinically indicated help your orthodontist explain the findings and proposed orthodontic care. Continuing orthodontic support gives questions about that work a route back to the clinical team. The surgeon explains the proposed jaw operation, its risks and recovery. Together, the clinicians clarify how their different responsibilities fit your individual plan. The actual surgeon, care sequence and contact arrangements are confirmed for your case. Already receiving care? Follow your treating team's established contact route and individual instructions. If you are considering care at SMILE-FX®, use the existing in-person consultation request below to discuss the orthodontic part of your proposal. The team confirms appointment scope, case acceptance and arrangements individually. Source: [AAO: clinical team roles in combined care](https://aaoinfo.org/treatments/orthodontic-surgery/) ## Keep exploring - [Identify the target of each proposed change](/tooth-position-and-jaw-relationship) - [Compare the stated endpoints and tradeoffs](/comparing-endpoints-and-tradeoffs) [Visit details](/visit) ## Your individual next step Discuss the orthodontic part of your proposal [Request an in-person consultation](https://www.smile-fx.com/lp/free-consult/?utm_source=jaw-surgery-discussion-guide&utm_medium=microsite&utm_campaign=smile-fx-guides) This opens SMILE\-FX®'s existing free in\-person consultation request page. The team confirms appointment scope, case acceptance and arrangements individually. [Call (954) 824-9707](tel:+19548249707) Understanding a combined\-care proposal Published by SMILE\-FX® Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio. 11225 Miramar Pkwy, STE B285, Miramar, FL 33025. One Miramar practice. Education for adults already discussing combined care. Your treating clinicians explain your findings, proposed operation, alternatives and personal risks. [About this guide & sources](/about-this-guide) · [Privacy](/privacy)