Case Study Spotlight: How Andrew Avoided Jaw Surgery with a Second Opinion and Expert Orthodontic Care
Being told you need jaw surgery to fix your smile can feel overwhelming for everyone involved. For teens, it can bring up worries about appearance, recovery, and what life will look like during treatment. For parents, it often comes with bigger questions about long-term health, outcomes, and cost.That’s exactly where Andrew and his family were when they came into Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics for a second opinion. What they learned next brought clarity, confidence and a path forward that changed everything!
Andrew’s Concern: An Open Bite That Affected Daily Life
Andrew’s primary issue was an open bite, meaning his front teeth didn’t touch when he closed his mouth. This made everyday tasks like biting into food difficult and frustrating. The first provider Andrew and his family consulted, told them jaw surgery and extractions would be necessary to correct the problem. Before committing to an irreversible procedure, Andrew’s parents made the right decision to seek a second opinion, and that decision made all the difference.
A Different Perspective Through Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Scott Frey approached Andrew’s case by looking at the entire picture, not just the teeth. He used detailed diagnostics including facial analysis, X-rays, photographs, and digital bite scans to evaluate Andrew’s facial growth, jaw relationships, and tooth size.
One key finding was that Andrew’s lateral incisors were undersized, which contributed to the open bite. Dr. Frey explains this issue as being like trying to close a lid on the wrong container. If the pieces don’t match, the bite can’t function properly.
Importantly, none of Andrew’s findings indicated surgery was required or even necessary.
The Treatment Plan: Invisalign, Not Surgery
With clear goals in mind, improving function, closing the bite, and enhancing aesthetics, Andrew was given the option between braces and Invisalign and chose Invisalign Clear Aligners. Andrew chose Invisalign. So Dr. Frey designed a non-surgical treatment plan to correct Andrew’s bite using Invisalign and rubber bands.
Using advanced digital planning through Invisalign’s ClinCheck, Dr. Frey customized each stage of Andrew’s treatment to guide precise tooth movements and jaw positioning. Rubber bands were incorporated to help close the open bite and improve overall function.
The Results: Function, Comfort, and Confidence
After 16 months of treatment, Andrew achieved the results he was hoping for—without surgery or extractions. His bite now functions properly, allowing him to chew comfortably with his front teeth, and his smile looks natural and balanced.
Just as important, the final outcome matched the goals established at the very beginning of treatment.
Why Second Opinions Matter
Andrew’s story highlights a critical takeaway: when surgery or extractions are recommended, a second opinion is essential. With modern orthodontic techniques, extensive training, and digital treatment planning, many complex cases can be treated conservatively and effectively.
At Hatcher & Frey, we believe orthodontic treatment should be guided by science, experience, and a deep understanding of facial growth rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Hatcher & Frey Difference
Andrew’s outcome isn’t an exception. It’s what we strive for with every patient. By combining advanced technology, customized planning, and patient commitment, we’re able to deliver results that improve both quality of life and long-term oral health.
If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, we encourage you to explore all possibilities first. Need a second opinion? Give us a call or book a free consultation!