Can you have braces without having lower jaw surgery?

I'm 57, the orthodontist states I have an overbite and my teeth are not lining up correctly. I have at least 9 to 10 caps in my mouth. He pretty much told me prior to taking $300 worth of xrays that I will need lower jaw surgery.. and the implication was unless you agree to surgery I will not put braces on. Do the 2 go hand in hand and is it a deal breaker... what will my problems be if I wear braces for 18 months and do not have the surgery.