Corrective Jaw Surgery

Procedures

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Our oral surgeons perform many different types of surgery in the mouth, face, and jaws, including corrective jaw surgery. Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is often used to realign or reconstruct a patient’s face or jaws.

Corrective jaw surgery is performed to correct a wide range of minor and major skeletal and dental irregularities, including the misalignment of jaws and teeth. This type of surgery can improve chewing, speaking and breathing. Orthognathic surgery is ultimately performed to correct functional problems, but it can also dramatically enhance the patient’s appearance as a result of the procedure. Corrective jaw surgery can be life-changing for patients.

Orthognathic surgery is needed when jaws and teeth don’t meet correctly. Repositioning the jaws so that the teeth meet (occlude) correctly improves jaw joint function and chewing (mastication) ability, and can also improve speech, breathing, sleep apnea, periodontal (gum) health and facial aesthetics.

WHO NEEDS ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY?

People who can benefit from orthognathic surgery include people with improper bite or jaws that are misaligned with the opposing jaw or with other facial structures. Remember, jaw growth is a gradual process and in many cases, the upper and lower jaws may not align properly by the time an individual has finished growing. Also, improper or incongruent growth of the jaws can result in injury to other structures of the jaws and face resulting in a host of problems that can affect chewing function, speech, long-term oral health, and appearance. Many bite problems can be corrected with orthodontics (braces) alone, especially bite problems in which only the teeth are involved. However, if the jaw bones (maxilla and mandible) are not aligned then Orthognathic surgery should definitely be considered.

CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY MAY BE A SOLUTION TO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS:

Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain
Breathing Problems
Speech Problems
Open Bite (teeth don’t touch together)
Protruding Jaw
Underbite
Overbite
Small Chin/Retruded Jaw
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Snoring
Jaw, chin, and nose misalignment

These symptoms can be congenital (exist at birth), can be developed after birth as a result of heredity, can be a result of environmental impact, and can even occur as a result of trauma or injury to the face and facial bones.

WHAT DOES CORRECTIVE JAW SURGERY INVOLVE

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) involves moving the bones of the upper or lower jaw or both. The jaws are lengthened or shortened, moved up or down, in or out, resulting in a more harmonious bite and facial appearance.

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) is a complex surgery and because of the complexities of each patient’s occlusion (the way the teeth bite) and the effect on the facial appearance when moving the teeth and jaws, orthognathic surgery must be meticulously planned. This is why we use a team approach in corrective jaw surgery. The team consists of your orthodontist, oral surgeon, and your general dentist. Occasionally we may need other dental specialists including periodontists and endodontists to help finalize treatment and achieve the most esthetic results.

The first part of your treatment starts with a thorough consultation. Our practice uses modern computer techniques such as 3D x-rays and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial X-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. During your in-deph consultation visit we will perform a complete oral examination and acquire 3D x-rays, digital models, photographs, and obtain facial measurements to reconstruct an exact virtual representation of your head and face. We often use 3D printed medical models to help plan your surgery as well. This requires sophisticated software is used to view and extract information to create a 3D working model of your teeth and jaws.

Your overall treatment will require pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth independently in each jaw. When the surgery is done and the jaws are aligned, you will still need some minor post-surgical orthodontics for minor alignment of the teeth into the optimal occlusion (bite).

Corrective jaw surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis in the hospital, which means you will be able to go home the same day of surgery. On occasion some patients may require or opt to stay for one night at the hospital.

Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) Frequently Asked Questions

Corrective jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) is a specialized procedure used to realign or reconstruct the jaws when they don’t meet correctly. This surgery can improve chewing, speaking, breathing, facial balance, and long-term oral health. Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand the process, benefits, and recovery.

What is corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery)?

Corrective jaw surgery is a surgical treatment that moves the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both into proper alignment to correct skeletal and dental irregularities that braces or orthodontics alone cannot fix. It improves how your teeth fit together (occlusion) and how your jaws function.

Who needs corrective jaw surgery?

Patients with misaligned jaws, chronic bite problems, difficulty chewing or speaking, obstructive sleep apnea, or facial asymmetry may benefit. An oral surgeon will evaluate your jaw structure and dental alignment to determine if surgery is recommended.

What are the main benefits of the surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery can: Improve biting, chewing, and speaking function Reduce jaw or TMJ pain Enhance breathing and relieve sleep apnea symptoms Improve facial balance and aesthetics Support long-term dental health and reduce wear on the teeth

How is the surgery performed?

The procedure involves repositioning sections of the upper and/or lower jawbones. Your surgeon creates precise cuts in the bone and secures the jaws in their new positions with plates and screws. Planning is highly individualized and typically involves collaboration with your orthodontist.

Is corrective jaw surgery painful?

You will be under anesthesia during the surgery, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, and your surgeon will prescribe pain management and aftercare instructions to support your recovery.

What should I expect during recovery?

Recovery varies by patient, but most people return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Swelling and minor symptoms may persist longer as healing continues. You’ll follow dietary and activity recommendations to protect healing tissues.

How long does the full treatment take?

Corrective jaw surgery is part of a treatment plan that often includes pre- and post-surgical orthodontics. The overall process can take many months to a couple of years depending on your specific case.

Will corrective jaw surgery affect my appearance?

Yes — aligning the jaws often leads to improved facial balance and harmony, which many patients find enhances their overall appearance as well as function.