What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct irregularities in the position or shape of the jawbones. When the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, it can affect the way you chew, speak, and breathe, and it often changes your facial appearance.
Jaw surgery may be recommended when orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct bite problems or structural issues. By repositioning the jaws into better alignment, the procedure restores balance between facial features and helps the teeth function together more efficiently.
Common reasons orthognathic surgery may be recommended include:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Jaw or facial pain from misalignment
- Breathing or airway obstruction, including sleep apnea
- Open bite, underbite, or overbite
- Facial asymmetry or a receding or protruding jaw
- Chronic TMJ discomfort or joint strain
For many patients, surgery improves both oral health and overall quality of life.
Why Correct a Jaw Misalignment?
When the jaws are out of alignment, the teeth and muscles of the face must work harder to perform basic functions. Over time, this imbalance can cause:
- Tooth wear and enamel fractures
- Jaw joint pain or headaches
- Speech or chewing difficulties
- Changes in facial proportions
- Breathing or airway problems such as obstructive sleep apnea
Corrective jaw surgery reestablishes proper alignment, which can relieve strain on the jaw joints, improve chewing and speech, and bring natural harmony to the face.
Types of Jaw Surgery
The surgical approach depends on which jaw equires repositioning.
- Maxillary (Upper) Osteotomy: Repositions the upper jaw to correct an open bite, crossbite, or protruding upper teeth.
- Mandibular (Lower) Osteotomy: Adjusts the lower jaw to correct an underbite, overbite, or receding chin.
- Bimaxillary Surgery: Involves repositioning both the upper and lower jaws when both are misaligned.
Each procedure is planned digitally in advance to ensure accurate, predictable results tailored to your anatomy.
Our Approach to Jaw Surgery
Every case is unique, and our surgeons take a careful, technology-driven approach to diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Advanced Technology: 3D CBCT imaging and virtual surgical planning allow our surgeons to evaluate bone structure, simulate jaw movements, and design custom surgical guides for precise, natural-looking results.
- Collaborative Planning: Jaw surgery often involves coordination with your orthodontist to ensure ideal tooth positioning and bite alignment before and after surgery.
- Patient Comfort & Safety: Our offices offer a full spectrum of anesthesia and sedation options for a calm, stress-free experience. Exparel may be used for long-lasting pain relief after surgery, and PRF can promote faster healing and reduce swelling.
A Focus on a Comfortable Recovery
Our commitment to patient comfort continues well after surgery. We use techniques and biologic materials that encourage faster healing and minimize discomfort. Every patient receives clear home-care instructions and personalized follow-up to ensure recovery progresses smoothly and predictably.
FAQs
Am I a candidate for jaw surgery?
You may be a candidate if your upper and lower jaws do not align properly or if orthodontics alone cannot correct your bite. A 3D evaluation helps determine whether surgery is appropriate for your condition.
Does jaw surgery change your face?
Jaw surgery can noticeably change your facial appearance by improving jaw position and balance between facial features. While the goal is to restore proper function, these changes often create a more proportionate and harmonious look that many patients view as a positive improvement.
What is double jaw surgery?
Double jaw surgery, also called bimaxillary surgery, involves repositioning both the upper and lower jaws during the same procedure. This approach is recommended when alignment issues affect both jaws, allowing the surgeon to correct the bite, improve facial balance, and enhance breathing at the same time.
