Corrective Jaw Surgery

Jaw alignment issues often develop slowly, but their effects can be far-reaching. You might notice that your bite doesn’t feel quite right, your jaw feels tense or painful, or your smile looks unbalanced in photos. Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, offers a long-term solution to restore both the structure and the function of your jaw, helping you feel more at ease in your daily life and more confident in your appearance.

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is a specialized procedure that realigns the bones of the upper and/or lower jaw to improve the way the teeth and jaws fit together. While often recommended for functional reasons like difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing; orthognathic surgery can also enhance facial proportions.

This type of surgery is often used to treat a range of conditions, including jaw misalignment, malocclusion (bad bite), open bite, overbite, underbite, facial asymmetry, and some cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Depending on severity, for some patients surgery is the only way to correct underlying skeletal issues that cannot be addressed with orthodontics alone.

Signs You May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery

Some signs that may indicate the need for jaw surgery are subtle, while others are more pronounced. You may benefit from an evaluation if you’re experiencing:

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or eating evenly
• Jaw joint discomfort, facial pain, or frequent headaches
• Muscle fatigue from a misaligned bite
• Persistent speech challenges or chronic mouth breathing
• Inability to fully close your mouth or bring your teeth together comfortably
• Noticeable concerns such as a protruding jaw, open bite, or facial imbalance

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth speaking with your dentist, orthodontist, or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to explore whether corrective jaw surgery may be the right path forward.

Consultation and Evaluation Process

Corrective jaw surgery begins with a detailed consultation. During your first visit, one of our experienced surgeons will listen to your concerns, evaluate your jaw function, and review any prior orthodontic treatment or dental history.

Advanced imaging—such as X-rays or 3D scans—allows us to assess the structure and position of your jaws in relation to your teeth and facial features. We also take impressions and precise measurements to plan the surgical movement needed.

This process is typically collaborative. If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, we’ll work closely with your orthodontist to develop a comprehensive plan. Most patients will need to wear braces before surgery to align teeth properly and ensure optimal results afterward.

The Surgical Procedure

Jaw surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting or an accredited surgical facility. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may reposition the upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), the lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), or both.

The procedure involves carefully accessing the jawbone through small incisions inside the mouth. The jaw is then moved into its correct position and stabilized using small plates and screws that stay in place permanently. In most cases, there are no visible scars, and the incisions heal with minimal discomfort.

The entire procedure usually takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Following surgery, you can expect to stay overnight for two days while your body recovers. Swelling and discomfort are normal during the first week and are managed with medications and careful monitoring. Most patients follow a modified diet during the initial healing phase, starting with liquids and gradually progressing to soft foods.

Oral hygiene will be especially important during recovery. We’ll provide instructions on keeping the surgical site clean, managing discomfort, and protecting your progress. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your healing and make any necessary adjustments.

It typically takes several weeks for the jaw to stabilize, and a few months for full recovery. Post-surgical orthodontic treatment may continue to fine-tune your bite and ensure lasting results.

Why Choose Us for Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery is a big step—but with the right team, you can feel supported as you progress toward better oral health. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring deep expertise and thoughtful care to every patient they treat. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, we focus on delivering care that is safe, comfortable, and designed to enhance your overall health and quality of life.

If you’ve been told you might need corrective jaw surgery, we invite you to reach out for an initial consultation. Early assessment can lead to more effective treatment and better long-term results. Schedule today to get started.