Orthognathic Surgery

Surgery to correct abnormalities in the jaw and facial structure to improve bite and appearance.

As local experts in orthognathic surgery, we understand that choosing corrective jaw treatment is a big decision, and patients want to feel confident they are working with a team that knows the community, the process, and the life-changing impact this care can have. Our experience in orthognathic surgery means we support patients with concerns such as jaw misalignment, bite problems, facial imbalance, speech challenges, chewing difficulties, and discomfort that can affect everyday life. We also guide patients through related services that often work hand in hand with treatment, including detailed consultations, digital imaging, treatment planning, pre-surgical orthodontic coordination, surgical preparation, post-operative care, and long-term follow-up. Because we are local, patients appreciate that they can access consistent support close to home, ask questions easily, and build trust with a team that is genuinely invested in their progress. Other clients trust us because we combine advanced knowledge with a warm, personal approach, taking time to explain each stage clearly and making sure patients never feel rushed or overlooked. They value our attention to detail, our collaborative planning, and our commitment to achieving outcomes that improve both function and confidence. Many also feel reassured by our reputation for professionalism, honest communication, and dependable care throughout the entire journey. For patients and families looking for expert orthognathic surgery and connected services nearby, we offer the kind of knowledgeable, supportive experience that helps people feel informed, comfortable, and cared for from the first conversation to the final result.

Orthognathic Surgery FAQ If you are researching orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, this FAQ covers the most common questions patients ask about treatment, recovery, costs, candidacy, and related jaw correction procedures. It is designed to help people understand how jaw surgery can improve bite function, facial balance, breathing, speech, and long-term oral health. What is orthognathic surgery? Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery used to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or a combination of these structures when the jaws are not aligned properly. It is commonly recommended for people with severe bite problems, facial asymmetry, jaw pain related to skeletal issues, chewing difficulty, speech concerns, or airway problems that cannot be fully corrected with orthodontics alone. Who is a good candidate for corrective jaw surgery? A good candidate for corrective jaw surgery is usually someone with a skeletal jaw misalignment that affects daily function or facial harmony. This may include an underbite, overbite, open bite, crossbite, recessed jaw, protruding jaw, long face, short face, or facial asymmetry. Candidates are often evaluated by both an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist to confirm that surgery is the right solution. What sub-services are included under orthognathic surgery? Orthognathic surgery can involve several related sub-services depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment goals. These commonly include upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, double jaw surgery, chin surgery, surgically assisted orthodontic planning, facial asymmetry correction, bite correction surgery, and airway-focused jaw advancement procedures. Upper jaw surgery, also known as maxillary osteotomy, is used to reposition the maxilla to improve bite alignment, tooth show, facial proportions, and function. Lower jaw surgery, often called mandibular osteotomy, corrects a jaw that sits too far forward or too far back. Double jaw surgery treats both the upper and lower jaws at the same time for more complex alignment issues. Genioplasty, or chin surgery, may be added to improve chin position and facial balance. Facial asymmetry correction focuses on improving uneven jaw structure and overall facial harmony. Airway-focused jaw advancement may be considered when jaw position contributes to breathing issues or obstructive sleep apnea. What is upper jaw surgery and when is it needed? Upper jaw surgery, or maxillary surgery, is performed when the upper jaw is too far forward, too far back, too narrow, too long, or too short. It may be recommended for open bite correction, gummy smile reduction, facial imbalance, chewing problems, or speech difficulties. Repositioning the upper jaw can improve both function and appearance while creating a more stable bite. What is lower jaw surgery and what does it correct? Lower jaw surgery, or mandibular surgery, addresses a lower jaw that is too prominent or too recessed. It is commonly used to correct underbites, overbites caused by skeletal issues, jaw imbalance, and bite dysfunction. In some cases, moving the lower jaw forward may also support better airway function and improve facial profile balance. What is double jaw surgery? Double jaw surgery involves repositioning both the upper and lower jaws during the same procedure. This approach is often recommended for complex jaw discrepancies where correcting only one jaw would not provide the best functional or aesthetic outcome. It can be especially beneficial for severe malocclusion, facial asymmetry, open bite, and airway-related structural concerns. Is genioplasty part of orthognathic surgery? Yes, genioplasty is a common complementary procedure that may be performed alongside orthognathic surgery. While it is technically a chin surgery rather than a jaw repositioning surgery, it can refine facial balance by moving the chin forward, backward, upward, or downward. It is often recommended when the chin position does not match the newly corrected jaws. Can orthognathic surgery help with sleep apnea or breathing problems? In some cases, yes. Jaw position can affect the size and stability of the airway. For patients with a recessed upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, orthognathic surgery may help enlarge the airway and reduce structural obstruction. Maxillomandibular advancement is one of the jaw surgery options sometimes considered for obstructive sleep apnea when other treatments are not enough. Will I need braces before and after jaw surgery? Most patients need orthodontic treatment before orthognathic surgery, and many also need a finishing phase after surgery. Braces or clear aligner planning helps place the teeth in positions that allow the surgeon to move the jaws correctly. The combined orthodontic and surgical approach creates a bite that is healthier, more functional, and more stable over time. How long is recovery after orthognathic surgery? Initial recovery from orthognathic surgery usually takes a few weeks, while full healing can take several months. Swelling is common at first and gradually improves. Patients are typically placed on a modified diet and given detailed aftercare instructions for oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits. Recovery time can vary based on whether the procedure involves one jaw, both jaws, or additional surgeries like genioplasty. Is orthognathic surgery painful? Most patients describe orthognathic surgery recovery as more uncomfortable than painful. You can expect swelling, tightness, soreness, and temporary numbness, especially in the early healing period. Your surgical team will provide pain management guidance, and many people feel that the long-term improvement in chewing, breathing, bite comfort, and facial balance makes the recovery worthwhile. How much does orthognathic surgery cost? The cost of orthognathic surgery varies based on the complexity of the case, the type of procedure performed, hospital or surgical facility fees, imaging, anesthesia, and whether orthodontic treatment is included. Single jaw surgery, double jaw surgery, and genioplasty can all have different pricing. Because medically necessary jaw surgery may qualify for insurance coverage in some situations, it is important to ask for a full treatment breakdown and insurance review during consultation. How do I choose the right surgeon for orthognathic surgery? Look for an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon who regularly performs corrective jaw procedures and works closely with orthodontists on surgical cases. It helps to ask about treatment planning, hospital privileges, before-and-after examples, technology used for surgical simulation, recovery expectations, and whether your case may involve upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, double jaw surgery, or genioplasty. A thorough consultation should leave you feeling informed, comfortable, and clear about the process.