What is orthognathic (jaw) surgery?
Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery surgically repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin to correct skeletal discrepancies that orthodontics alone cannot address — underbite, overbite, open bite, asymmetry, or jaws that don’t close properly. Performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, usually in coordination with an orthodontist over a 12–24 month treatment timeline. All incisions are inside the mouth, with no visible facial scars.
Who benefits
Patients with significant skeletal jaw discrepancies — underbite, overbite, open bite, asymmetry, or jaws that don’t close properly. Often these cause functional problems (chewing, speech, breathing) as well as aesthetic concerns.
Many candidates are also good candidates for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea through advancing the jaws to enlarge the airway. We evaluate that connection during your consultation.
How the process works
Orthognathic care is a partnership between you, your orthodontist, and us. The full timeline is typically 12–24 months, broken into three phases: pre-surgical orthodontics (12–18 months) to align the teeth, the surgery itself, and post-surgical orthodontics (3–6 months) to refine the bite.
Modern virtual surgical planning lets us preview the result in 3D before the operation, plan the bone cuts to the millimeter, and produce custom surgical guides — leading to better, more predictable outcomes.
The surgery
Performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. Depending on the diagnosis, we may operate on the upper jaw (Le Fort I), lower jaw (BSSO), chin (genioplasty), or any combination. All incisions are inside the mouth — no visible facial scars. Most patients stay one night for monitoring.
Recovery
Swelling peaks at day 2–3 and fades over 2–4 weeks. You’ll be on a liquid diet for the first week, then progress to soft foods. Most patients return to school or desk work in 2–3 weeks; physical activity gradually resumes over 6–8 weeks.
You’ll see us frequently in the first month, then transition back to your orthodontist for the finishing phase.
Common questions
How do I know if I need surgery vs. just orthodontics?
It depends on whether the problem is in the position of the teeth (orthodontic alone) or the position of the jaw bones themselves (surgical). Your orthodontist and our team will evaluate together.
Will my face change?
Yes — improving how the jaws fit together usually improves facial balance and proportion. Virtual planning lets you see the predicted result before surgery.
Does insurance cover it?
For functional jaw discrepancies (not purely cosmetic), medical insurance typically covers it. We help with pre-authorization.