Corrective Jaw Surgery

Advanced surgical care designed to restore balance, function, and long-term oral health.

Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)

Correcting Jaw Alignment for Function, Comfort, and Facial Balance

Jaw surgery repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal misalignment that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. By properly aligning the jaws, orthognathic surgery improves bite function, chewing efficiency, speech, airway support, and facial harmony — creating long-term structural stability and comfort.

Dentist showing a dental model to a smiling patient.

The Treatment Process

Illustration showing skeletal misalignment in the jaw area.

Understanding Jaw Misalignment

Some patients develop jaw relationships where the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly. This may appear as an underbite, overbite, open bite, or facial asymmetry. Because the issue originates in bone position rather than tooth position, orthodontics alone cannot entirely correct the imbalance.

3D skull model showing surgical planning for jaw alignment.

How Jaw Surgery Is Planned

Orthognathic surgery is planned using advanced 3D imaging and digital analysis to determine the precise movements needed to align the jaws. This planning ensures that the final bite and facial proportions are balanced before surgery.

Diagram showing osteotomy repositioning in oral surgery.

The Jaw Repositioning Procedure

During surgery, controlled bone cuts allow the jaw to be repositioned into proper alignment. The movement is carefully guided by the pre-operative plan to achieve stable skeletal correction and optimal bite relationships.

Illustration of plate fixation in jaw surgery showing metal plates securing the jawbone.

Stabilizing the New Jaw Position

Once the jaw is aligned, small titanium plates and screws secure the bone in its new position. These fixation devices are biocompatible and typically remain in place permanently, allowing the bone to heal solidly.

Side view of a human skull showing corrected jaw alignment.

Corrected Jaw Alignment

After healing, the upper and lower jaws function together in balanced alignment. This improves bite stability, chewing mechanics, and long-term joint comfort while protecting teeth from uneven forces.

Before and after images showing facial profile improvement.

Facial Profile Improvement

Because jaw position supports facial soft tissues, orthognathic surgery often enhances facial proportions and profile balance. Patients frequently notice improved chin projection, lip support, and overall facial harmony, as well as functional benefits.

Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery can:

  • Correct severe bite problems
  • Improve chewing efficiency
  • Reduce jaw strain
  • Enhance speech clarity
  • Support airway function
  • Improve facial symmetry
  • Stabilize long-term dental alignment
  • Reduce abnormal tooth wear
A doctor examining a woman's jaw and neck.

Who May Be a Candidate

Jaw surgery may be recommended if you have:

  • Significant underbite or overbite
  • Open bite
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Jaw growth discrepancy
  • Bite problems are not correctable orthodontically
  • Functional chewing difficulty
  • Jaw strain or fatigue

Jaw Surgery and Orthodontics

Orthognathic treatment is typically coordinated with orthodontic care. Braces or aligners position teeth within each jaw, while surgery positions the jaws themselves. Together, this creates a stable, functional bite and balanced facial structure.

Dentist and assistant reviewing dental X-ray on screen in modern clinic.

Why Choose an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Jaw surgery requires specialized surgical training in facial bones, occlusion, and airway anatomy. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide:

  • Advanced skeletal surgery expertise
  • 3d surgical planning
  • Facial proportion analysis
  • Complex bite correction
  • Hospital-level surgical capability
  • Comprehensive jaw function restoration

Recovery Overview

Healing occurs gradually as the bone stabilizes in its new position. Most patients resume normal daily activities within several weeks, while complete bone healing continues over months. Post-operative orthodontic finishing refines the final bite.

Woman smiling while looking at her reflection in a dental mirror.

Restore Jaw Alignment and Facial Balance

If jaw misalignment affects your bite, comfort, or facial proportions, orthognathic surgery can provide lasting structural correction.

Schedule your jaw surgery consultation today.