Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure that realigns the jaws and facial bones for better function and appearance.
It’s often recommended when orthodontics alone can’t fix bite issues, jaw misalignment, or airway problems.
❓ Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you have:
- Severe malocclusions (bad bites) such as overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
- Facial asymmetry due to uneven jaw growth
- Breathing issues like obstructive sleep apnea 😴
- TMJ disorders caused by jaw misalignment
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
🛠️ Types of Orthognathic Surgery
1. 🦴 Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw Surgery)
Corrects an overbite, open bite, or upper jaw positioning.
The upper jaw is cut and repositioned, then fixed with plates and screws.
2. 🦷 Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw Surgery)
Used to correct underbite or lower jaw issues.
The lower jaw is moved to properly align with the upper jaw.
3. 🔪 Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)
A common method to move the lower jaw forward or backward.
4. 👤 Genioplasty (Chin Surgery)
Improves chin appearance or function by reshaping or repositioning the chin.
Often done alongside jaw surgery for symmetry.
5. 🫱🫲 Two-Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Surgery)
Surgery on both upper and lower jaws to correct complex alignment problems.
🔄 The Orthognathic Surgery Process
1. 🧑⚕️ Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Most patients wear braces for several months before surgery.
This helps align the teeth for better surgical results.
2. 🛌 The Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia and lasts 2–4 hours.
Incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars.
The jawbones are repositioned and secured with screws and plates.
3. 🩹 Recovery and Healing
- Hospital stay: 1–3 days
- Swelling and discomfort: Common for 2–3 weeks
- Diet: Soft foods for 6–8 weeks 🥣
- Full healing: Takes 6–12 months
- Braces post-surgery: Often needed to finalize alignment
🌟 Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
- ✅ Better bite function and chewing
- ✅ Enhanced facial symmetry and balance
- ✅ Relief from TMJ pain and jaw tension
- ✅ Improved breathing, especially in sleep apnea cases
- ✅ Boosted self-confidence due to a more harmonious appearance
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, this comes with potential risks:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary numbness in the lips or jaw
- Infection, though it’s rare
- Some patients may need additional procedures
❓ FAQs About Orthognathic Surgery
1. At what age is it recommended?
Typically after jaw growth stops—late teens to early 20s.
2. Is it painful?
You’ll have some discomfort and swelling, but pain is manageable with medication.
3. How long is recovery?
Initial recovery is 6 weeks, but full healing can take up to a year.
4. Will I need braces afterward?
Yes, post-surgical orthodontics are usually needed for fine-tuning your bite.
5. Is it covered by insurance?
If medically necessary, many plans will cover it.
However, cosmetic enhancements may not be included.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Orthognathic surgery is a powerful solution for correcting serious jaw misalignments that impact function, health, and appearance ✨.
If you’re dealing with bite problems, facial imbalance, or sleep-related breathing issues, consult with a qualified orthodontist and oral surgeon.
They can help determine if jaw surgery is the right path to a healthier, more confident you 💪.
Related articles
References
- Khechoyan, D. Y. (2013). Orthognathic Surgery: General Considerations. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 27(3), 133. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1357109
- Seo, H. J., & Choi, K. (2021). Current trends in orthognathic surgery. Archives of Craniofacial Surgery, 22(6), 287. https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2021.00598
- Sen, E., Duran, H., Sarı, M. et al. Orthognathic surgery improves quality of life: a survey clinical study. BMC Oral Health 24, 844 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04638-3
- Kim, I., Jeong, J., Kim, J., Lim, J., Cho, J., Hong, M., Kang, K., Kim, M., Kim, S., Kim, Y., Sung, S., Kim, Y. H., Lim, S., Baek, S., Park, J., & Kim, N. (2025). Predicting orthognathic surgery results as postoperative lateral cephalograms using graph neural networks and diffusion models. Nature Communications, 16(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57669-x