Corrective Jaw Surgery: Signs You May Need It & What to Expect
If chewing feels like work, your teeth don't meet the way they should, or your orthodontist has mentioned that braces alone may not fully fix your bite, you may be wondering about corrective jaw surgery. It can sound intimidating at first, but understanding what it is and how it's planned can make the whole process feel much more manageable.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, corrects problems with the position and development of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Braces move teeth, but they can't change the jawbones themselves. When the jaws don't line up properly, surgery addresses the underlying skeletal relationship between the jaws and teeth so they can work together the way they're meant to.
Signs You May Benefit From a Jaw Surgery Evaluation
Jaw alignment affects much more than appearance. You may want to ask about an evaluation if you notice:
- A severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or speaking clearly
- Trouble bringing your lips together comfortably
- Uneven tooth wear
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance
- Jaw discomfort, headaches, or strain on the jaw joints
- A bite that can't be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone
In some cases, the position of the jaws can also contribute to breathing or airway concerns. If you've been dealing with snoring or disrupted sleep, our article on sleep apnea and your jaw explains how jaw and airway anatomy can be connected.
It's also important to know that not every bite problem needs surgery. Many alignment concerns can be treated successfully with orthodontics alone. An evaluation is the best way to find out which approach makes sense for you.
How Corrective Jaw Surgery Is Planned
A thorough evaluation
Treatment starts with a comprehensive exam of your teeth, jaws, facial structure, bite, and jaw function. This may include digital photographs, a bite analysis, and 3D imaging. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) gives detailed views of the jaws, teeth, nerves, and surrounding structures, helping your surgeon understand your unique anatomy.
Virtual surgical planning
Using that 3D information, virtual surgical planning lets your surgical team evaluate proposed jaw movements and build a customized approach before the day of surgery.
Teamwork with your orthodontist
Orthognathic surgery is often coordinated with orthodontic treatment. In many cases, braces or clear aligners are used before surgery to position the teeth so they fit together correctly once the jaws are moved. More orthodontic work may follow surgery to fine-tune the bite. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist work together throughout your care.
What Happens During Surgery and Recovery
Depending on your condition, the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both may be repositioned. The bones are carefully moved into their planned position and secured with small plates and screws to keep them stable while they heal.
Recovery varies with the type and complexity of the procedure. Swelling, soreness, and changes in eating or speaking are common early on. Patients typically follow a modified diet while the jaws heal, then gradually return to normal activities according to their surgeon's instructions. Follow-up visits let your surgical team monitor your healing and progress.
The goal is a healthier, more functional relationship between your jaws and teeth. Depending on your situation, treatment may improve chewing, speaking, jaw function, and facial balance. Every patient is different, so your surgeon will talk with you about what to expect in your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can braces fix my bite without surgery?
Sometimes. Many bite and alignment problems can be treated with orthodontics alone. Surgery is considered when the issue comes from the position of the jawbones themselves. An evaluation helps determine which is right for you.
Is corrective jaw surgery only cosmetic?
No. While it can improve facial balance, the main focus is function: how you chew, speak, breathe, and how your jaws work together.
Does jaw surgery help with jaw pain?
A misaligned jaw can contribute to jaw discomfort and strain on the jaw joints, but jaw pain has many possible causes. Learn more about TMJ disorders or read our guide to TMJ jaw pain.
Schedule a Corrective Jaw Surgery Consultation
If your bite, comfort, or jaw alignment is affecting everyday life, a consultation can help you understand whether corrective jaw surgery may be appropriate for you. The surgeons at Mountaineer Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Byron Black and Dr. William Black, see patients at our offices at 1215 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV and 102 Memorial Dr, Ripley, WV.
Call Mountaineer Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons at 304-514-5500 to schedule a consultation, or visit our contact page to get in touch.