Jaw Realignment Surgery
 Jaw realignment surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery
, is a life-changing solution for individuals suffering from jaw misalignment, chronic discomfort, or facial asymmetry. Whether caused by genetics, injury, or developmental issues, a misaligned jaw can interfere with your ability to eat, speak, or smile with confidence. At Smile Makers Dental Center, our goal is to help patients achieve a balanced bite, pain relief, and facial harmony through expert jaw repositioning surgery.
What Is Jaw Realignment Surgery?
Jaw realignment surgery corrects misalignment between the upper and lower jaws to improve both function and facial aesthetics. Also referred to as orthognathic surgery, this procedure addresses underlying skeletal issues rather than just dental misalignment.
Jaw issues may involve either or both jaws being positioned too far forward, too far back, or off to one side. This can cause issues such as chewing problems, TMJ pain, and visible asymmetry.
Types of jaw realignment surgery include:
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Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Osteotomy) - Treats issues like open bite or crossbite where the upper jaw is misaligned.
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Lower Jaw Surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy) - Repositions a protruding or recessed lower jaw.
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Double Jaw Surgery - Simultaneously corrects both upper and lower jaw alignment for severe cases.
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Chin Surgery (Genioplasty) - Often combined to refine the chin for better balance. |
In some cases, non-surgical jaw realignment may be possible using orthodontics alone. However, for more significant skeletal issues, surgery is typically required.
Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?
You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you experience chronic symptoms that braces alone cannot fix. Common issues include:
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Chronic Jaw Pain - Persistent TMJ symptoms or jaw strain from misalignment.
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Difficulty Chewing or Biting - When teeth don’t meet properly, causing eating discomfort.
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Speech Issues - Certain bite problems can interfere with articulation.
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Open Bite or Crossbite - Conditions that impact function and appearance.
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Facial Asymmetry - Imbalance in jaw position affecting aesthetics. |
Patients are often referred by their orthodontist, dentist, or ENT specialist when jaw alignment issues go beyond what orthodontics can manage. In many cases, the motivation is both functional and cosmetic.
Types of Jaw Realignment Procedures
There are several surgical jaw realignment techniques, each designed to address specific jaw and bite issues:
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Mandibular Osteotomy - Moves the lower jaw forward or backward to correct overbites or underbites.
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Maxillary Osteotomy - Repositions the upper jaw to fix open bites, deep bites, or asymmetry.
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Bimaxillary Osteotomy - A combination of both upper and lower jaw surgeries for complex cases.
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Genioplasty - Adjusts the chin to improve facial harmony, often used alongside jaw surgery.
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Non-Surgical Alternatives - Includes orthodontics, night guards, or Botox for mild misalignment. |
For example, a patient with a severe underbite and recessed chin may need a combination of mandibular osteotomy and genioplasty to achieve both function and symmetry.
Step-by-Step Surgical Process
Understanding the full jaw realignment surgery process helps reduce anxiety and set realistic expectations:
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Initial consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist.
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Pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth (usually 12–18 months).
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Advanced imaging (X-rays, CT scans, 3D models) for surgical planning.
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Surgery under general anesthesia, typically lasting 2–4 hours.
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Hospital stay of 1–2 days for monitoring and recovery. |
The surgeon repositions the jaw using incisions made inside the mouth. Plates, screws, or surgical hardware are then used to secure the jaw in its new position.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Recovery is gradual, and patients must follow careful instructions to ensure proper healing.
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Initial Healing Time - Swelling and discomfort peak within the first week but improve steadily.
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Soft Food Diet - Required for several weeks to avoid stressing the surgical site.
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Speech & Swallowing - May be difficult at first but improve with time and practice.
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Activity Restrictions - Avoid strenuous activity for at least 4–6 weeks.
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Full Recovery - Usually achieved in 9–12 months with regular follow-up care. |
Pain and swelling are managed with medication and cold compresses. Some patients may also undergo physical therapy to regain jaw function.
Benefits of Jaw Realignment Surgery
Orthognathic surgery offers life-enhancing benefits that go far beyond cosmetic improvements:
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Improved Bite Alignment - Enhances chewing function and reduces tooth wear.
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TMJ Pain Relief - Alleviates joint pain, stiffness, and headaches.
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Facial Symmetry - Balanced jawlines and facial features improve overall aesthetics.
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Boost in Confidence - Patients often feel more comfortable in their appearance.
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Better Speech - Clearer pronunciation and articulation after realignment. |
These functional benefits can often justify the procedure as medically necessary, increasing the likelihood of insurance support.
Jaw Realignment Cost – What to Expect
The cost of jaw realignment surgery can vary significantly depending on several factors:
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Type of Surgery - Single jaw, double jaw, or combined with genioplasty.
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Surgeon & Facility Fees - Cost differences based on provider experience and hospital usage.
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Orthodontic Treatment - Pre- and post-surgical braces or aligners.
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Insurance Coverage - May be partially or fully covered if deemed medically necessary.
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Geographic Location - Regional cost variations in surgical services. |
Discussing your case with our team at Smile Makers Dental Center is the best way to understand your specific costs and potential insurance benefits.
Risks & Considerations
Like any surgery, jaw realignment procedures carry potential risks:
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Infection - Rare but possible, usually managed with antibiotics.
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Nerve Damage - Temporary or permanent numbness in the lips or chin.
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Relapse - In rare cases, the jaw may shift from its new position over time.
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Emotional Impact - Recovery can be mentally taxing; support is important.
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Revision Surgery - May be needed if results are not as expected. |
Choosing an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon significantly reduces the likelihood of complications.
Before & After – What Results Can You Expect?
The transformation after jaw repositioning surgery is often dramatic in both function and appearance. Many patients report:
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Balanced Facial Features - Enhanced symmetry and proportionality.
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Functional Improvement - Easier eating, breathing, and speaking.
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Emotional Uplift - Increased self-esteem and social confidence.
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Gradual Results - Final outcomes may take several months as swelling subsides.
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3D Imaging & Modeling - Used during planning and to preview expected outcomes. |
Before-and-after photos often reveal not only aesthetic improvement but also a restored quality of life.
Schedule a Consultation
The first step toward correcting your jaw alignment starts with a comprehensive evaluation at Smile Makers Dental Center. During your consultation, our dental team will:
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Review Your Medical and Dental History - Understand your background and goals.
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Conduct Imaging - Use X-rays and 3D scans for precise diagnosis.
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Explain Your Options - Discuss surgical vs. non-surgical treatments.
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Coordinate With Orthodontists - Develop a collaborative treatment plan. |
Call (540) 882-0421 to schedule your consultation and find out if jaw realignment surgery is right for you.
FAQs
Is jaw realignment surgery painful?
During the procedure, patients are under general anesthesia and feel no pain. Post-surgery, discomfort is managed with prescribed pain medications, and most patients report improvement in a few days.
How long does it take to fully recover from jaw surgery?
Initial healing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, but full recovery and final results may take up to 12 months, especially as swelling decreases and final orthodontic adjustments are made.
Will insurance cover my jaw realignment surgery?
Insurance may cover part or all of the surgery if it’s medically necessary, such as for correcting functional issues like chewing difficulty or TMJ pain. Cosmetic-only procedures are typically not covered.
Can jaw realignment fix facial asymmetry?
Yes, jaw realignment surgery often improves facial symmetry by repositioning the jawbones to a more balanced and natural alignment, especially in cases of severe deviation or uneven growth. |
