What is Jaw Surgery? Purpose, Procedure & Results

Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects problems with your jaw bones and teeth alignment. Think of it as repositioning your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they work together and how your face looks.

This type of surgery can fix issues that braces alone can't handle. Your oral surgeon works closely with your orthodontist to create a treatment plan that addresses both function and appearance. The goal is to help you chew, speak, and breathe better while also improving your facial balance.

What is jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is a specialized procedure that moves your jaw bones into better positions. Your surgeon cuts and reshapes the bones, then secures them with tiny plates and screws that stay in your body permanently.

There are different types of jaw surgery depending on which part needs correction. Upper jaw surgery (maxillary osteotomy) moves your top jaw, while lower jaw surgery (mandibular osteotomy) repositions your bottom jaw. Some people need both jaws adjusted, which is called bimaxillary surgery.

The surgery typically takes place in a hospital under general anesthesia. Most procedures last between 2 to 4 hours, though complex cases might take longer. Your surgeon uses precise measurements and sometimes computer imaging to plan exactly where your jaw should be positioned.

Why is jaw surgery done?

Jaw surgery corrects structural problems that affect your daily life and overall health. These issues often develop during growth and can't be fixed with orthodontics alone.

The most common reasons for jaw surgery include severe bite problems where your teeth don't meet properly. This can make chewing difficult and cause excessive wear on your teeth. You might also have trouble speaking clearly or experience jaw pain and headaches.

Here are the main conditions that may require jaw surgery:

• Severe underbite or overbite that affects function
• Open bite where front teeth don't touch when you close your mouth
• Crossbite that causes uneven tooth wear
• Facial asymmetry or imbalance
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Sleep apnea related to jaw position
• Congenital conditions like cleft palate

Sometimes jaw surgery is recommended for cosmetic reasons when facial proportions are significantly affected. However, most surgeons focus primarily on functional improvements that enhance your quality of life.

What is the procedure for jaw surgery?

The jaw surgery process begins months before your actual operation with careful planning and preparation. Your surgeon works with your orthodontist to create a detailed treatment plan using X-rays, CT scans, and digital models of your teeth.

Before surgery, you'll typically wear braces for 12 to 18 months to align your teeth properly. This pre-surgical orthodontics positions your teeth so they'll fit together correctly after your jaw bones are moved.

Here's what happens during the surgery itself:

1. You receive general anesthesia to ensure you're completely unconscious
2. Your surgeon makes cuts inside your mouth to access the jaw bones
3. The jaw bones are carefully separated and moved to their new positions
4. Small titanium plates and screws hold the bones in place
5. Your surgeon checks that your bite aligns properly
6. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches

Most jaw surgery is performed entirely through your mouth, so you won't have visible scars on your face. In rare cases involving complex corrections, small external incisions might be necessary.

After surgery, you'll stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days for monitoring. Your jaw may be wired or banded shut temporarily, though this is less common with modern techniques. Recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, with complete healing occurring over several months.

How to prepare for your jaw surgery?

Preparing for jaw surgery involves both physical and practical steps to ensure the best possible outcome. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions tailored to your situation.

The preparation process usually starts several weeks before your surgery date. You'll need to complete pre-surgical orthodontics first, which can take 12 to 18 months. During this time, your teeth are moved into positions that will align properly after your jaw bones are repositioned.

Here are the key preparation steps you'll need to follow:

• Complete all required medical tests and clearances
• Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery
• Avoid certain medications and supplements as directed
• Arrange for time off work or school (typically 2-4 weeks)
• Stock up on soft foods and liquid nutrition supplements
• Prepare your home for recovery with extra pillows and ice packs
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and help during initial recovery

Your surgeon will also discuss pain management options and provide detailed post-operative instructions. Make sure you understand all the steps involved and ask questions about anything that's unclear.

How to read your jaw surgery results?

Understanding your jaw surgery results involves looking at both functional improvements and healing progress. Your surgeon will track your recovery through regular follow-up appointments and imaging studies.

Immediately after surgery, you'll experience swelling and discomfort, which is completely normal. The initial results become more apparent as swelling decreases over the first few weeks. However, final results can take 3 to 6 months to fully develop.

Here's what indicates successful jaw surgery results:

• Improved bite alignment and chewing function
• Better facial symmetry and proportions
• Reduced jaw pain and TMJ symptoms
• Clearer speech and easier breathing
• Enhanced appearance and self-confidence
• Proper bone healing visible on X-rays

Your orthodontist will continue treatment after surgery to fine-tune your bite. This post-surgical orthodontics typically lasts 6 to 12 months and ensures your teeth fit together perfectly in their new positions.

How to fix jaw alignment issues?

Fixing jaw alignment issues requires a comprehensive approach that often combines orthodontics with surgical correction. The treatment plan depends on the severity of your problem and your age.

Minor alignment issues can sometimes be corrected with braces alone, especially in growing children and teenagers. However, significant skeletal problems in adults typically require surgical intervention combined with orthodontic treatment.

The most effective approach for severe jaw alignment problems involves a three-phase treatment process. First, you'll undergo pre-surgical orthodontics to position your teeth properly. Then comes the surgical phase where your jaw bones are repositioned. Finally, post-surgical orthodontics fine-tunes your bite and completes the alignment.

Non-surgical options exist for mild cases and may include orthodontic treatment, bite splints, or jaw exercises. However, these approaches have limitations and may not provide the comprehensive correction that surgery can achieve.

What is the best jaw position?

The best jaw position is one that allows proper function while maintaining facial harmony and balance. This optimal position varies from person to person based on their individual facial structure and needs.

Functionally, your jaws should allow you to chew efficiently, speak clearly, and breathe easily. Your teeth should fit together properly without causing excessive wear or strain on your jaw joints. The upper and lower jaws should work together smoothly during all mouth movements.

From an aesthetic standpoint, well-positioned jaws create balanced facial proportions. Your profile should show harmony between your forehead, nose, lips, and chin. The lower third of your face should be proportionate to the upper and middle thirds.

Your surgeon uses specific measurements and analysis to determine your ideal jaw position. This includes evaluating your facial proportions, bite relationship, and airway function. Computer imaging helps predict how different jaw positions will affect both your appearance and function.

What are the risk factors for jaw surgery complications?

Understanding the risk factors for jaw surgery complications helps you make informed decisions and take steps to minimize potential problems. While serious complications are rare, certain factors can increase your risk.

Age plays a role in healing and recovery, with older patients typically experiencing longer healing times. However, age alone doesn't prevent successful surgery. Your overall health status is more important than your chronological age.

Several factors can increase your risk of complications during or after jaw surgery:

• Smoking or tobacco use, which impairs healing
• Uncontrolled diabetes or other chronic health conditions
• Poor oral hygiene or active dental infections
• Certain medications that affect blood clotting
• History of radiation therapy to the head or neck
• Severe malnutrition or eating disorders
• Autoimmune conditions that affect healing

Your surgeon will evaluate these risk factors during your consultation and may recommend steps to optimize your health before surgery. This might include smoking cessation, better diabetes control, or treating any dental problems.

Is it better to have jaw surgery younger or older?

The timing of jaw surgery depends on your individual situation, but there are advantages to different age ranges. The key factor is whether your jaw bones have finished growing, which typically occurs by age 16 for girls and 18 for boys.

Having jaw surgery after growth is complete offers several advantages. Your results will be more predictable and stable since your bones won't continue changing. The surgical techniques and recovery protocols are also well-established for adult patients.

Younger adults often heal faster and may experience less post-operative discomfort. However, they may also have more concerns about the social and educational impact of surgery and recovery. Planning around school or early career demands requires careful consideration.

Older adults can still have successful jaw surgery, though healing may take longer. The benefits of improved function and comfort often outweigh the slightly increased recovery time. Your general health status matters more than your age when determining surgical candidacy.

What are the possible complications of jaw surgery?

While jaw surgery is generally safe and successful, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks and complications. Understanding these possibilities helps you make informed decisions and recognize when to seek medical attention.

Most complications are temporary and resolve with proper care and time. Serious complications are rare, occurring in less than 5% of cases. Your surgical team takes numerous precautions to minimize risks and monitors you carefully during recovery.

Here are the potential complications you should be aware of:

• Temporary numbness in lips, chin, or tongue
• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Problems with bite alignment requiring additional treatment
• Jaw joint problems or clicking
• Scarring, though usually minimal with intraoral approaches
• Need for additional surgery in rare cases

The most common complication is temporary nerve numbness, which affects about 10-15% of patients. This usually improves gradually over weeks to months. Permanent numbness is rare but possible, particularly with lower jaw surgery.

Your surgeon will discuss your specific risk factors and explain how they plan to minimize complications. Following post-operative instructions carefully significantly reduces your risk of problems.

When should I see a doctor for jaw problems?

You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent jaw problems that affect your daily life or cause significant discomfort. Early evaluation can help identify issues before they become more serious.

Some jaw problems develop gradually and may seem minor at first. However, certain symptoms warrant professional evaluation even if they don't seem severe. Catching problems early often leads to simpler treatment options.

Here are signs that indicate you should seek medical attention:

• Chronic jaw pain or frequent headaches
• Difficulty chewing or biting certain foods
• Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
• Noticeable facial asymmetry or changes in appearance
• Speech difficulties or unclear pronunciation
• Breathing problems, especially during sleep
• Teeth that don't fit together properly
• Excessive tooth wear or frequent dental problems

If you experience severe sudden jaw pain, inability to open your mouth, or facial swelling, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a serious problem requiring urgent treatment.