Best Jaw Surgery Surgeons
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, corrects jaw and facial irregularities, improving bite, function, and aesthetics.
About Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a corrective procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to realign the jaws and teeth. This surgery is often recommended for individuals with significant discrepancies in jaw size or position that cannot be fully corrected with orthodontics alone. Patients choose jaw surgery to improve chewing, speaking, breathing, and facial symmetry, addressing functional impairments and cosmetic concerns.
Ideal candidates
- Individuals with significant jaw misalignment affecting bite and function.
- Patients with chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
- Those experiencing difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing due to jaw issues.
- People with facial asymmetry or disproportionate jaw size.
- Adults whose jaw growth is complete, typically late teens or early twenties.
How the procedure works
- Pre-surgical orthodontics: Braces are often used to align teeth in preparation for jaw repositioning.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered for patient comfort and safety.
- Incisions: Incisions are typically made inside the mouth to access the jawbones, avoiding external scars.
- Bone repositioning: The surgeon carefully cuts and reshapes the jawbone(s), repositioning them into the planned alignment.
- Fixation: Small plates, screws, and wires are used to hold the jawbones in their new positions.
- Closure: Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
Risks & considerations
- Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent numbness in the lips, chin, or tongue.
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding, swelling, and bruising.
- Relapse of jaw position, potentially requiring further intervention.
- Rarely, complications with hardware (plates/screws) or anesthesia.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1-7: Significant swelling, discomfort managed with medication. Liquid diet.
- Weeks 2-4: Swelling gradually subsides. Soft food diet introduced. Limited activity.
- Weeks 5-8: Most initial swelling resolved. Chewing function improves. Return to light activities.
- Months 3-6: Full bone healing. Most patients return to normal diet and activities. Post-surgical orthodontics may continue.
Top surgeons performing Jaw Surgery
Jaw Surgery FAQs
How much does Jaw Surgery cost?
Jaw Surgery typically costs USD 20,000–60,000, varying by surgeon, location, and case complexity.
What is the recovery time for Jaw Surgery?
Most patients recover from Jaw Surgery in around 42 days, with full results visible over weeks to months.
How do I choose the best Jaw Surgery surgeon?
Look for board certification, before/after results specific to Jaw Surgery, verified patient reviews, and clear communication. Browse our verified Jaw Surgery specialists above to compare.
Questions to ask your Jaw Surgery surgeon
- What are your qualifications and experience specifically with jaw surgery?
- What specific technique do you recommend for my condition, and why?
- What can I realistically expect regarding my bite, function, and appearance after surgery?
- What are the potential risks and complications, and how are they managed?
- What is the estimated recovery time and what restrictions will I have?