Orthognathic Surgery
(Corrective Jaw Surgery) in San Diego
Orthognathic surgery – better known as corrective jaw surgery – is a transformative treatment designed to reposition the upper or lower jaw, or both, when they do not align properly. While orthodontic treatment such as braces or clear aligners can correct many bite issues, some problems are caused by the underlying position of the jaw bones.
What is Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure performed by an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon to reposition the jaw in a way that allows the teeth to fit together correctly and the facial features to appear balanced. The upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both may be surgically repositioned depending on the patient’s unique anatomy. Treatment is almost always coordinated with an orthodontist, who aligns the teeth with braces before and after surgery to ensure a precise, long-lasting bite relationship.
Why Jaw Surgery is Performed
In some cases, a jaw surgery becomes the only reliable way to restore proper function, improve facial balance, and protect long-term oral health. Many patients seek this treatment to address issues such as overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, or obstructive sleep apnea. People who undergo these treatments experience life-changing improvements in chewing, breathing, speech, and self-confidence.
Jaw surgery is most commonly recommended to correct functional issues that interfere with everyday activities such as chewing, speaking, breathing, and swallowing.
Patients may be dealing with a severe overbite or underbite, an open bite where the front teeth do not meet, facial asymmetry, a protruding or recessed jaw, or chronic jaw pain related to TMJ disorders.
Some individuals struggle with airway obstruction or sleep apnea caused by the shape and position of the jaws, pushing the tongue back and blocking the airway. Others have congenital conditions such as cleft palate, or jaw alignment problems resulting from trauma.
Although every patient’s goals are different, orthognathic surgery is generally considered when orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct the skeletal imbalance responsible for the bite problem.
Who is a Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
- Candidates for jaw surgery are typically adults or older teens who have completed facial growth - usually between ages 17 and 21. Many people undergo jaw surgery later in life. They must have a jaw discrepancy that cannot be managed with orthodontics alone, and they should also have good overall health and realistic expectations about treatment.
- Because the process involves orthodontic preparation before surgery and orthodontic refinement afterward, successful candidates understand and are willing to commit to the treatment timeline.
- During your consultation, your oral surgeon and orthodontist will examine your jaw position, alignment of your teeth, facial proportions, and airway health using 3D imaging, X-rays, photographs, and digital models. This diagnostic planning helps determine whether surgery is the best approach and what type of movement is required to achieve optimal results.
Types of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic treatment is customized, meaning your surgery will be designed specifically for your bite pattern, facial profile, and functional needs. In some cases, only the upper or lower jaw is repositioned. In others, both jaws must be addressed for full correction.
Upper jaw surgery (Le Fort I osteotomy)
Lower jaw surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy)
Moves the mandible either forward or backward to correct an underbite or a recessed lower jaw. Like upper jaw surgery, the bone is stabilized with small plates and screws that remain in place permanently.
Chin surgery (genioplasty)
Sometimes included to improve facial balance or correct a recessed chin and is often performed at the same time as upper or lower jaw surgery.
Double jaw surgery
May be recommended in complex cases where both jaws need repositioning to achieve proper function and symmetry.
How the Treatment Process Works
The treatment journey begins with pre-surgical orthodontics, typically lasting six to eighteen months. During this time, braces align the teeth into positions that will fit together correctly once the jaw has been surgically moved.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.
Most procedures last two to four hours depending on the complexity of the case. Incisions are made inside the mouth, which means there are no visible external scars.
The jaw bones are repositioned precisely, and titanium hardware is placed to hold the new alignment firmly in place.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery occurs in stages. Swelling, bruising, and a soft diet are expected in the beginning. Most patients take two to four weeks off work or school, although full healing and bone stabilization continues for several months. Regular post-operative appointments, dietary guidance, and X-rays help ensure proper healing as the bone remodels. After the jaw has fully stabilized, the orthodontist completes the final bite refinements with braces, usually over six to twelve months.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery offers significant improvements in both appearance and function.
Patients often notice major enhancements in chewing strength, bite stability, and speech clarity.
Jaw or TMJ pain may be reduced or eliminated. Breathing improves for many patients with sleep apnea, especially when the upper and lower teeth are moved forward, giving your tongue tissue more space.
Lastly, facial symmetry becomes more balanced and natural.
Boost in Confidence and Quality of Life
Beyond the physical changes, many patients experience a profound boost in confidence and quality of life. Improved comfort, improved sleep, and improved facial harmony can have powerful emotional and psychosocial effects.
What to Expect From Surgery:
- While complications are uncommon, all major surgery carries some level of risk. Temporary numbness in the lip or chin is common and typically improves over time.
- Other risks may include infection, changes in bite stability, prolonged swelling, hardware failure, or discomfort in the jaw joint.
- Careful planning using digital surgical simulation helps reduce these risks and leads to precise, predictable results.
Jaw Surgery vs. Orthodontics Alone
Not every bite problem requires jaw surgery, and many mild to moderate misalignments can be corrected with traditional orthodontics or clear aligners. However, when the underlying issue involves the jaw bones – not just the teeth – braces alone cannot produce a healthy, stable bite. Attempting to fix a skeletal discrepancy with orthodontics alone may lead to relapse or ongoing discomfort. In those cases, jaw surgery is the most reliable long-term solution.
Orthognathic Surgery
FAQ
Will my appearance change?
Yes. Because the jaws are repositioned, facial balance and symmetry improve. The changes are typically natural-looking and enhance overall aesthetics.
How long will I need braces after surgery?
Many patients complete another six to twelve months of orthodontic treatment after surgery to fine-tune the bite.
Can jaw surgery treat sleep apnea?
In many cases, yes. By repositioning the jaws, the airway can be expanded and breathing can improve significantly.
Will the titanium plates make metal detectors go off?
Typically, no. The plates used for these procedures are lower profile plates and weakly magnetic.
Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Meet Dr. Paul Mirdamadi
Dr. Mirdamadi is a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, facial trauma, jaw reconstruction, and oral pathology.
With over 1,000 complex smile transformation cases completed, he is dedicated to continuous education and cutting-edge technology. His mission is to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care that restores function, confidence, and quality of life.
Ready to talk through your case? Let’s connect.
Your Journey to a Healthier Jaw Structure Starts with Roya
Orthognathic surgery is more than a structural correction – it is a powerful solution for people struggling with functional bite problems, jaw pain, breathing issues, or facial imbalance. Although the process requires time and commitment, the long-term results can be life-changing.
If you are considering corrective jaw surgery or have been referred for a surgical evaluation, the next step is a comprehensive consultation. Our oral surgery team will guide you through imaging, diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical options to determine the most effective plan for your needs.