What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, commonly referred to as jaw surgery, involves surgically repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. The goal is to improve how the jaws fit together and function while supporting balanced facial proportions, and improve overall dental health.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with significant bite discrepancies, jaw misalignment, or skeletal issues that cannot be corrected with orthodontics, or braces alone. Surgical correction allows the jaws to be aligned in a way that supports proper chewing, speaking, and overall oral function.
How Jaw Misalignment Affects Oral Health and Function
When the jaws are not properly aligned, the effects extend beyond appearance. Bite problems can contribute to uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing, jaw strain, and long-term joint stress.
Jaw misalignment may also affect facial symmetry, airway function, and, in some cases, speech articulation. Correcting the underlying skeletal relationship helps restore balance and improve how the teeth, jaws, and facial structures work together.
Did You Know?
Orthognathic surgery addresses the underlying jaw structure rather than just tooth position. Correcting skeletal alignment can improve bite function in ways orthodontics alone cannot.
Orthognathic Surgery Process
Orthognathic treatment is completed in coordinated stages and planned carefully with your orthodontist.
- Evaluation and treatment planning: A detailed assessment is performed to evaluate jaw position, bite alignment, facial structure, and overall oral health. Advanced imaging and, when appropriate, coordination with an orthodontist help guide surgical planning.
- Pre-surgical preparation (when needed): Most patients require orthodontic treatment before surgery to prepare the teeth for proper alignment after jaw repositioning. Others may proceed directly to surgery depending on their condition.
- Surgical jaw repositioning: Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the treatment plan, the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both may be repositioned to achieve improved alignment and function. The procedure typically lasts several hours.
- Stabilization and healing: After surgery, the jaws are supported with elastics or wires to guide proper healing. Follow-up care helps monitor healing and functional progress.
Anesthesia for Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia (GA) to allow precise jaw repositioning in a controlled and comfortable environment. General anesthesia supports accurate surgical correction while allowing careful airway management throughout the procedure.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after orthognathic surgery follows a structured plan. Patients typically begin with a liquid diet for the first two weeks while healing progresses. Detailed post-operative instructions are provided to support comfort, nutrition, and recovery.
Ongoing follow-up visits help monitor healing and ensure jaw position and function continue to improve. Nutritional guidance is also provided to support healing during the recovery period.
Experience and Precision
Jaw surgery involves complex facial anatomy, airway considerations, and precise surgical judgment. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training in managing skeletal alignment, facial balance, and functional outcomes.
At Offshore Oral & Facial Surgery, orthognathic surgery is performed by Dr. Drake Exstrom, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with advanced training in corrective jaw surgery. His approach emphasizes careful planning, patient-specific decision-making, and long-term functional results.
Dental Insurance and Payment Options
Insurance coverage varies by plan and by patient. We are in-network with the majority of insurance providers to help estimate available benefits, but coverage verification does not guarantee payment. Treatment fees are reviewed during your consultation so you have a clear understanding of expected costs.
FAQs
What is the best age for jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery is typically recommended once facial growth is complete, which is usually in the late teens or adulthood. The appropriate timing depends on jaw development, functional concerns, and overall health, and is determined during a surgical evaluation.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
Insurance coverage for jaw surgery varies by plan. When surgery is performed to correct functional issues such as bite problems, jaw misalignment, or airway concerns, it may be partially covered. Our office helps review insurance benefits and discuss expected costs during the consultation process.
Is orthognathic surgery cosmetic or functional?
Orthognathic surgery is primarily functional, addressing bite alignment and jaw position. Changes in facial balance may also occur as a result of improved alignment.
How long does recovery take after jaw surgery?
Recovery after jaw surgery typically occurs in stages. The initial healing phase lasts about 6 to 8 weeks, during which swelling, jaw stiffness, and comfort steadily improve. Full surgical healing and bone stability continue over the following months as the jaws strengthen and adapt.
Where can I get corrective jaw surgery in North County San Diego?
Offshore Oral & Facial Surgery provides orthognathic (jaw) surgery at our San Marcos and Vista offices. Our team evaluates jaw alignment, bite concerns, and facial balance to determine whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate.