OdontologíaOral & Maxillofacial

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is a corrective procedure in which the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both are repositioned to correct skeletal discrepancies, improve bite alignment, facial symmetry, and function.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Miguel García Javaloyes
Said Ramazani
Johanna Gregoire Ferriol

When misalignment between the jaws is too severe for braces or orthodontics alone, jaw surgery becomes necessary. It addresses problems such as underbite, overbite, open bite, facial asymmetry, breathing issues, or functional bite problems. The process typically involves pre‑surgical orthodontic treatment, the surgical repositioning of jaw bones, stabilization with plates or screws, and then post‑surgical orthodontics to fine‑tune the bite.
Jaw surgery often dramatically improves chewing, speech, aesthetics, and overall jaw function.

Indications

Severe overbite, underbite, or open bite
Facial asymmetry due to jaw discrepancy
Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
TMJ pain related to jaw misalignment
Airway obstruction or sleep apnea linked to jaw position

Causes

Skeletal jaw discrepancy (genetic or developmental)
Misaligned bite not correctable by orthodontics alone
Trauma or injury to jaw structure
Abnormal growth of upper or lower jaw

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Assessment & Planning – 3D imaging, orthodontic preparation, and surgical planning.

2

Surgical Correction – Jaw repositioning under general anesthesia with fixation using plates/screws.

3

Recovery & Adjustment – Post-surgical care, bite guidance with splints/elastic, and orthodontic fine-tuning.

Duration:

The surgery portion typically ranges from about 1 to 4 hours or more depending on case complexity

Number of Sessions:

Usually a multi‑stage treatment: orthodontic preparation, surgery, orthodontic finishing

Recovery / Downtime:

Several weeks of limited activity; full recovery may span months

Pain Level:

Moderate — managed with pain control, swelling, and care

Pre-Treatment:

  • Undergo full dental, medical & imaging evaluations
  • Plan for at least a few weeks of recovery time
  • Avoid smoking and maintain optimal general health
  • Coordinate with your orthodontist and surgical team

Post-Treatment:

  • Use ice packs and maintain head elevation to manage swelling initially
  • Follow soft/liquid diet until bone healing progresses
  • Use any splints or elastics as instructed
  • Perform gentle oral hygiene to keep incisions clean
  • Attend all follow‑ups, suture removal, monitoring, and orthodontic adjustment

Results

Expected Outcome

Short‑term: improved jaw alignment, reduction of functional problems (chewing, biting), and initial facial balance. Long-term: balanced facial aesthetics, stable bite, better function, reduced joint stress or wear, improved airway

How Long
Results Last?


Once fully healed and properly stabilized, results are permanent, subject to normal bone remodeling and dental maintenance

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects


• Swelling, bruising, • Numbness or altered sensation, • Infection, bleeding • Changes in bite, • Sinus issues ,TMJ discomfort

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• Uncontrolled systemic disease (e.g., severe diabetes, bleeding disorders)
• Incomplete facial growth (in younger patients)
• Poor oral hygiene or dental health not primed for surgery
• Severe medical risks or patient unsuitability for major surgery

Safety Notes

At City Clinic, jaw surgery is executed with rigorous planning, use of advanced imaging, computer‑assisted surgical planning, experienced surgical teams, sterile protocols, and close coordination with orthodontics to minimize risks and ensure optimal outcomes.

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

Substantial, varying considerably based on case
• Number of jaws involved (single vs bimaxillary)
• Complexity, need for bone grafting, soft tissue work
• Hospital/operating room costs, surgeon and anesthesia fees
• Pre- and post-surgical orthodontic work

Insurance Coverage

Jaw Surgery is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Will jaw surgery alter my facial appearance?
Yes — one of the goals is to bring balance and proportion to facial structure.
Initially soft foods are required. Gradually as healing proceeds you can resume more normal diet.
Typically yes — orthodontic preparation is essential to align teeth before bone repositioning.
The procedure is done under general anaesthesia; post-surgical discomfort is managed by pain control.
While basic function returns in weeks, complete bone healing and adaptation may take many months.

Related Treatments