Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Corrective jaw surgery to improve bite alignment, breathing, and facial balance with precision planning.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery — also known as orthognathic surgery — is a procedure that corrects irregularities in the jawbones to improve how your teeth fit together (your bite), how your face looks, and how well you can breathe. It is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, often in coordination with an orthodontist.
Jaw surgery can reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. In some cases, the chin may also be reshaped during the same procedure. The goal is to bring the jaws into proper alignment so that your teeth meet correctly, your face is balanced, and your airway is open.
Signs You May Need Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery may be recommended if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or closing your mouth completely
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders
- An open bite — your front teeth do not touch when your mouth is closed
- A protruding or receding lower jaw
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance
- Obstructive sleep apnea caused by jaw position
- Difficulty breathing through your nose
- Bite problems that cannot be corrected with braces alone
Many of these conditions are present from birth, while others develop over time due to growth patterns, injury, or other factors. If braces or aligners alone cannot fix the problem, jaw surgery may be the best path to a lasting solution.
How We Plan Your Surgery
Modern jaw surgery relies on advanced 3D technology for precise planning and predictable results. At our Houston practice, we use:
- 3D cone beam CT scans to create a detailed digital model of your skull, jaws, and teeth
- Virtual surgical planning (VSP) software to simulate the surgery on a computer before we ever enter the operating room
- 3D-printed surgical guides that ensure millimeter-level accuracy during the procedure
This technology allows us to show you a preview of your expected results before surgery and gives us a precise roadmap to follow during the operation. The result is shorter surgery times, faster recovery, and more predictable outcomes.
Recovery After Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery recovery is a gradual process that requires patience, but most patients are very happy with their results. Here is a general timeline:
- Week 1–2: Swelling peaks around day 3 and then gradually decreases. You will follow a liquid diet and take prescribed pain medications. Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work or school.
- Week 3–6: Swelling continues to improve. You can transition to soft foods. Light activity is usually fine, but avoid strenuous exercise.
- Month 2–3: Most of the swelling is gone. You can return to a more normal diet as your surgeon directs. Orthodontic adjustments may continue.
- Month 6–12: Final healing and settling of the jaws. Braces are typically removed during this period.
Frequently Asked Questions
The surgery itself typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether one or both jaws are being repositioned. You will spend one night in the hospital for monitoring.
In most modern cases, no. We use small titanium plates and screws to hold the jaws in their new position. Rubber bands on your braces may be used for a few weeks to guide your bite, but your jaw will not be wired shut.
Yes, in many cases. Because jaw surgery corrects functional problems (not just cosmetic concerns), medical insurance often covers a significant portion of the cost. Our team will work with your insurance to obtain pre-authorization.
Yes, jaw surgery will change your facial profile and balance — that is one of the goals. We use 3D planning software to show you a preview of your expected results so there are no surprises.
Related Procedures
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Safe, comfortable extraction of impacted or problematic wisdom teeth with sedation options for every comfort level.
Dental Implants
Permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels, and functions like your natural teeth. Single implants to full-arch restoration.
Bone Grafting
Rebuild jawbone density to support dental implants and restore your oral foundation.