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What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a medical procedure to change the shape and structure of the jaw to address a physiological or aesthetic problem. This procedure must be performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a dentist who has undergone extensive training in corrective jaw surgery and related topics. Patients usually also work with an orthodontist and a dentist in the course of treatment. It may take several years to successfully complete treatment for a jaw problem.

Patients may need corrective jaw surgery because of an issue that makes it difficult to talk, breathe, or chew. This could involve an overbite or underbite, or a misalignment of the jaws. Patients with sleep apnea could be candidates for corrective jaw surgery, as could patients with conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder. Sometimes patients with broken jaws need reconstructive surgery, and there can be other conditions that may lead a surgeon to recommend an orthognathic procedure.

A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.

Some patients request corrective jaw surgery because they are displeased with the structure of the jaw. This procedure is invasive and is usually only recommended to address issues like asymmetry, a strong protruding chin, a very weak chin, and similar issues. Sometimes transsexual patients request the procedure to feminize or masculinize the jaw if they are displeased with their facial appearance after several years of hormones.

An overbite may require constructive jaw surgery.
An overbite may require constructive jaw surgery.

It may be necessary to wear orthodontics before corrective jaw surgery, to start to pull the jaws and teeth into place. The patient may also need to wear them for several months or even years after surgery. In the planning process, the maxillofacial surgeon should discuss the level of commitment necessary to make sure the patient knows what to expect and will be ready for several years of healing. Other procedures are less extensive and may only take a few months to heal.

Corrective jaw surgery is a medical procedure to change the shape and structure of the jaw to address a physiological or aesthetic problem.
Corrective jaw surgery is a medical procedure to change the shape and structure of the jaw to address a physiological or aesthetic problem.

Surgical planning also includes taking x-rays, measuring the jaw, and documenting the patient's facial appearance. Some doctors have computer modeling programs they can use in surgical planning. This will help the surgeon during the procedure when it comes to removing excess bone, placing implants, and engaging in other activities to reshape the jaw.

Corrective jaw surgery can involve very painful adjustments to the jaw.
Corrective jaw surgery can involve very painful adjustments to the jaw.

Recovery from corrective jaw surgery can require several weeks of significant rest. The patient may need to be careful about eating during this period and could require speech therapy after recovery. Patients also usually need extensive pain management, as the procedure can involve some very painful adjustments to the jaw structure.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

I use to work for an oral surgeon who performed this type of jaw surgery, and the results for most patients were dramatic. People who had over bites, under bites, and other types of jaw problems looked like different people after the long recovery periods.

The patients that I saw who had maxillofacial surgery were always thrilled with the results, however, it took a lot of commitment to have the surgery. Everything the article says about the pain involved and the recovery period is very accurate, but I think the results are worth it in the long run.

Raynbow

This sounds like a major surgery, but the results may be worth it. I have a friend who needs this type of maxillofacial procedure, but is hesitant to have it done. Does anyone know if the results are worth the pain?

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    • A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
      By: iofoto
      A scalpel is a small, sharp knife that is used in surgeries to make incisions.
    • An overbite may require constructive jaw surgery.
      By: maureen plainfield
      An overbite may require constructive jaw surgery.
    • Corrective jaw surgery is a medical procedure to change the shape and structure of the jaw to address a physiological or aesthetic problem.
      By: xixinxing
      Corrective jaw surgery is a medical procedure to change the shape and structure of the jaw to address a physiological or aesthetic problem.
    • Corrective jaw surgery can involve very painful adjustments to the jaw.
      By: chuugo
      Corrective jaw surgery can involve very painful adjustments to the jaw.
    • Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
      By: evok20
      Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia.