Orthognathic Surgery: Corrective Jaw Surgery Experts

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, fixes problems with your upper jaw (maxilla) and/or lower jaw (mandible) when they don't line up properly. This surgery can:

• Improve your ability to chew and speak
• Enhance your overall oral health
• Help with breathing problems, including sleep apnea
• Balance your facial appearance

It's important to understand that orthognathic surgery isn't a single event. It's a process that typically includes:

• Orthodontic treatment before surgery (often about a year)
• The jaw surgery itself
• A recovery period
• Further orthodontic treatment after surgery (up to a year)

The entire process can take between two and three years to complete. Orthognathic surgery precisely repositions your jaw bones to improve alignment. Here's how it works:

• Surgical Cuts: The surgeon makes carefully planned incisions in your jaw bones.
• Repositioning: The jaw segments are then moved into their new, correct positions.
• Fixation: The repositioned jaw segments are secured in place using small plates and screws.
• Bone Healing: Over time, your bones heal in their new positions, permanently changing your jaw alignment.

This realignment can correct underbites, overbites, open bites, and other jaw misalignments, improving both function and appearance.

You might benefit from orthognathic surgery if you have:

• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• An open bite (when your front teeth don't meet when you close your mouth)
• A protruding jaw or receding chin
• Chronic jaw pain, headaches, or TMJ disorders
• Sleep apnea
• An unbalanced facial appearance

Common jaw problems that may require surgery include:

• Crossbite: When some of your bottom teeth sit in front of your upper teeth
• Underbite: When your lower jaw extends out, causing lower teeth to sit in front of upper teeth
• Open bite: When many teeth don't come together when you close your mouth
• Facial injuries or fractures
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Your dentist, orthodontist, or one of our surgeons can help determine if you're a good candidate for this surgery.

Jaw surgery can significantly improve your quality of life by:

1. Correcting Bite Problems:
   • Fixes overbites, underbites, and crossbites
   • Makes it easier to chew and speak
2. Improving Breathing:
   • Can help with sleep apnea by opening up your airway
   • May reduce snoring and improve sleep quality
3. Enhancing Facial Appearance:
   • Balances your facial features
   • Can boost self-confidence
4. Relieving Pain:
   • May reduce chronic jaw pain and headaches caused by jaw misalignment

Preparation for jaw surgery is extensive and includes:

• Detailed imaging: X-rays, CT scans, and photographs of your teeth and jaw
• Dental impressions or scans to create a model of your teeth
• Orthodontic treatment: You'll likely need braces for about a year before surgery to properly align your teeth

The surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital. Depending on your specific needs, the surgeon may work on your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. They will make cuts in your jaw bones and move them into the correct position.

After surgery, you can expect:

• A hospital stay of 1-4 days for monitoring
• Significant facial swelling for several weeks
• A liquid diet for several weeks, gradually transitioning to soft foods
• Time off work or school (usually 2-4 weeks)
• Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon

You'll have a plastic splint in your mouth to help train your muscles to work with your new jaw position. This splint is typically removed about eight months after surgery.

Most patients can return to normal activities within 6-8 weeks, but complete healing can take up to a year.

The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction participates in a wide range of insurance plans, including those listed below. However, each physician has their own accepted insurance and hospital affiliations. Before scheduling an appointment, please contact your insurance carrier to confirm that your provider is in-network.

If we are not an in-network provider, our friendly insurance specialists will help you find the most coverage available for your treatment. 

• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
• Medicare
• Railroad Medicare
• Aetna
• Cigna
• United Healthcare
• Oxford (Freedom, Liberty)
• MagnaCare

Find resources to guide you through your orthognathic surgery journey. Our patient resources page can help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your jaw realignment procedure, including preparation tips and recovery information.

If you're considering orthognathic surgery in New Jersey, the next step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction.. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to provide you with the highest quality care. During your visit, we will:

• Evaluate your jaws and bite
• Discuss your symptoms and goals
• Explain your treatment options and the long-term commitment involved
• Answer all your questions

We're conveniently located to serve patients throughout New Jersey and the surrounding areas.