Jaw misalignment can affect far more than your appearance. It can cause chronic pain, difficulty chewing, breathing problems, and speech challenges that impact your daily life. If you’re considering jaw surgery to address these issues, understanding what the procedure involves can help you feel more prepared and confident about your decision.
At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Douglas L. Johnson provides comprehensive care for patients who need corrective jaw surgery. This FAQ answers the most common questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term results so you can make an informed choice about your treatment.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects irregularities in the jaw bones and realigns the jaws and teeth to improve function and appearance. Jaw surgery can address conditions like overbites, underbites, open bites, and facial asymmetry. The procedure repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create proper alignment and balance.
Why Might I Need Jaw Surgery?
Many people need jaw surgery when orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct their bite or alignment issues. Common reasons include difficulty chewing or biting food, chronic jaw or TMJ pain, excessive wear on teeth, breathing problems, including sleep apnea, facial imbalance or asymmetry, difficulty swallowing, and speech problems. If you’ve been dealing with any of these issues, jaw surgery may provide the lasting relief you’ve been seeking.
How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
Most candidates for jaw surgery have finished growing, which typically means you’re at least in your late teens or early twenties. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will evaluate your facial structure, bite alignment, and overall health. Advanced 3D imaging helps create a precise treatment plan tailored to your needs. You’ll also work closely with your orthodontist, as braces are usually part of the treatment process to ensure your teeth align properly after surgery.
What Happens During the Jaw Surgery Procedure?
Jaw surgery is performed in a hospital or accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed under IV sedation for your comfort. Dr. Johnson makes incisions inside your mouth to access the jaw bones, which means you won’t have visible scars on your face. Depending on your needs, the jaw bones are carefully repositioned and secured with small plates and screws. The entire surgery typically takes two to four hours, though complex cases may require more time.
What Is Recovery Like After Jaw Surgery?
Recovery from jaw surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and careful attention to post-surgical instructions. You’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to two nights after surgery for monitoring. Swelling and bruising peak around the third day and gradually improve over the following weeks. Most patients return to work or school within two to four weeks, though you’ll need to follow a modified diet during the initial healing period. Dr. Johnson will provide detailed guidance on managing discomfort, maintaining oral hygiene, and gradually reintroducing solid foods.
Will My Jaw Be Wired Shut?
Modern jaw surgery techniques have largely moved away from wiring jaws shut. Instead, small rubber bands or elastics are used to guide your bite into the correct position while allowing limited movement. This approach lets you open your mouth slightly for speaking, drinking, and maintaining oral hygiene. The elastics are typically worn for several weeks as your jaw heals.
How Long Does It Take to See Final Results?
While you’ll notice immediate changes in your facial structure and bite alignment after surgery, it takes time for swelling to fully resolve and your jaw to settle into its new position. Most swelling subsides within six to eight weeks, but subtle changes can continue for up to a year. Your orthodontist will continue adjusting your braces during this time to fine-tune your bite. The combination of surgery and orthodontic treatment creates results that last a lifetime.
What Are the Risks of Jaw Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, jaw surgery carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury that can cause temporary or permanent numbness in the lips or chin, relapse of the jaw position, and complications from anesthesia. Dr. Johnson takes extensive precautions to minimize these risks, and serious complications are rare. During your consultation, he’ll discuss your specific risk factors and answer any concerns you may have.
Will Insurance Cover Jaw Surgery?
Many insurance plans cover jaw surgery when it’s medically necessary to correct functional problems like difficulty eating, breathing issues, or chronic pain. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons typically aren’t covered. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we are in-network with Delta Dental, Humana, and Cigna Dental, and we also file claims as a courtesy for all PPO dental plans. Our team will work with your insurance provider to determine your coverage and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs.
How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost?
The cost of jaw surgery varies based on the complexity of your case, whether one or both jaws need correction, and your insurance coverage. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan with a transparent cost estimate. While jaw surgery is a significant investment, the long-term benefits to your health, function, and quality of life make it worthwhile for many patients.
