Orthognathic surgery is another name for corrective jaw surgery. It is used to reposition the jaws when a skeletal alignment problem affects the way the upper and lower jaws fit together and cannot be adequately corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

Orthodontic treatment can correct many problems involving tooth position. Jaw surgery may be considered when the underlying issue involves the position or development of the jaw itself. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will evaluate your bite together and determine which approach is appropriate.

Many orthognathic surgery patients undergo orthodontic treatment before surgery to prepare the teeth for their new alignment. Orthodontic treatment may also continue for a period after surgery so your orthodontist can make final bite adjustments.

Certain underbites are related to differences in the position or growth of the upper and lower jaws. When a significant skeletal discrepancy cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone, corrective jaw surgery may be considered. An evaluation is needed to determine the appropriate treatment for your specific bite.

The first one to two weeks usually involve the greatest adjustment, and many patients gradually resume normal activities over the following weeks. Bone healing continues for several months, so the exact recovery timeline depends on the procedure and your individual healing.

A soft or modified diet is typically needed during the early stages of recovery while the jaws heal. Your surgical team will provide specific dietary instructions based on your procedure and let you know when it is appropriate to gradually return to firmer foods.

Not every jaw surgery patient requires the same type of fixation during recovery. Plates and screws are commonly used to stabilize the repositioned bone, while elastics or other methods may also be used depending on the procedure. Your surgeon will explain what to expect for your specific treatment.