Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is used to correct a jaw misalignment and other abnormalities in the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Although the surgery is primarily performed to improve function and address problems with breathing, bite (occlusion), and speaking, it also improves facial appearance by creating a more balanced, facial symmetry profile. 

Orthognathic surgery is commonly a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a qualified orthodontist. Your orthodontist will move your natural teeth so they’re positioned where they need to be after your jaw surgery to ensure a perfect bite.

Corrective jaw surgery can involve a number of different procedures, including osteotomy (bone cutting), bone grafts, and distraction osteogenesis (stretching the bone). Your treatment plan will be completed in stages, and it may take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to complete.

Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts provides corrective jaw surgery in Burlington and Cambridge, MA. Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

The only way to know if you’re a candidate for corrective jaw surgery is to visit our office for a consultation. We’ll examine your teeth and jaw, go over your imaging, and discuss your medical and dental histories to determine your eligibility for the procedure.

Here’s why patients choose our oral and maxillofacial surgeons for orthognathic surgery:

• Our office has state-of-the-art 3D cone-beam CT scan imaging and digital intraoral scanning equipment for more accurate planning and treatment monitoring.
• Each of our doctors is board-certified, so you can feel confident knowing you’re getting expert care.
• We always put our patients first with individualized, professional, and compassionate treatment.

Is orthognathic surgery painful?

The surgery itself is not painful, as it is performed under general anesthesia like IV sedation. After your surgery, you will experience pain and discomfort, with the amount of discomfort depending upon the extent of your surgery. We will provide you with follow up care instructions and medication during the healing process to help you manage your pain and minimize complications. 

Is orthognathic surgery safe?

Yes, when orthognathic surgery is performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, it is quite safe with optimal results. Modern technology and techniques make corrective jaw surgery safer and more effective than it was in decades past.

Is orthognathic surgery necessary?

Ultimately, this is a question that you must answer for yourself. For patients who are experiencing chronic pain due to their jaw dysfunction, orthognathic surgery can be a life-changing procedure. 

Does orthognathic surgery change your face?

Orthognathic surgery will change your face for the better. Correcting the misalignment in your jaws will create a more symmetrical facial appearance and side profile. This change can be dramatic!

Is orthognathic surgery covered by insurance?

Orthognathic surgery may be covered by your medical insurance when it’s deemed medically necessary. We’ll help you understand what this means and whether we believe this is the case for you when you come in for your consultation.

Contact us today to learn more about our oral surgery services including dental implants, wisdom tooth extractions, bone grafting, cosmetic facial treatments, maxillofacial surgery, and more. Call today to schedule an appointment.