What is Jaw Straightening Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery is performed to realign the upper and lower jaws when they don’t fit together properly. A misaligned jaw can affect your bite, making it harder to chew, swallow, or speak clearly, and may also cause long-term discomfort or pain.
It’s important to understand that jaw surgery is not a single-step procedure; it usually involves a two- to three-year treatment plan combining both orthodontics and surgery:
- Before surgery: Orthodontic treatment helps move the teeth into positions that will fit correctly after surgery.
- During surgery: The surgeon repositions the jawbones so the upper and lower jaws align properly.
- After surgery: Continued orthodontic care ensures the teeth stay in their new, corrected positions.
In most cases, jaw surgery can only be done once growth is completed, typically in the late teenage years. While orthodontics focuses only on straightening teeth, jaw straightening surgery corrects the underlying jaw structure. The result is not just improved appearance, but also better function of the teeth and jaw. By addressing both function and aesthetics, jaw surgery not only restores balance to facial features but also improves overall health and quality of life.
Why Choose Apex Hospitals for Jaw Straightening Surgery?
- NABH-accredited surgical facilities ensuring international standards of safety
- Highly experienced plastic surgeons with years of expertise
- Advanced diagnostic and imaging systems for precise surgical planning
- Multidisciplinary team support, including plastic surgeons, orthodontists, ENT specialists, and anaesthesiologists
- Comprehensive post-surgical care with physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Who Should Consider Jaw Straightening Surgery?
Patients may benefit from corrective jaw surgery if they experience:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Chronic jaw or facial pain
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Frequent headaches or jaw strain
- Persistent mouth breathing or sleep apnoea
- Difficulty closing the lips comfortably
- Misaligned bite when the mouth is closed
What to Expect During the Surgery
- Anaesthesia – You’ll be given general anaesthesia, so you’ll be fully asleep and won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Surgical approach – The surgeon usually makes incisions inside the mouth, which means there are no visible scars on the face. In some cases, small external incisions may be required.
- Jaw repositioning – The bones of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both are carefully moved into their correct positions. Plates, screws, or wires are often used to hold the bones in place while they heal.
- Duration – Depending on complexity, the surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours.
- Hospital stays – Most patients need to stay in the hospital for 1–3 days for monitoring and initial recovery.
- Post-surgery care – Swelling and mild discomfort are common. A soft or liquid diet is usually recommended in the first few weeks.
- Recovery timeline – Initial healing takes about 6 weeks, but complete recovery and final results can take 9–12 months as the teeth and jaw settle into their new positions.
Benefits of Early Jaw Surgery
- Corrects bite and chewing problems
- Relieves chronic jaw pain and TMJ disorders
- Improves breathing and reduces sleep apnoea
- Enhances speech clarity
- Boosts confidence with improved facial aesthetics
Doctor’s Insight
“Jaw straightening surgery not only restores facial balance but also improves day-to-day functions like chewing, speaking, and breathing. With advanced techniques, recovery is faster and outcomes are highly successful.” – Dr. Anurag Sharma, Consultant- Plastic surgery, Apex Hospitals
