Corrective jaw surgery — also called orthognathic surgery — is a surgical procedure to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct skeletal discrepancies that orthodontics alone cannot resolve. It addresses bite problems, breathing difficulties, facial asymmetry, and jaw pain caused by misalignment of the jaw bones.
Reviewed by the surgical team at Oral Surgery NAZ — Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona.
Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is appropriate when the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly and the misalignment is too significant to be corrected with braces alone. Common indications include: significant overbite or underbite, open bite (front teeth that don’t touch when the back teeth are closed), chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction related to skeletal structure, sleep apnea caused by jaw position, difficulty chewing or biting certain foods, facial asymmetry affecting appearance and function, and speech difficulties related to jaw anatomy.
How Jaw Surgery and Orthodontics Work Together
Corrective jaw surgery is always a coordinated effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. Orthodontic treatment typically begins 12 to 18 months before surgery to align the teeth within each jaw individually. Surgery then repositions the jaw bones into their correct relationship. A shorter period of orthodontic treatment follows surgery to fine-tune the bite. Total treatment time is typically two to three years.
Types of Jaw Surgery
Maxillary osteotomy (upper jaw surgery): The entire upper jaw is moved forward, backward, upward, downward, or tilted to correct the relationship with the lower jaw and facial skeleton. Addresses open bites, crossbites, and facial height problems.
Mandibular osteotomy (lower jaw surgery): The lower jaw is moved forward or backward to correct underbites or overbites. The most commonly performed jaw surgery.
Genioplasty (chin surgery): The chin bone is repositioned to improve facial proportion. Often performed in combination with maxillary or mandibular surgery.
Bimaxillary surgery: Both jaws are repositioned simultaneously for severe discrepancies or asymmetries.
The Surgical Procedure
Jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically in a hospital or surgical center. Incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars on the face. The bone cuts are made with precision instruments, the jaw is repositioned to the planned position confirmed by pre-operative planning models, and secured with titanium plates and screws. Hospital stay is usually one to two nights. Total surgical time ranges from one to four hours depending on complexity.
Recovery From Corrective Jaw Surgery
Recovery involves two to four weeks of a liquid or soft food diet, significant swelling that peaks at three to five days and resolves over weeks to months, and temporary numbness of the lips and chin that gradually resolves over weeks to months. Most patients return to non-physical work or school within two to four weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks. Jaw wiring is rarely used with modern rigid fixation techniques.
Why Choose Oral Surgery NAZ for Jaw Surgery in Flagstaff?
Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons have residency training that includes both dentistry and medicine — uniquely qualifying them to manage the full scope of jaw surgery from surgical planning through hospital-based care and recovery. At Oral Surgery NAZ, we coordinate closely with your orthodontist and use advanced 3D imaging and surgical planning to achieve precise, predictable results. We are the only oral surgical specialists serving Flagstaff and Northern Arizona at this level of training.
Frequently Asked Questions: Jaw Surgery in Flagstaff
How do I know if I need jaw surgery or just braces?
Your orthodontist will evaluate your skeletal pattern and refer you to an oral surgeon if the discrepancy is too large for orthodontics alone to correct. An oral surgeon will then assess whether surgery is appropriate and what movements would achieve the best functional and aesthetic result.
Is jaw surgery covered by insurance?
When jaw surgery is performed to correct a functional problem (bite, breathing, chewing), it is often covered partially by medical insurance — not dental insurance — because it is considered reconstructive rather than cosmetic. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Our team will help you navigate prior authorization.
Will jaw surgery change my appearance?
Yes — often significantly and positively. Moving the jaw bones changes the relationship of your lips, chin, and facial profile. Most patients are very pleased with the aesthetic outcome in addition to the functional improvement. Your surgeon can show you a digital prediction of the expected result before surgery.
How long until I can eat normally after jaw surgery?
A liquid diet is required for the first two to three weeks, followed by a soft food diet for an additional three to six weeks. Full return to a normal diet typically occurs at eight to twelve weeks after surgery.