Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is used in the treatment of a range of jaw problems and associated conditions, including TMJ disorders, malocclusion and sleep apnoea.
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What is jaw surgery?
Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed to reposition and correct a misaligned jaw to improve oral function, facial and dental appearance and quality of life. In most cases, jaw surgery is only one part of treatment, with orthodontic work also required, usually both before and after surgery.
At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are leaders in the field and are experienced in treating the full range of jaw issues and associated conditions, including TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, malocclusion (misaligned bite) and obstructive sleep apnoea.
What are the main types of corrective jaw surgery?
There are three main types of jaw surgery, each of which our specialists perform at Welbeck:
- maxilla surgery (maxillary osteotomy) – to correct the position of the upper jaw
- mandible surgery (mandibular osteotomy) – to correct the position of the lower jaw
- double jaw surgery (bimaxillary osteotomy) – to correct the position of both the upper and lower jaw
Which conditions does jaw surgery treat?
Jaw surgery can be helpful in the treatment of many conditions, including:
- a broken jaw (facial trauma)
- cleft lip and palate
- jaw cancer
- jaw cysts and tumours
- malocclusion, including overbite, overjet and underbite
- obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
- prognathism (when one or both jaws protrude beyond what is considered normal)
- TMJ disorders
- undersized or oversized jaws
Depending on why you need jaw surgery, some of the benefits of treatment can include:
- improved biting and chewing ability
- improved swallowing or speech
- tooth preservation
- improved bite
- a more balanced facial appearance
- ability to fully close your lips and improved comfort
- reduced TMJ pain
- improved appearance of facial injuries or birth defects of the face and jaw
- reduced obstructive sleep apnea symptoms
What does jaw surgery involve?
The exact steps of your procedure will depend on your unique situation and needs. Before your surgery, your consultant will talk you through the procedure, how to prepare and also what your recovery will look like.
Generally, jaw surgery will follow these steps:
Your surgeon will make incisions to access the area requiring treatment. These are usually made inside your mouth to avoid scarring, but in some cases, small cuts will also need to be made on your outer jaw.
They will then cut the jawbone and move it into the correct position.
Some of the bone may be removed or reshaped. In some cases, bone is taken from your hip, leg or rib and transferred into the jaw to enable the necessary corrections.
The jaw will then be secured with screws, wires or plates to hold the bones in place.
The incisions will be closed and dressed, and a splint will be placed over your teeth to add stability.
Corrective jaw surgery is a complex procedure and can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the type of surgery required.
Side effects and risks of jaw surgery
As with any procedure, there are some side effects of jaw surgery to be aware of. In the days and weeks after surgery, it’s normal to experience:
- pain and tenderness
- bruising
- swelling
- nasal congestion
- a sore throat
While there are also some risks associated with jaw surgery, these are very rare, and the benefits of treatment often outweigh any potential risks.
How to prepare for jaw surgery
Very little preparation is needed before having jaw surgery. However, you will be on a liquid diet for at least a few weeks, so it may be helpful to stock up on things like soups and smoothies in preparation for your recovery at home.
All jaw surgeries are performed under a general anaesthetic, so you will need to arrange to have someone to help you get home safely after the surgery.
What recovery is needed after jaw surgery?
Depending on the complexity of your procedure, you may go home on the same day, but you’ll likely need to stay in hospital for one to three nights for observation and care. Your consultant will make sure you have any painkillers and other medications you need before you go home to ensure you make the best possible recovery.
They will also give you advice to help with your recovery so that you have the best possible outcome. This may include:
- eating only liquid or very soft foods
- how to keep your mouth clean and reapply any dressings if necessary
- not smoking, vape or use tobacco products
- avoiding strenuous activity and getting plenty of rest
- how and when to take pain relief
- when to return to work (normally three to four days after surgery)
How much does jaw surgery cost?
Please get in touch with our Oral & Facial Health centre for pricing.
Why choose Welbeck?
At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Book your private consultation
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
FAQs
How long will it take for jaw surgery results to show?
Depending on the severity of your original condition, the results of jaw surgery can be noticeable almost immediately. However, full recovery can often take around 3 to 6 months for swelling to completely settle.
How long after jaw surgery can you talk?
Most patients are able to speak comprehensively 12 hours after surgery and normally within a few days, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your surgery and your level of pain.
Is swelling after jaw surgery normal?
Post-surgical swelling is completely normal and is an expected part of the recovery process. The swelling typically peaks in the first few days after surgery and gradually goes down over the following weeks and months.