Corrective Jaw Surgery
If your jaw doesn’t line up the way it should, it can affect more than just your appearance. Corrective jaw surgery addresses the functional and aesthetic concerns that come with jaw misalignment — helping you bite, breathe, and feel better in your everyday life.
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Our expert oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring years of specialized experience in complex jaw procedures. Using innovative imaging and surgical planning technology, we develop a treatment plan built around your specific anatomy and goals. From your initial consultation through recovery, you’ll have a team that communicates clearly, moves carefully, and puts your long-term health first.
Signs You May Need Corrective Jaw Surgery
Some jaw problems develop gradually — and many people don’t realize surgery could be the solution. You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ discomfort
- An open bite, overbite, underbite, or protruding jaw
- Speech difficulties related to how your teeth and jaw align
- Facial asymmetry that affects your confidence
- Obstructive sleep apnea or ongoing breathing difficulties
If any of these sound familiar, an evaluation can help clarify whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery — also called orthognathic surgery — repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how your teeth and jaws work together. It’s used to treat conditions like malocclusion, TMJ disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and significant facial imbalance.
While braces can move teeth, they can’t change the position of the jaw itself. Oral surgery is what makes that possible. For many patients, it’s the step that finally resolves years of discomfort and functional difficulty — and changes their quality of life in ways they didn’t expect.
Your Consultation and Procedure
Your initial consultation is where everything begins. Your surgeon will take a full set of X-rays and 3D scans, review your dental and health history, and discuss what you’re experiencing day to day. From there, a personalized treatment plan is put together — often in coordination with your orthodontist.
Most patients complete a phase of orthodontic treatment before surgery to properly align the teeth in preparation. The procedure itself is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on whether one or both jaws are being repositioned. Your surgeon will walk you through every step before your procedure, so you know exactly what to expect.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
Jaw issues tend to get worse over time, not better. The sooner you come in for an evaluation, the sooner you’ll have a clear picture of your options. Our team is here to guide you honestly — and to help you make a decision that’s right for your health, your function, and your life.
Common Questions About Jaw Surgery
A bit of discomfort in the days following treatment is normal, and your care team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help set you up for success. If we prescribe you medication, please take it as directed. And if needed, you can take over the counter medications, as directed by your surgeon. Swelling and soreness are normal and to be expected, but they should subside over a few weeks.
Most patients return to light, everyday activity within one to three weeks. A full recovery — including complete bone healing — typically takes three to six months. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits throughout that time to monitor your progress and clear you for each stage of normal activity.
Yes, in most cases. Orthodontic treatment is typically part of the treatment plan — both before and after surgery. Braces before surgery help position your teeth properly so the jaw can be moved into its correct alignment. Post-surgery orthodontics fine-tune the bite once the jaw has healed. Your surgeon and orthodontist will work together to coordinate the full timeline.
Braces are designed to move teeth — not the jaw itself. If your bite issues stem from how your jaw is positioned, orthodontic treatment alone won’t fully correct the problem. During your consultation, your surgeon will review your imaging and explain clearly whether surgery is necessary, or whether other options may be appropriate for your situation.
It depends on your plan and how the procedure is classified. When jaw surgery is performed to correct a functional problem — like difficulty chewing, breathing issues, or TMJ disorders — it is often considered medically necessary and may be covered in part by medical or dental insurance. Our team can help you understand your benefits and navigate the prior authorization process.
TESTIMONIALS
Patient Testimonials
The best measure of our care is the experience of the people we treat. Read what patients across New Jersey have to say about their time with our team.
