What is Orthognathic Surgery? [Jaw Surgery with Braces Explained]

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery, corrects misalignment of the jaw bones. It also helps with activities like chewing and swallowing. Orthognathic surgery can even improve your profile and facial appearance. 

Jaw surgery is usually done in combination with braces, Invisalign, or some other orthodontic procedure. Jaw surgery and braces is a great option for patients who have significant bite problems that may not be able to be fixed with orthodontics alone.

But you don’t have to worry about making this decision on your own. Orthodontists will work with an oral surgeon to best determine the treatment plan that is right for each patient. The orthodontist generally handles the braces or Invisalign portion, while the oral surgeon performs the operation.

But don’t worry, in this video Dr. Ty talks more about Orthognathic surgery and if you will need it!

To learn more about Invisalign & Braces or to get started, check out the following articles on our website:

What Is Orthognathic Surgery Or Jaw Surgery:

How Do Braces Work:

The Ultimate Guide To Adult Braces:

Invisalign Vs. Braces:

A Guide To The Cost of Braces & Invisalign:

Located in Arizona & thinking about getting started with braces or Invisalign?

Call us at [phone] or visit our website to schedule a free consultation:

#PremierOrthodontics #Braces #JawSurgery

[conorjames]

I had this surgey 9 years ago not long after I turned 18. Changed my life for the better!

[averygayhuman]

Hi! I am a 16 year old female who had a double jaw surgery to correct an uneven jaw and overbite right before my birthday. My family and I had always known that I would likely need surgery; we had tried other options when I was still growing, but in the end, we knew I’d have to have it. So, I wanted to share with you my experience, and tell you guys all of the most important stuff!

1. APPEARANCE.
Believe it or not, the jaws affect SO MUCH MORE than just your jawline! I remember, on my last few months, I noticed so many unappealing features after a friend’s sister pointed out that my face was asymmetrical as a joke. I had, of course, the crooked jawline- but I had no idea how much it affected my entire face. Well- okay, it’s more like my family, friends, and even some doctors didn’t know hahah. One side always seemed to have more of a jawline than the other (left had the most, right had the least). This is to be expected- after all, I did literally have a crooked jaw- but even my nose, lips, and eyes were affected too! My nose had a dip in it just after my nasal bone and made a strange curve. However, after my upper jaw was moved forward? The dip was gone! Before surgery, I had also noticed my eyes were uneven too. One seemed to be higher than the other and more distal, but after surgery, that fixed too! With the new area, my lips were also able to protrude more- it actually looks like I had some kind of filler! To me, the appearance always mattered the most, and I have to say- if you have good insurance? This procedure will give you not only a better way of life, but also cosmetic improvements that would’ve costed THOUSANDS for other people.

2. RECOVERY
For me, recovery has been very well! It can be scary to think about- but I’m going to be honest- pain wise? If you are ever in pain, the worst it feels like is a bit of sore gums and MAYBE a toothache, which can be fixed right up with medication. The worst part, I’d say, is the swelling. The swelling can be scary, because your face looks completely different- but I was very lucky to get my swelling in my cheeks! I kind of just look like I have a baby face lol. If it weren’t for bruising, I’d even say by about day 6-7 you can go out! You’ll look very different, but not a bad different whatsoever! The eating part might not be pleasant if you enjoy food, but overall, I would say it’s worth it.

My Specific Case:
So my case, I will admit, was a lot different I think. I had a very wonderful surgeon who had tons of experience. Also, I am generally healthy, and let me tell you- I knew that my asymmetry in my face was just caused by the surgery all along. NO ONE believed me. You might not either- it is crazy to think that a movement of jaws changes everything- but it is absolutely true! The surgeon said that I was one of the easiest patients to work on. I ended up not needing the movement of my chin- my face was just fine after the surgery due to delicate, more feminine features, the plastic surgeon said. I can’t tell you how comforting that was to hear. This jaw problem can totally cause your natural beauty to not be able to show, and having it fixed just shows how gorgeous you really are.

Overall, the jaw surgery is completely worth it!! I’ve had so much more confidence, and am even considering trying out modeling. (Just make up for now- my body still needs some help lol). I know of one girl who had this same surgery- it increased her confidence so much, she went to France, where she became a successful model! Always trust your doctors and what they say, but if you commit to this surgery, I promise, it’ll be worth your time. Not eating for a while may suck, but I’m about a week in, and even with the swelling still here, I can confidently tell you this will be the best decision you ever make for yourself. You can completely change your life.

[sohsaraaa]

Thanks for the illustrations, the surgery procedure is so much clearer and easier to envision.

[austinjackson]

I’m about 6 months post op now. Would absolutely recommend this procedure. Changed my life.

[SlowedFavSongs]

I'm going to have braces next week and I think I'm going to do an orthognathic surgery next year. Pretty scared but I won't regret it. :')

[Isaiah-xilu]

I had two major jaw surgeries because the left side of my jaw wasn’t growing like it was supposed to. I had to get braces before the surgery and ended up having to have them on from 6th grade to my junior year of high school. It really made a difference for me and it no longer hurts to eat! Super thankful for my amazing surgeons. Thank you for all you do! (Also made my jaw line symmetrical and looks so much better now!)

[Jeroen]

A "brief period of time to adjust to a new facial appearance". A Youtuber I follow had double jaw surgery and it took her at least a full year of struggling and some professional mental health care to accept her 'new' face. That's not brief or easy. That said, the procedure has cured all of her bite problems and was definitely worth it.

[tjam]

Unfortunately, most lower Jaws that get retractive surgery are not protrusive.
Almost always the preferable position is to leave the lower jaw in the forward position, and just advance the maxilla as much as necessary. If the lower jaw is surgically retruded, the airway will be collapsed, increasing the likelihood of sleep apnea

The other thing I noticed, was the fact that there were some extremely narrow maxilla’s in this video, and maxillary SKEKETAL expansion was not performed, where you can see the patient would’ve most definitely benefited from maxillary expansion first.

I don’t blame these doctors though; very little is taught about jaw position and skeletal development and it’s relation to AIRWAY.
We Need to breath mainly through our noses! Whatever needs to be done to increase the ability to breathe through our noses needs to be focused-on (maxillary skeletal expansion) and the air then has to have minimal resistance making its way into the lungs, therefore keeping pharyngeal airway open (keeping mandible advanced) is also extremely important b

[knockeledup]

I had my lower jaw advanced back in 2003. Before the surgery could happen, and before the braces could go on, I had an appliance glued to my upper teeth. I think it was called a spacer. There was a little wheel in the part that covered the roof of my mouth and every night my mom had to take a key that fit into the wheel and turn it so that my upper jaw would expand. Eventually I had an enormous gap in my front teeth that thankfully closed after my braces were put on. I don’t remember much from the jaw surgery, just that I stayed overnight in the ICU then went home the next day. I had to wear a “jaw bra” to help with the swelling. My mouth wasn’t wired shut but just rubber banded. I went through a lot of Jell-O in the immediate aftermath. The surgery was considered medically necessary but I don’t remember having any issues with chewing or speaking before it was done and my profile didn’t change much.

[anoukc]

I had a double jaw surgery with genioplasty in 2019 and I love the results!

[Priva_C]

My orthodontist wanted me to get DJS first (before braces) They installed the brackets a week before surgery and plan to finish the braces installation 8 weeks later. I'm on week 6 post-op. I started off as a class III underbite and crossbite. I have a pretty significant overbite now after surgery. From what I've been told, the overbite is normal and the braces will fix this. The reason the overbite is bigger is because they accounted for the expected relapse which is common and expected in my case. I'm really hoping everything aligns perfectly after the braces and relapse like they're predicting.

[RaymondHng]

3:22 I had mandibular set back surgery after removal of the four wisdom teeth. My lower lip is permanently numb because of this procedure. I was already informed beforehand of this resulting condition. But I have a great set of teeth.

[polymathecian]

Impressive presentation! To the point but also thorough!

[ryansage]

Lol I’m getting this surgery done in a year or so… I’m super nervous but excited

[daveboutflour]

Does the bone heal back to 100% strength in the jaw? Or is there a weakness. After full recovery are their any restrictions to life? Could I become a MMA fighter if I chose to

[rebeccachapman]

I had the lower jaw solo underbite surgery when I was 17 and I am so glad I did. I can't imagine the problems I'd be having right now if I didn't totally worth it! And of course, there's a great story behind it because the day after my surgery I'm in recovery about to be moved to a normal room but then we have the big blackout of '03 that covered most of New York State, Ohio and vast majority of Southern Ontario where I was! In the end I got sent home 2 days early! 😆

[mattysqueezesofficial]

One of my biggest regrets not having it done when I had a chance. I’m 30 years old now and I had a chance when I was just 12 years old to get it done but I was too scared to get it done. My parents should’ve forced me to get it done because I live in so much pain today, I stutter, my teeth are screwed up badly, I’ve worn them down so much, I have breathing problems, sleep issues & anxiety is through the roof. Whatever you do get it done. You’ll thank yourself later that you made that decision. Don’t live in regret like I do. It’s too expensive for me to afford rn.

[MsPoppyShows]

I’m gonna be getting this surgery probobly this year

[Jesusvillarreal]

I need jaw surgery ASAP cuz it's been 5 years with it and they people don't cover medicate

[dilkiamarasekara]

I need to do this surgery ..but very expensive ..