What Is Orthognathic Surgery and When Is It Needed?
When it comes to achieving a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile, orthodontic treatment often focuses on aligning teeth with braces or clear aligners. However, in some cases, jaw alignment issues go beyond what orthodontics alone can fix. That’s where orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, comes in.
At E-Orthodontics in Tustin, CA, we specialize in advanced orthodontic care, including surgical orthodontics designed to correct jaw irregularities and restore both function and appearance. Whether you’re dealing with difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing—or want to improve your facial balance—orthognathic surgery may be the key to a lasting, healthy smile.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a corrective surgical procedure that realigns the upper and lower jaws to achieve proper bite, symmetry, and balance between facial features. The term “orthognathic” literally means “straight jaw,” and the procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon working closely with an orthodontist.
This treatment is typically recommended when the upper and lower jaws don’t meet correctly, or when the facial bones are misaligned due to genetics, growth discrepancies, or trauma. While braces or aligners can move teeth within the jaw, orthognathic surgery repositions the jaw itself for improved function and aesthetics.
Why Jaw Alignment Matters
Your jaw plays a vital role in more than just your smile—it affects how you speak, chew, and breathe. When the jaw is misaligned, it can cause multiple long-term issues such as:
Difficulty biting or chewing food
Speech impediments
Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
Sleep apnea or breathing difficulties
Excessive tooth wear or damage
Asymmetrical facial appearance
Correcting these structural problems through orthognathic surgery doesn’t just improve function—it can also significantly enhance facial harmony, self-confidence, and quality of life.
When Is Orthognathic Surgery Needed?
While not everyone with a misaligned bite requires surgery, there are certain cases where orthodontic treatment alone isn’t enough. You might be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you experience:
1. Severe Bite Problems
If you have an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite that can’t be corrected with braces or Invisalign alone, surgery may be necessary to reposition the jaws.
2. Facial Imbalance
Jaw misalignment can cause the face to appear uneven—for example, a receding chin, protruding jaw, or asymmetrical smile. Orthognathic surgery helps bring balance to facial proportions.
3. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
When the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, everyday activities like eating or talking can become challenging. Surgery restores alignment, improving comfort and function.
4. Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain
Misaligned jaws can strain the joints and muscles, leading to headaches, clicking, or pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Corrective surgery can help relieve these symptoms.
5. Breathing or Sleep Issues
Jaw position affects airway space. In some cases, orthognathic surgery can help treat obstructive sleep apnea by opening the airway and improving breathing patterns.
The Orthognathic Surgery Process
At E-Orthodontics, every patient’s journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our expert orthodontists evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment using digital imaging and 3D scans to determine the most effective treatment plan.
Here’s what you can expect during the orthognathic surgery process:
1. Orthodontic Preparation
Before surgery, you’ll typically undergo orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners to properly position your teeth. This phase ensures your bite will align correctly once the jaw is repositioned.
2. Surgical Procedure
The surgery itself is performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon, usually in a hospital or specialized surgical setting. The surgeon makes precise adjustments to the upper, lower, or both jaws. Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no visible scars.
3. Recovery & Post-Surgery Care
Recovery usually takes a few weeks, during which you’ll follow a soft-food diet and attend follow-up visits. Most patients return to normal activities within 2–4 weeks. Your orthodontist will continue fine-tuning your bite after surgery to ensure optimal results.
Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery offers both functional and aesthetic benefits that go far beyond improving your smile. Here are a few life-changing advantages:
Improved Bite and Chewing Efficiency – Say goodbye to discomfort while eating.
Enhanced Facial Balance – Achieve a more symmetrical, natural-looking appearance.
Better Speech and Breathing – Jaw realignment often improves airway function and speech clarity.
Reduced Jaw Pain – Relieves stra
