Corrective jaw surgery

Misaligned jaws can affect how your mouth closes, making eating, speaking, and breathing difficult. Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper and lower jaws to improve how they function and look. This procedure treats conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, malocclusion (such as overbites, underbites, and crowded teeth), and jaw problems caused by facial trauma, congenital jaw deformities, or disease.

Jaw reconstruction surgery is done by maxillofacial surgeons, who specialize in treating problems with the jaw, face, and mouth. Orthodontists may work with surgeons to plan treatment, using braces or other devices to move teeth into the right position before surgery. Penn Medicine surgeons have extensive experience with complex jaw surgeries. We’re also home to one of the largest centers for treating TMJ.

Your provider may recommend jaw correction surgery if you have significant jaw or teeth misalignment that affects function or appearance. This surgery is usually suggested after jaw growth is complete, typically in early adulthood.

Common signs you may need jaw surgery include:

• Malocclusions of the teeth like severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
• Difficulty breathing, chewing, biting, or speaking
• Chronic jaw pain, discomfort, or disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Obstructive sleep apnea linked to jaw structure issues
• Facial asymmetry with noticeable differences in jaw size or position
• Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, that haven’t fixed the problem

Corrective jaw surgery isn’t a one-time event. It’s usually done along with orthodontic treatments like braces to get your teeth ready for the surgery. Once your teeth are properly adjusted, usually nine to 18 months, the surgery can happen. The surgery itself will align your upper and lower jaws, making them fit better and work properly. Braces may also be used to maintain teeth positioning after jaw surgery.

Jaw surgery is done in a hospital under anesthesia. The amount of time you spend in the hospital depends on your procedure—whether it’s on the upper jaw, lower jaw, or double corrective jaw surgery. Some people go home the same day after a simple procedure. However, most patients stay at least one night in the hospital, and some stay for three or four nights.

Recovering from jaw reconstruction surgery takes time. Right after surgery, you may feel swelling, soreness, and stiffness in your jaw—these reactions are normal and will improve as you heal. Your provider may recommend medications and ice packs to manage discomfort. Keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling.

You’ll likely need to follow a liquid or soft-food diet for a few weeks while your jaw heals. Focus on eating nutritious meals and avoid chewing harder foods until you’re fully healed.

Most people can return to work or school within two to four weeks, but full recovery typically takes several months.

Like any procedure, corrective jaw surgery carries potential risks, such as:

• Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure
• Infection at the surgical site
• Temporary or permanent numbness or nerve damage
• Reactions to general anesthesia
• The jaw shifting back to its original position (relapse)
• Jaw stiffness that may need physical therapy

Penn Medicine’s oral and maxillofacial surgeons use advanced techniques, including virtual surgical planning (VSP), for jaw correction surgery. This 3D modeling technology improves precision and efficiency in complex cases, often resulting in shorter surgeries and less time under anesthesia.

For those requiring corrective jaw surgery for TMJ, our surgeons are internationally recognized pioneers in the field. The Penn Center for Temporomandibular Joint Disease has extensive experience with complex jaw surgeries, which leads to better outcomes. Additionally, our Department of Orthodontics is considered one of the world’s premier programs.