Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery)

Orthognathic surgery corrects the structure of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both to restore proper alignment and improve how the jaws function together. Also called corrective jaw surgery or double jaw surgery, this procedure is often recommended when jaw misalignment cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.

For many people, jaw abnormalities affect much more than appearance. An improper positioned jaw can make it difficult to chew, bite or speak clearly. It can also contribute to breathing problems, such as snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), by narrowing the airway.

At Houston Methodist, oral and maxillofacial surgeons work closely with specialists across disciplines, including otolaryngology (ENT), sleep medicine and orthodontics, to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to restore function, improve your airway and enhance your overall quality of life.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

By correcting the underlying skeletal structure rather than only the position of the teeth, orthognathic surgery can improve a wide range of functional health issues — brain fog, chronic fatigue, difficulty eating, sleep apnea and more — while also creating facial balance.

Depending on your diagnosis, surgery may involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible) or both. Some patients also benefit from repositioning the chin or addressing other facial structures as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Orthognathic surgery is carefully planned using advanced imaging and digital technology to precisely map out each patient’s anatomy before surgery. At Houston Methodist, our surgeons develop personalized surgical plans designed around your unique anatomy, needs and treatment goals.

How Jaw Alignment Affects Your Health

The position of your jaws influences how your teeth fit together, how your airway functions and how efficiently you breathe during both the day and night. When the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, everyday activities may become more difficult and symptoms can extend well beyond the mouth. Depending on the underlying cause, jaw misalignment may contribute to:

 

 

Not every patient experiences the same symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation and sleep study (when indicated) can help determine whether jaw alignment is contributing to your condition and whether orthognathic surgery may be an appropriate treatment option.
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What Conditions Does Orthognathic Surgery Treat?

Orthognathic surgery may be recommended to correct skeletal abnormalities affecting the jaws, bite and airway, including:

Mandibular Hyperplasia

An overdeveloped lower jaw can result in an underbite, facial asymmetry or difficulty with chewing or speaking. 

Mandibular Hypoplasia

An underdeveloped lower jaw may cause a recessed chin, severe overbite, airway narrowing and difficulty chewing, breathing or sleeping.

Maxillary Hyperplasia

An overdeveloped upper jaw may cause an excessive overbite, gummy smile or difficulty closing the lips comfortably.

Maxillary Hypoplasia

An underdeveloped upper jaw may contribute to an underbite, crowding, airway narrowing or difficulty chewing, breathing or speaking.

Malocclusion

When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, chewing, speaking and long-term dental health may be affected.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA disrupts normal breathing patterns and sleep cycles, which may cause chronic fatigue, irritability, headaches or snoring. For certain patients, orthognathic surgery can enlarge the airway by repositioning the jaws, which reduces airway obstruction during sleep.

Why Choose Houston Methodist for Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery has traditionally required lengthy procedures, prolonged orthodontic treatment and recovery methods such as wiring shut the jaws. Houston Methodist oral and maxillofacial surgeons have pioneered a more personalized approach through custom orthognathic surgery.

 

Using advanced 3D imaging, state-of-the-art surgical planning and patient-specific custom plating, we tailor every procedure to your unique anatomy. From your initial evaluation through recovery, our specialists work together to determine whether surgery is the right treatment and, when it is, deliver highly personalized care designed to improve function and support your long-term health. 

 

Our goal is to determine the right treatment for you. If orthognathic surgery is not the best option, we will work with you to identify the specialists and therapies best suited to your needs.

Comprehensive Care Across Disciplines
Finding the right treatment starts with understanding the root cause of your symptoms

Successful orthognathic surgery begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons collaborate closely with specialists across multiple disciplines to determine whether surgery is the right treatment for your condition. Depending on your symptoms and health history, your evaluation may include advanced imaging, airway assessment, sleep studies and orthodontic planning. Along with your primary care doctor, your health team may include:

 

  • Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
  • Otolaryngologists (ENT doctors)
  • Sleep medicine specialists
  • Airway-focused dentists, orthodontists or periodontists
  • Neurologists
  • Nutrition specialists
  • Mental health professionals
Our Approach to Personalized Treatment
Advanced technology and coordinated care designed around you

At Houston Methodist, orthognathic surgery is planned around your unique anatomy using advanced imaging, collaborative surgical planning and state-of-the-art custom plating. This personalized approach allows our surgeons to perform this procedure in as little as one hour while eliminating the need for traditional jaw wiring in many patients.

 

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and your overall health. Most patients spend one night in the hospital before returning home to continue healing. Your doctor will provide detailed instructions to support a safe recovery, while also working closely with other specialists involved in your care to help ensure the best possible long-term outcomes well after your procedure.

Choose a Doctor at One of Our Locations

Finding the right treatment starts with accurate diagnosis and personalized care. Houston Methodist brings together specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), dentistry, sleep medicine and related disciplines to evaluate complex conditions and develop treatment plans tailored to your needs.

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