Orthognathic or Jaw surgery is a combination of an orthodontic and a surgical treatment approach to correct dental and jaw disharmonies. Corrective jaw surgery can help one who suffers from an imbalanced jaw which is closely related to facial traumas, diseases or genetic anomalies.

The upper and lower jaws are the foundations from which teeth are aligned. One who suffers from jaw irregularity may find it challenging to bite or chew, and it can also affect the person’s speech development and overall sleep quality. Braces can correct dental abnormalities such as crooked teeth and poor bites, but not disharmonies of jaw position or size.

Jaw disharmonies affect one’s facial appearance, and also the quality of life. Such cases can only be corrected surgically and it can address problems such as a protruded or retruded chin, excessive exposure of gums, facial asymmetry and elongation of the face.

For such cases, orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery is advisable. The surgery will be performed by a craniofacial specialist who will restore the jaw’s functionality and aesthetic appearance back to normal.

After surgery, it will take between 2 to 4 weeks for the major swelling to subside, and any remaining swelling will gradually subside over the next few months.