Key Takeaways
- Jaw surgery may help when jawbone alignment affects your bite, chewing, speech, or facial balance.
- Braces move teeth, but jaw surgery corrects problems with the underlying jawbones.
- Oral surgeons work with orthodontists to plan and coordinate corrective jaw surgery and recovery.
Know When Jaw Surgery Might Be the Right Answer
Jaw surgery is a type of treatment that focuses on the bones of your upper and lower jaw, not just the teeth. It is different from routine dental care, which mostly centers on fillings, cleanings, and simple extractions. Jaw surgery is performed by hospital-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons, specialists whose training goes beyond that of general dentists and who are experienced in caring for both the teeth and the facial bones.
People consider jaw surgery for many reasons. Common ones include trouble chewing or biting, frequent jaw pain or stiffness, an open bite or underbite, speech changes, or a facial profile that feels out of balance. Sometimes these issues are obvious, and sometimes they show up slowly over time.
When you recognize these signs early, treatment is often easier and more predictable. Our goal is to help patients understand what their symptoms may mean so they can move toward better comfort, better function, and more confidence in their bite and smile.
Everyday Signs Your Jaw May Need More Than Braces
Many people think braces or clear aligners can fix every bite problem. Orthodontic treatment can move teeth, but it cannot move the jawbones very far. When the upper and lower jaws do not line up well, braces alone may not be enough.
Functional red flags include:
- Ongoing trouble chewing or biting into foods
- Feeling like your teeth never meet evenly, even after braces
- Needing to cut most foods into tiny pieces just to eat comfortably
- Jaw tiredness or tightness when eating regular meals
There are also visible and sensory signs that your jaw might need more than orthodontics:
- Chronic mouth breathing instead of nose breathing
- Strain when trying to close your lips together at rest
- A chin or jawline that looks off-center in photos
- A bite that looks open in the front, so the back teeth touch but the front teeth do not
An orthodontist does a great job lining up teeth. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon looks at the foundation under those teeth, the upper and lower jawbones, and how they relate to the rest of the face. When the bones themselves are out of position, the surgeon and orthodontist often need to work together to get a stable and healthy bite.
How Oral Surgeons Diagnose Complex Jaw Problems
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete dental training, then go on for additional hospital-based surgical training focused on the mouth, jaws, and face. This advanced pathway means they are more than general dentists. They are surgical specialists prepared to manage complex jaw and facial conditions that go beyond the scope of routine dental offices.
At a jaw surgery consultation, you can expect several key steps:
- A detailed review of your medical and dental history
- A discussion of your main concerns, such as chewing, speech, or appearance
- A thorough exam of your teeth, bite, jaw movement, and facial balance
Advanced digital imaging is often used, including X-rays and sometimes 3D scans. These images help the surgeon see the exact position of your jaws and teeth, the shape of the jaw joints, and how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other and to the rest of your face.
Oral surgeons often work closely with general dentists and orthodontists. Together, they plan the timing of any orthodontic treatment and surgery. This team approach helps create a customized plan that focuses on function, comfort, and long-term stability, not just how things look in the mirror.
When Jaw Surgery Becomes the Best Option
Jaw surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, is usually recommended for more significant bite or jaw issues. Common reasons include:
- Severe overbite or underbite that braces alone cannot fix
- Significant open bite where the front teeth do not touch
- Major facial asymmetry where one side of the jaw sits higher or farther forward
- Long-term trouble chewing and biting that affects food choices or comfort
For many patients, the potential benefits are both functional and cosmetic. Better jaw alignment can improve chewing and make it easier to enjoy a wider range of foods. It can also help with clearer speech in some cases. For certain patients, changing jaw position can open the airway and make breathing during sleep easier.
There is also a positive effect on facial balance. A more even jawline or a better relationship between the upper and lower jaws can lead to a profile that feels more natural and balanced. That can lead to more confidence at any age, whether you are a teen, a young adult, or a senior. For people across Eastern South Dakota and the Greater Sioux Falls region, having jaw surgery with an experienced oral surgery team makes it possible to receive hospital-level care close to home.
What to Expect Before and After Jaw Surgery
Planning for jaw surgery usually takes time and careful coordination. Orthodontic preparation is common, so braces or aligners may be used before and after surgery to fine-tune the bite. Pre-surgical records, including photos, models of your teeth, and digital scans, help the surgeon plan the exact movements needed during surgery.
Before surgery, your surgeon will review:
- The surgical plan and what will happen step by step
- The type of anesthesia and where the surgery will take place
- How long you can expect to be away from school, work, or sports
- What you will need at home to stay comfortable during early recovery
Recovery is different for each person, but most patients can expect swelling, soreness, and a soft-food or liquid diet for a period of time. As healing progresses, you slowly return to more normal foods and activities. Many people aim to schedule jaw surgery during a break in their schedule, like part of the summer, so they have time to rest without missing too much school, work, or sports.
Follow-up visits are important so your surgeon and orthodontist can check healing, adjust elastics or braces, and make sure your new bite is settling in well. With good planning and support, most patients find that each week after surgery gets a little easier.
Choosing the Right Oral Surgeon in Eastern South Dakota
When you are thinking about jaw surgery, choosing the right oral surgeon is an important step. Things you may want to look for include:
- Hospital-based training in oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Experience with corrective jaw surgery for a wide range of ages
- Access to modern imaging and anesthesia options
- A team that is comfortable working with your dentist and orthodontist
A dedicated oral surgery practice focuses on advanced care like jaw surgery, dental implants, and complex tooth removal, instead of routine cleanings or fillings. That focus helps the team stay current and comfortable with more involved procedures.
It is reasonable to ask questions about how the process works, how the team coordinates with your other providers, and what kind of support they offer from the first visit through full healing. Feeling heard and informed is a big part of feeling ready to move forward with jaw surgery anywhere in Eastern South Dakota or the Greater Sioux Falls region.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier, More Confident Smile
If you recognize some of the signs in your own bite, speech, or facial profile, it may be time to learn whether jaw surgery could help. Problems with jaw alignment often become more noticeable over time, and addressing them earlier can make treatment smoother and results more stable.
Teens, adults, and seniors can all benefit from a careful evaluation of their jaws and bite. Age alone does not decide who is a good candidate. What matters most is your overall health, your goals, and the specific way your jaw and teeth fit together.
If you are considering jaw surgery in Sioux Falls, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage of care. At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we take time to understand your goals so we can recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs. Reach out to our team today through our contact page to schedule a consultation and get started.