Correcting Jaw Alignment for Comfort and Confidence
Jaw surgery or orthognathic surgery corrects alignment problems with the jaws and teeth. When braces and orthodontic work alone cannot solve jaw and tooth alignment problems, corrective jaw surgery can reposition the jaw to improve your bite. Patients who undergo orthognathic surgery can see improvements in their appearance as well as their ability to use their jaw comfortably.
Who needs orthognathic surgery?
Jaw alignment or bite problems can cause serious discomfort and oral health complications. Some jaw disorders can be corrected through simple lifestyle changes and the use of braces or other dental devices, but when these measures cannot correct jaw pain and alignment problems, patients should consider orthognathic surgery as their next step.
Improper bite and jaw alignment problems can occur for many different reasons. In some cases, the upper and lower jaw naturally develop at different rates, causing alignment problems. Sometimes a facial injury that is not treated properly can cause serious jaw problems. Often the jaw issues are present from birth because of a genetic disposition or other factors. Regardless of the cause of your jaw alignment issues, the oral surgeons at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can perform an examination of your jaw, including 3D scans, to fully understand your condition and form a customized treatment plan to fit your needs.
Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms should consider having an exam with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon:
- Problems chewing, biting, or swallowing food
- Difficulty opening the mouth all the way
- Chronic jaw pain
- Breathing problems or sleep apnea
- Problems closing the mouth or lips fully
Why Should I Get Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery can dramatically improve a person’s quality of life while also preventing future oral health problems from developing. Choosing to undergo corrective jaw surgery can give patients the following benefits:
- Improved ability to chew, eat, and speak
- Improved breathing
- Improved facial appearance
- Decreased likelihood of future tooth problems
If you are still unsure of whether you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation. One of our oral surgeons will be able to help you find a treatment plan that fits your individual needs.
Orthognathic Surgery Procedure
Corrective jaw surgery is typically a joint effort between you, your orthodontist, and your oral surgeon. First, your orthodontist will prepare the teeth for their new bite using braces. Then, your oral surgeon will separate the jaw bone and secure it into its new position. The entire surgery usually lasts between one and four hours. You will continue to wear braces during the healing phase, allowing your orthodontist to make any final, minor corrections to the bite.
Orthognathic surgery is an involved process, and our staff’s goal is to make sure you are well cared for throughout the entire procedure and recovery process. If you have any questions about the procedure, contact our office and one of our staff members will gladly assist you.
Recovery Timeline After Surgery
Recovery following orthognathic surgery is a staged healing process that varies slightly depending on surgical complexity and individual response. In the first 72 hours, swelling and tightness are expected, and patients are closely managed with medication and rest to support initial stabilization. During weeks one to two, swelling peaks gradually and begins to subside.A liquid diet is required, and speech may feel restricted due to swelling and jaw positioning. Most patients can resume light, non-strenuous activities during this phase, but fatigue is common.
Between weeks three and six, healing becomes more functional. Patients typically transition to soft foods as bone stability improves, and jaw mobility gradually increases. Follow-up evaluations are important during this stage to confirm proper alignment and healing progression. Full bone integration continues over several months as the bite settles into its final position after corrective jaw surgery, with ongoing monitoring to ensure long-term stability.
At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, recovery guidance is structured and closely monitored to support predictable healing outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if jaw surgery is medically necessary or cosmetic?
Jaw surgery is typically recommended when skeletal misalignment affects function such as chewing, speech, bite stability, or airway health, rather than appearance alone.
How long does the full treatment process take from start to finish?
The complete process, including orthodontic preparation, orthognathic surgery, and post-surgical refinement, often takes 12 to 24 months, depending on individual complexity.
Will my appearance change after surgery?
Yes, facial balance may change as the jaw position is corrected, but the primary goal is functional improvement.Any aesthetic changes are a natural result of structural realignment.
What is recovery like in terms of daily life limitations?
Patients typically experience dietary restrictions, temporary speech changes, and reduced activity levels during early healing, gradually returning to normal routines over several weeks.
Why Choose Us For Corrective Jaw Surgery
At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, treatment for jaw correction is guided by detailed diagnostic evaluation and surgical planning.Advanced imaging and diagnostic records are used to evaluate jaw relationships before surgery, allowing for precise planning and predictable surgical positioning. Our surgical team works in coordination with orthodontic providers to ensure that tooth positioning and jaw alignment are sequenced correctly throughout treatment. For patients requiring additional reconstruction or restorative care, including dental implant services, treatment planning is integrated to ensure overall oral function is restored in a coordinated and biologically stable way. Care is delivered to patients across Surgery Sioux Falls, SD, and surrounding communities, with a focus on structured planning, surgical precision, and continuity of care throughout the entire treatment process.