Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or both, so the teeth meet correctly and the jaws work properly. Because the jaws shape the lower and middle face, correcting them often improves facial balance too, for example reducing a protruding lower jaw or bringing forward a receding one.
Jaw surgery is always planned together with orthodontic treatment. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist work as a team from planning through to final healing.
Surgery is carried out once facial growth has finished, usually after about 14–16 years of age for women and 17–21 years for men.
A Good Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery
People who have some problems and want to improve both aesthetics and functions of the jaw and teeth as follows;
- Chewing or biting
- Swallowing, speaking, and breathing
- Minimize broken teeth
- The open bits
- Unbalance the facial feature
- The ability of the lips to fully close comfortably
- Pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- Relief for obstructive sleep apnea
Treatment Timeline
- Orthodontics before surgery: braces align the teeth to fit the planned new jaw position. This usually takes 12–18 months.
- Surgery: the jaws are repositioned.
- Orthodontics after surgery: final adjustments so the upper and lower teeth fit together properly and the jaw joints aren’t strained.
Types of Jaw Surgery
The procedure is usually performed intraorally. Incision scars show on the chin, jaw, or around the mouth. The surgeon cuts the jawbones and moves them into the correct position. Once your jaw movement is completed, the miniplate and screws, wires, and rubber bands may be used to secure the bones into their new location. Jaw surgery may be performed on the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or any combination.
1. Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Osteotomy / Le Fort I)
Upper jaw surgery may correct:
- An upper jaw that protrudes or is set back
- A crossbite
- Too much or too little of the teeth showing
- An open bite, where the front teeth don’t meet when biting. If untreated, this can make it hard to bite through food, cause unclear speech and abnormal swallowing, and lead to a long face. Mild cases can be treated with braces alone, but more severe cases need surgery.
- Reduced growth of the middle of the face
The surgeon cuts the bone above the tooth roots, so the upper jaw and teeth move as one unit. The jaw is moved forward, backward, up or down to fit the lower teeth, excess bone is trimmed, and the jaw is fixed in its new position with plates and screws. The position is planned in advance using X-rays and computer planning.
2. Lower Jaw Surgery (Mandibular Osteotomy / Sagittal Split)
Lower jaw surgery may be performed to correct the following problems:
- Receding lower jaw
- Protruding lower jaw
The surgeon cuts behind the molars and lengthwise down the jawbone so the front of the jaw can move as one unit. The jaw can be moved to its new position, either forward or backward. Plates and screws hold the jawbone together as it heals.
3. Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Osteotomy)
The upper and lower jaws are repositioned in the same operation. For example, a protruding upper jaw can be moved back while a receding lower jaw is brought forward, so the teeth meet correctly and both jaws are balanced with the face. It’s planned with a CT scan, and the front teeth are fine-tuned with orthodontics afterwards. Double jaw surgery is more complex and has a longer recovery than single jaw surgery.
4. Chin Surgery (Genioplasty)
The chin can be moved or reshaped at the same time as jaw surgery, or the jaw angle can be reduced, for a more balanced face. See Chin Reduction / Genioplasty and Jaw Reduction.
Surgical Planning
Your surgeon and orthodontist plan the operation using X-rays, a CT scan, photos, dental impressions or scans, and computer planning. This determines exactly where the bone is cut and how far each jaw moves, so the teeth fit together and the face is balanced.
The Procedure
- Surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon under general anesthesia.
- Incisions are made inside the mouth along the jaw, so there are usually no visible scars on the face.
- The surgeon cuts the upper or lower jaw, moves it into the planned position, and fixes it with small plates and screws.
- In some cases, a bone graft is added.
- The incisions are closed.
The operation takes about 2–4 hours, followed by a hospital stay of about 2–4 days.
Postoperative Care
Pain
- Pain relief is given by injection at first, then as a strong liquid medicine.
- Take pain medication with a small amount of food to protect your stomach.
- Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
Swelling and bruising
- Swelling and bruising peak 2–3 days after surgery.
- Apply cold compresses to the cheeks, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, during the first 48 hours, and continue for 3–4 days.
- Keep your head raised when sitting or lying down.
- Gentle facial massage, as advised, and a facial support garment can help reduce swelling.
Bite and jaw position
- Your teeth may be wired together for the first 1–2 weeks, followed by elastic bands between the upper and lower teeth to guide your bite. Elastics can usually be removed to eat and must be replaced afterwards.
- Avoid opening your mouth wide in the first week.
- Use any elastics, splints or braces exactly as instructed.
Oral hygiene
- Sip plenty of water from the first day to keep your mouth clean and moist and to prevent dehydration.
- Rinse with mouthwash often.
- Brush your teeth and braces gently with a soft child’s toothbrush, avoiding the incisions.
- Don’t suck hard on straws, which can disturb the incisions.
General
- Take all medication as prescribed, including antibiotics, which are usually given as liquids.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol during recovery, as they slow healing.
- Rest, avoid talking or moving your jaw too much, and avoid strenuous exercise. Gentle walking is fine in the first 1–2 weeks.
- Recovery can affect your mood, because daily life is limited for a while. Support from family or friends helps. Tell your surgeon if you feel low or anxious.
- Contact your surgeon straight away if you have severe pain, bleeding, persistent fever, increasing swelling, or discharge from the incisions.
- Attend every follow-up appointment.
Diet After Jaw Surgery
- First week: clear and nutritious liquids taken through a straw, such as milk, rice water and clear soup.
- After 1–2 weeks: once any wiring is removed, soft foods such as rice porridge, gradually progressing as advised by your surgeon or dietitian.
- First 1–3 months: soft food only. The jaw can’t yet withstand normal chewing, so nutritional supplements may be needed, including calcium and vitamin D for bone healing.
- After about 2–3 months: gradually return to chewing normal food.
- Avoid hot, spicy or hard food in the early weeks.
Recovery Timeline
- 2–4 days: hospital stay.
- About 1–3 weeks: return to work or school.
- About 1 month: return to exercise.
- About 6 weeks: initial bone healing.
- 6–12 weeks: complete bone healing.
- 2–3 months: swelling settles and the new facial shape becomes clear.
Risks and Complications
Corrective Jaw Surgery is generally safe when performed by an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with an orthodontist. Risks and complications of the surgery, however, may include:
- Blood loss
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Jaw fracture
- Relapse of the jaw to the original position
- Problems with bite fit and jaw joint pain
- Need for a second surgery
- Need for root canal therapy on selected teeth
- Loss of a portion of the jaw
Results
Correcting the alignment of your jaws and teeth with jaw surgery can result in:
- The balanced appearance of your lower face
- Improved function of your teeth
- Health benefits from improved sleep, breathing, chewing and swallowing
- Improvement in speech
- Improved appearance
Before & After of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Reviews for Corrective Jaw Surgery
Video : Corrective Jaw Surgery
Why Choose Kamol Hospital in Bangkok for Corrective Jaw Surgery
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeons working with orthodontists: Your treatment is planned jointly from the start, so your bite and facial balance are corrected together.
- CT and computer planning: The bone cuts and jaw movements are planned precisely before surgery.
- Upper, lower and double jaw surgery: Including genioplasty and jaw contouring in the same operation where needed.
- No visible facial scars: Incisions are placed inside the mouth.
- Detailed aftercare: Guidance on diet, oral hygiene, elastics and recovery, with regular follow-up.
- Hospital-level safety: Anesthesiologists and nurses experienced in facial bone surgery, in a JCI-accredited hospital.
- Support for international patients: Multilingual coordinators and Kamol Trip help you plan your stay in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need braces before and after jaw surgery?
Yes, in almost all cases. Braces are used for about 12–18 months before surgery to line the teeth up for the new jaw position, and for a period afterwards to fine-tune the bite. If you live outside Thailand, your local orthodontist can often manage this phase in coordination with our surgeons.
Should I have single or double jaw surgery?
It depends on which jaw is out of position. If only the upper or lower jaw is the problem, single jaw surgery may be enough. If both jaws contribute to the bite problem or facial imbalance, double jaw surgery gives a more balanced result. Your surgeon will decide after reviewing your CT scan and orthodontic records.
Will I have visible scars?
Usually not. Corrective jaw surgery is performed through incisions inside the mouth, so there are normally no scars on the face.
Will my jaw be wired shut?
Some patients have their teeth wired together for 1–2 weeks after surgery, followed by elastic bands that guide the bite and can be removed to eat. During this time, you’ll take liquid nutrition through a straw.
How is corrective jaw surgery different from jaw reduction?
Corrective jaw surgery moves the jaws to fix how the teeth meet, and is planned with braces. Jaw reduction reshapes or slims the jawbone for appearance, without changing the bite. Some patients need both, and they can sometimes be combined.
Will I have numbness after surgery?
Numbness of the lower lip, chin or cheeks is common after jaw surgery, because sensory nerves run through the jawbones. In most patients, sensation improves gradually over several months. Permanent numbness is uncommon but possible, and your surgeon will discuss your individual risk.
Is it worth travelling to Bangkok, Thailand for corrective jaw surgery?
Bangkok, Thailand has become a popular destination for patients seeking specialist surgical care, including corrective jaw surgery. Patients may benefit from experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontic planning, well-equipped hospitals, and coordinated care throughout the treatment process. Kamol Hospital provides treatment planning and surgical care with a focus on both jaw function and facial balance.
How long should I stay in Bangkok?
Plan to stay in Bangkok for about 2–3 weeks after surgery. This includes 2–4 days in hospital and follow-up checks of your bite and healing before you fly home. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery takes longer, so plan with your orthodontist and our team in advance. Kamol Trip can arrange accommodation close to the hospital.
