Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery may be recommended when the upper and lower jaws are not in a healthy relationship and orthodontic treatment alone cannot correct the problem.

In these cases, treatment usually combines orthodontics with surgery. The orthodontist prepares the teeth so they can come together properly, while the oral surgeon repositions the jaw to improve alignment, function, and facial balance.

The goal is not simply to change appearance. Jaw surgery is planned to improve the way the bite works and to address functional concerns related to the position of the jaws.

When Might Jaw Surgery Be Considered?

Some jaw differences become noticeable as the face develops. Others may be related to an injury, a congenital condition, or a significant imbalance between the growth of the upper and lower jaws.

An evaluation may be recommended if you have concerns such as:

• Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
• Problems with swallowing
• Speech changes related to jaw position
• An open bite or other significant bite imbalance
• A lower jaw that appears unusually prominent or recessed
• Certain breathing concerns
• Persistent jaw discomfort associated with alignment

These concerns do not automatically mean surgery is needed. The first step is understanding whether the problem comes primarily from the teeth, the jaws, or a combination of both.

How Treatment Is Planned

Jaw surgery requires coordination well before the day of the procedure.

Your oral surgeon will evaluate your bite, jaw position, facial proportions, medical history, and dental health. Detailed imaging is used to study how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another and to plan any movements that may be needed.

If surgery is appropriate, your orthodontist and oral surgeon work together throughout treatment. Orthodontic care usually begins before surgery so the teeth are positioned correctly for the new jaw relationship.

This coordinated planning helps each stage of treatment support the next.

Using Digital Planning for Jaw Surgery

Modern imaging allows the surgical team to study the jaws in three dimensions before treatment begins.

Digital planning can be used to evaluate the bite, measure jaw relationships, and map out the movements planned during surgery. It also gives your surgeon a clearer way to explain what is being changed and why.

Rather than relying on a general idea of the expected result, treatment can be planned around your individual anatomy.

Working With Your Orthodontist

Orthognathic treatment is usually a team effort.

Your orthodontist manages the position of the teeth before and after surgery. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon is responsible for correcting the underlying jaw position.

Keeping these parts of treatment coordinated helps create a bite that functions properly once healing and orthodontic treatment are complete.

What to Expect Before Moving Forward

Corrective jaw surgery is a significant treatment decision, so understanding the plan matters.

At Silver Spring Implant & Oral Surgery, your doctor will review your imaging, explain the reason surgery is being considered, and walk you through the expected treatment sequence, recovery, benefits, and risks.

The goal is to make the process feel clear and organized so you can make an informed decision about your care.