Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to realign the jaws. The aim of surgery is to improve any functional concerns. These concerns may include inefficient chewing, altered speech, accelerated damage to the teeth or oral soft tissues (gums or cheeks), obstructed breathing or myofascial pain dysfunction. The ultimate goal of corrective jaw surgery is to provide the most natural balance between a child’s forehead, nose, cheeks, lips and chin while creating the best dental bite. Because the teeth must move with the jaws, care is always coordinated with an orthodontist so that orthodontic treatment with braces takes place at the same time.

It is estimated that 2.5 to 5 percent of people will have a jaw size discrepancy that is significant enough to benefit from surgery. There are different types of dentofacial deformities such as a prominent lower jaw, a small lower jaw, an open bite and asymmetry of the jaws. Any child with functional concerns related to the jaws may be a candidate. Evaluation by one of our specialists can determine if surgery is the right choice for your child.

Generally, a jaw deformity is considered a developmental problem, meaning that the effects develop over time and continue to progress with normal maturation. Since the full effect of the problem is not known until growth is complete, it is highly unusual to perform this surgery unless the adolescent growth spurt is nearly complete. This means that most of the time an orthodontist will monitor your child’s growth until they are 14 or 15 years of age before beginning to think about surgical care.

Once it is determined that combined surgery and orthodontic treatment is required, the goal is for all treatment to be completed within 2 to 3 years. Orthodontic care begins first, although it is best to see a surgeon before starting braces so that everyone is in agreement about the planning. Usually, surgery will take place after 12 to 18 months of orthodontic treatment. The surgical component of care usually requires about 6 weeks for surgery and recovery, although every child is different.

Corrective jaw surgery is not cosmetic or dental surgery, but rather it is surgery on the bones of face. It should be covered just as any orthopedic (bone) surgery is covered. Unfortunately, health insurance is changing rapidly in the United States and some carriers are now denying this surgery. Be prepared to go through an appeal, and check your policy to make sure this type of surgery is not excluded. Know that our team of dedicated insurance experts are here to guide you through every step of the way.