Orthognathic Jaw Surgery in Provo, American Fork, and Price, Utah
When the upper and lower jaws do not align properly, the effects can extend beyond the way your smile looks. Jaw misalignment may interfere with biting, chewing, speaking, breathing, and overall facial balance.
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the jaws when orthodontics alone cannot correct a skeletal alignment problem. Utah Oral Surgeons provides corrective jaw surgery consultations and coordinated treatment for patients in Provo, American Fork, Price, and surrounding Utah communities.
What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is corrective surgery that repositions the upper and lower jaws, or both, so they relate to each other more appropriately.
Braces and other orthodontic treatment can move the teeth within the jaws. However, when the underlying jawbones are significantly misaligned, orthodontics alone may not achieve an appropriate bite or facial relationship.
Corrective jaw surgery addresses that skeletal foundation. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon typically plans treatment with an orthodontist so the teeth and jaws align as part of the same overall treatment plan.
How Corrective Jaw Surgery Works
Orthognathic treatment is usually a coordinated process, not a single surgical appointment. The exact sequence varies depending on your bite, jaw position, and orthodontic needs.
Consultation and Imaging
Treatment begins with an evaluation of your bite, jaw relationship, facial proportions, and medical and dental history.
Imaging allows your surgeon to evaluate the position and shape of your jawbones and develop a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy.
If you are already working with an orthodontist, your surgical and orthodontic plans can be coordinated so that both providers work toward the same final bite
Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Many patients need orthodontic treatment before jaw surgery.
Braces or other orthodontic treatment position the teeth appropriately within each jaw before the jaws themselves are moved. The bite may temporarily appear or feel misaligned during this stage because the teeth are being prepared for their post-surgery relationship.
Your orthodontist and oral surgeon coordinate the timing so surgery occurs when the teeth are ready
Corrective Jaw Surgery
During surgery, the upper and lower jaws, or both, are repositioned according to the treatment plan. The jawbones are then stabilized in their new position so healing can begin.
The surgical approach depends on which jaw needs correction and the amount and direction of movement required.
Your surgeon will review the procedure, anesthesia plan, and what to expect before your surgery date.
Post-Surgical Orthodontics and Follow-Up
Follow-up continues as the jaws heal in their new position.
Your orthodontist may make additional adjustments after surgery to refine how the teeth fit together and complete the bite correction. Your oral surgeon monitors healing and jaw stability throughout recovery.
When Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Recommended?
Jaw surgery may be recommended when the position or development of the jaws affects function, facial balance, or both and cannot be adequately corrected through orthodontic treatment alone.
Bite and Jaw Alignment Problems
Corrective jaw surgery may be considered when the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly because of a skeletal alignment problem. This can include a significant overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, or a jaw that sits too far forward or backward.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing
Jaw misalignment can make it difficult to bite into food, chew efficiently, or swallow comfortably. Repositioning the jaws can help create a more functional relationship between the upper and lower teeth.
Speech or Breathing Concerns
In some patients, jaw position can contribute to speech difficulties or affect the airway and breathing. Your surgeon will evaluate whether the skeletal relationship of the jaws is contributing to these concerns.
Facial Asymmetry or Imbalance
A jaw that developed unevenly or sits too far forward, backward, or to one side can affect facial proportions. Orthognathic surgery can improve the relationship between the jaws while also creating better overall facial balance.
Not every bite or jaw concern requires surgery. Your oral surgeon and orthodontist will determine whether orthodontic treatment alone can address the problem or whether repositioning the jawbones is necessary.
Types of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is planned based on which part of the jaw contributes to the misalignment.
Upper Jaw Surgery
Upper jaw surgery repositions the maxilla when the upper jaw sits too far forward, backward, vertically, or otherwise does not align properly with the lower jaw.
Changing the position of the upper jaw can improve the bite and affect the relationship between the upper teeth, nose, cheeks, and overall facial profile.
Double Jaw Surgery
Some patients need both the upper and lower jaws repositioned to achieve the appropriate skeletal relationship.
In these cases, double-jaw surgery lets the surgeon adjust both jaws as part of a single coordinated plan, rather than trying to correct the entire imbalance by changing only one.
Lower Jaw Surgery
Lower jaw surgery repositions the mandible when it sits too far forward, too far back, or is otherwise misaligned.
The goal is to create a better relationship between the upper and lower jaws while improving bite function and lower facial balance.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery addresses the underlying skeletal relationship between the jaws, so its benefits can extend to both oral function and facial balance.
Depending on the reason for treatment, orthognathic surgery may help:
- Improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Make biting and chewing more efficient
- Improve swallowing when jaw alignment contributes to difficulty
- Support clearer speech when jaw position is a factor
- Improve breathing when the skeletal anatomy contributes to an airway concern
- Create better balance between the upper and lower jaws
- Improve facial proportions and symmetry
- Reduce abnormal stresses created by a severely misaligned bite
Jaw surgery is planned around function first, but repositioning the facial skeleton can also change the profile and overall balance of the face. Learn More About the Corrective Jaw Surgery Process and Benefits
Why Choose Utah Oral Surgeons for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Experienced in Complex Jaw Surgery
Dr. Gary L. Crawford, Dr. William L. McBee, and Dr. Nathaniel T. Edmunds provide specialized oral and maxillofacial surgical care for conditions affecting the jaws, bite, and facial structure.
Specialty Training in the Jaws and Face
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive advanced surgical training focused on the mouth, jaws, and face. This expertise is especially important in corrective jaw surgery, where treatment changes both the bite and the underlying facial structure.
Coordinated Orthodontic and Surgical Care
Corrective jaw surgery often works in combination with orthodontic treatment. Utah Oral Surgeons coordinates with orthodontists and referring dentists so tooth alignment, jaw surgery, and final bite correction align with the same goal.
Schedule a Corrective Jaw Surgery Consultation
If your bite or jaw alignment affects how you chew, speak, breathe, or function—or your orthodontist has recommended evaluation for jaw surgery—the next step is a surgical consultation.
Utah Oral Surgeons can evaluate your jaw relationship, review your treatment needs, and coordinate with your orthodontist or referring provider when orthodontic care is part of the plan.
Provo Office
Mon-Thurs | 8:30 – 5:00
Friday 8:30 – 3:30
Closed Sat & Sunday
American Fork Office
Mon-Thurs | 9:00 – 5:00
Friday 6:00 – 3:30
Closed Sat & Sunday
Frequently Asked Questions
Can corrective jaw surgery fix an overbite?
Corrective jaw surgery can treat significant overbites caused by the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both. Whether surgery is necessary depends on whether the problem is primarily dental or skeletal and whether orthodontics alone can create an appropriate bite.
Does corrective jaw surgery change your facial appearance?
It can. Moving the upper or lower jaw changes the underlying facial framework, so improvements in facial balance or profile often accompany the functional correction. Your surgeon will discuss expected facial changes as part of treatment planning.
At what age can you have orthognathic surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery is generally planned after facial and jaw growth is sufficiently complete. The appropriate timing varies by patient, so your oral surgeon and orthodontist will evaluate growth, bite development, and treatment needs before recommending surgery.
Will my jaw be wired shut after orthognathic surgery?
Jaw stabilization techniques depend on the operation and your surgeon’s treatment plan. Modern corrective jaw surgery often uses plates and screws to stabilize the bones, but postoperative requirements vary. Your surgeon will explain exactly how your jaws will be supported during healing.
Is corrective jaw surgery painful?
You receive anesthesia during surgery, so you do not feel the procedure itself. Discomfort, swelling, tightness, and soreness are expected during early recovery and are managed according to the postoperative plan your surgical team provides.