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Jaw surgery

If your orthodontist needs to correct the position of your teeth and improve the function of your bite, they may recommend jaw surgery alongside orthodontic treatment.

Jaw surgery is only needed in severe cases, for example if you have previously suffered a facial injury or have long-standing issues with your jaw. It’s commonly referred to as orthognathic surgery or corrective jaw surgery.

Although it sounds daunting, your orthodontist will talk you through everything before you start treatment and can answer any questions you might have.

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What does the surgery involve?

There are two parts to jaw surgery:

What are the side-effects of jaw alignment surgery?

It’s completely normal to have some swelling and bruising after the operation, which should subside over the first three or four weeks.

It’s common to experience some numbness of the lower lip for a few weeks or months after jaw surgery. In a very small number of cases, the numbness can be permanent. It won’t affect the movement of your lips, only the feeling in them – in a similar way to having an injection at the dentist.

As with any operation, you’ll have to take it easy for the first week or two afterwards. You may need to stay off work, or your child may need to stay off school, for up to six weeks depending on how long your recovery takes. If you’re worried about the side effects of jaw surgery, speak to your orthodontist who will be able to advise you.

Will I look different after the surgery?

As the surgery is carried out inside your mouth, you’ll have no visible scars. However, you may look different to some degree. This will depend on how severe your jaw issues are and, therefore, how much your jaws need to be moved. Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or orthodontist, will discuss this with you beforehand.

Looking after yourself throughout your treatment

It’s important you look after your teeth, and your braces, to make sure your treatment and surgery are successful. You’ll need to:

Spread the cost of your treatment

Get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted with finance options that suit you, including 0% APR up to 36 months or 7.9% APR over 48 or 60 months.

Ask us about hassle-free finance with Novuna Personal Finance today. T&Cs apply.

Book a free orthodontic consultation*

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Find out more

Find out more about teeth straightening, including fixed braces, the cost of braces and more.

†Finance terms and conditions:
Finance applicant must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply. Finance is available on private dental treatments only.

The minimum spend for finance is £250 and the maximum is £50,000. 0% APR representative is available on repayment terms of up to 36 months subject to the amount of credit. Finance taken at repayment terms of 48 or 60 months is subject to 7.9% APR representative.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA registration no: 710559.  Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC,  authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491.  The register can be accessed through; http://www.fca.org.uk/.