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.
What does the surgery involve?
There are two parts to jaw surgery:
Having braces fitted
Firstly, your orthodontist will place fixed braces onto your teeth at your local practice. This helps ensure your teeth meet evenly after the surgery. Traditional fixed braces are usually used as they produce the most reliable and predictable results.
The braces stay in position during the surgery and afterwards for a number of months. During the operation, they help your surgeon position your jaws evenly. Afterwards, they help your orthodontist fine tune your bite with the help of elastic bands.
Having your surgery
The procedure itself is carried out in hospital by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, under general anaesthetic. During the operation, small metal plates and screws are used to hold the bones in your jaw together. These plates sit on the surface of the bone but beneath the skin – and generally remain in place forever.
You’ll usually need to recover in hospital for two to four days depending on the complexity of the operation. We know it sounds daunting, but your orthodontist will talk you through everything before you start treatment and can answer any questions you might have.
After six to nine months, your braces will be removed and your orthodontist will give you a retainer to help keep your teeth in place. Each case varies, but treatment usually takes 24 to 36 months. Try not to cancel appointments or damage your brace, as this can extend your overall treatment time.
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:
See your orthodontist and general dentist regularly: You’ll need to see your orthodontist regularly during your treatment and leading up to your surgery, so they can adjust your brace. It’s also important you maintain check-ups with your regular dentist as they can check your teeth for any signs of tooth decay and keep an eye on your general oral health.
Stop smoking: Smoking poses a risk to both your oral and general health. If you smoke before and after your surgery, you’re at greater risk of developing post-operative complications, such as an infection. It’s important to try and give up before you have jaw surgery.
Be careful what you eat and drink: Once you've had your brace fitted, you need to be careful about what you eat. You should avoid:
- Toffees, boiled sweets, chewing gum containing sugar and chocolate bars
- Fizzy drinks, including diet drinks, and excessive amounts of fruit juice (generally no more than one small glass per day)
- Hard foods that might damage your brace, such as crunchy apples and crusty bread rolls. If you do eat hard foods, cut them up into small pieces first
After the operation, you'll need to follow a soft diet for the first few weeks. The dietician at the hospital will advise you on this nearer the time.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
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Find out more
Find out more about teeth straightening, including fixed braces, the cost of braces and more.
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are used alongside jaw surgery to straighten your teeth.
Types of braces
Learn more about the types of treatment available at Total Orthodontics, including fixed braces and removable options.
Cost of braces
Learn more about how much braces might cost and the different options available to you.
FAQs
Find answers to all your frequently asked questions about orthodontics.
Braces and aftercare
Find out more about how to take care of your braces during and after your treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Form Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
