Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) in Florham Park, NJ

 What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a procedure used to correct irregularities in the position or development of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.  When the jaws do not align properly, it can affect your bite, chewing, speech, breathing, facial balance, and overall oral function. The oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Northeast Facial and Oral Surgery Specialists, including Dr. Jacob, Dr. Amato, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Alam, provide this care for patients throughout Florham Park, NJ. If you have been researching corrective jaw surgery, our team can help you understand whether this treatment is right for you.

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Signs You May Need Jaw Surgery

Jaw irregularities can cause the following:

• Difficulty chewing, biting, swallowing
• Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
• Facial asymmetry
• Trouble closing lips fully
• Jaws that feel out of balance with the rest of the face (i.e. protuding jaw, receded chin)
• Breathing problems

If these signs sound familiar, a consultation with our team is a helpful next step toward understanding your options.

Conditions Corrective Jaw Surgery Can Treat

Orthodontic treatment can move teeth, but it cannot reposition the underlying jawbones in an adult. When the jaws themselves are misaligned, a combination of orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery may be recommended.

Corrective jaw surgery can address conditions such as:

• Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite that developed as the jaws grew and cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone
• Jaw asymmetry caused by injury or uneven growth
• Cases of obstructive sleep apnea or TMJ discomfort linked to jaw position

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Jaw Surgery Recovery

Jaw surgery recovery time varies from patient to patient, but most people need several weeks before returning to normal eating and daily activities. Following your surgeon’s jaw surgery recovery tips, such as adhering to a soft food diet, keeping your head elevated, and attending regularly scheduled follow-up appointments, can support a smoother healing process. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first week and typically continue to improve in the weeks that follow.

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Jaw Surgery FAQs

Will I need braces before jaw surgery?

Most patients complete a period of orthodontic treatment with braces before jaw surgery to align the teeth for the best surgical outcome. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to plan the right timeline for your case. In some situations, a surgery-first approach may be considered.

Will jaw surgery help TMJ symptoms?

For some patients, correcting the underlying bite and jaw alignment can relieve pressure on the temporomandibular joint and ease related symptoms. Your surgeon will evaluate whether your TMJ discomfort is connected to a jaw alignment issue that surgery can address. Not every case of TMJ pain requires surgical treatment. 

Can jaw surgery help sleep apnea?

Repositioning the jaws can open the airway for some patients with obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw structure. This approach is only recommended when an evaluation confirms that jaw position is contributing to the airway issue. Your surgeon can discuss whether this option fits your specific diagnosis.

What can I eat after jaw surgery?

Nutrition is an important part of recovery after orthognathic surgery. During the first week after surgery, you will maintain a mushy diet. In the coming weeks, you will be advised on how to advance your diet back to baseline.

Appropriate food choices include:

• Smoothies/ Protein Shakes
• Eggs
• FIsh
• Yogurt
• Pudding

Does insurance cover jaw surgery?

Many medical and dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for corrective jaw surgery when it is considered medically necessary. Coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. Our office can help you understand your benefits and answer questions about your options.

How long does jaw surgery take?

Surgery length depends on the complexity of the case and which jaw or jaws are being corrected. Your surgeon will give you a detailed estimate once your treatment plan is finalized. Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the surgical suite.

If you have been searching for jaw surgery near me, our Florham Park team is here to help. Contact Northeast Facial and Oral Surgery Specialists at Northeast Facial and Oral Surgery Specialists, LLC Office Phone Number 973-360-1100 to schedule a consultation and take the next step with confidence.

Overview Video of Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery

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Corrective Jaw Surgery Patient Reviews

Please read testimonials from our patients. You can also leave us your feedback. For assistance, please call us at Northeast Facial and Oral Surgery Specialists, LLC Office Phone Number 973-360-1100.