Orthognathic or
Corrective Jaw surgery

Realigning More Than Just Your Smile

Bringing harmony to your bite, jaw, and smile.

Realigning More Than
Just Your Smile

Bringing harmony to your
bite, jaw, and smile.

Precision surgery to restore comfort, function, and facial symmetry
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is a specialized procedure designed to realign the jaws and teeth when they don’t meet properly. Jaw misalignment can develop as the face grows, result from injury, or be related to congenital conditions. When the upper and lower jaws are out of harmony, it can affect more than your smile—it can cause difficulty with chewing, speaking, breathing, or even chronic jaw discomfort and facial imbalance.

Corrective jaw surgery restores proper alignment between the jaws to improve both function and appearance. Your surgeon works closely with your orthodontist to carefully plan and coordinate treatment using advanced 3D imaging and digital modeling. During surgery, the position of one or both jaws is precisely adjusted to achieve a comfortable, balanced bite and improved facial symmetry.

Beyond functional improvements, many patients experience life-changing benefits—greater comfort when eating, clearer speech, easier breathing, and renewed confidence in their appearance. Orthognathic surgery brings harmony to the way your teeth, jaws, and facial features work together, helping you look and feel your best for years to come.

Key Benefits

  • Aligns the jaws so teeth meet correctly for more comfortable eating.
  • Corrects disproportion or asymmetry, creating a more natural and harmonious facial appearance.
  • Relieves airway obstructions that contribute to sleep apnea or breathing problems.
  • Helps resolve jaw joint (TMJ) pain and muscle strain caused by misalignment.
  • Reduces excessive wear on teeth and promotes a stable, lasting bite.
  • Many patients experience improved self-esteem after achieving both functional and aesthetic improvements.
Orthognathic Surgery at Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Step-by-Step Process:

  • Consultation and Diagnosis
    Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will evaluate your jaw position, facial symmetry, and bite. X-rays, photographs, and 3D imaging (Cone Beam CT) help plan precise movements of the jawbones.
  • Orthodontic Preparation
    Before surgery, orthodontic treatment aligns your teeth in preparation for the corrected jaw position. This phase may take several months.
  • Surgical Planning
    Advanced digital modeling allows your surgeon to plan the procedure in detail—often using virtual surgical planning (VSP) to ensure accuracy and predictability.
  • Surgery Day
    The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, typically in a hospital or surgical center. Your surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access and reposition the jawbones. The bones are secured with small plates and screws that remain in place permanently.
  • Recovery and Healing
    Most patients spend one to two nights in the hospital. Initial healing takes about two weeks, though full bone healing occurs over several months. Swelling, mild discomfort, and a soft diet are expected during the early recovery period. Please review our Surgical Instructions for more details.
  • Post-Surgical Orthodontics
    Once healing progresses, your orthodontist fine-tunes your bite alignment with braces or clear aligners.
  • Final Results
    As healing completes, you’ll notice improved function, facial balance, and confidence. Results are long-lasting and often life-changing.
FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Discomfort is mild to moderate after surgery and well controlled with prescribed medications. Most patients describe soreness and tightness rather than sharp pain.

Initial recovery usually takes two weeks, with a gradual return to normal eating and activity over 6–8 weeks. Complete bone healing can take several months.

Yes—your facial appearance may subtly change as your jaws come into better alignment. Most patients are pleased with the more balanced, natural look.

No. The primary goal is to restore function—improving your bite, speech, and breathing. Aesthetic improvement is an additional benefit.

Many medical insurance plans cover corrective jaw surgery when it’s needed for functional reasons. Your care team can help determine your coverage and provide documentation.

If you have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw alignment, or notice an imbalanced bite or facial structure, an evaluation can determine if this surgery is right for you.

FAQ Bothell Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery