Is Orthognathic Surgery a Major Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that, in combination with orthodontic treatment, aims to correct maxillary (upper jaw) and mandibular (lower jaw) deformities and dental malocclusions, or misalignments. The problem can have different causes, but the most common is usually genetic. Certain habits during childhood, such as prolonged use of pacifiers or thumb sucking, can also cause these deformities. Incorrect breathing since childhood, as well as fractures and injuries from accidents, can also cause the malformation.
Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) involves surgically repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct significant bite problems, jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, or functional issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing.
It is classified as major surgery because it:
- Is performed under general anesthesia
- Involves cutting and repositioning facial bones
- Requires hospitalization (often 1–3 days)
- Has a significant recovery period
- Requires coordination between oral & maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, and anesthesiologists
In general, there are some symptoms that lead a patient to seek surgery:
- difficulties in chewing;
- Sleep apnea, causing snoring;
- Difficulty breathing through the nose due to the problem;
- open bite;
- Chronic pain in the maxilla and mandible area, as well as headaches;
- Speech difficulties;
- aesthetic dissatisfaction.
When is orthognathic surgery indicated?
The appearance of certain orthognathic dysfunctions indicates the need for the procedure, and this understanding is essential for fully comprehending what orthognathic surgery is.
- Prognathism – large jaw and/or small maxilla. In this case, there is growth of the lower part of the mouth, and the lower teeth protrude forward beyond the upper teeth. The surgery serves to reduce the chin.
- Retrognathism – a small jaw that can be caused by incomplete growth of the mandible or excessive growth of the maxilla. The patient appears to have a small chin, and the surgery serves to augment the chin.
- Asymmetries – one side of the face is visually more elongated than the other, causing facial imbalance;
- Maxillary atresia – posterior crossbite or narrow jaw;
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which affects the opening and closing of the mouth, as well as the alignment of the jaw with the skull.
In Conclusion
Orthognathic surgery is undeniably a major surgical procedure, but it is also a highly effective and carefully planned treatment for correcting serious jaw and bite abnormalities. Because it involves repositioning the maxilla, mandible, or both under general anesthesia, along with a structured pre- and post-surgical orthodontic process, it requires a significant commitment from the patient and a coordinated, experienced clinical team. However, for individuals affected by functional problems such as difficulty chewing, breathing, speaking, chronic pain, or sleep apnea—as well as significant facial imbalance—the benefits can be life-changing. When properly indicated and thoroughly planned, orthognathic surgery not only improves dental alignment and facial harmony but also enhances overall health, comfort, and quality of life, making the complexity of the procedure well worth the outcome. Please contact us today to find out more about this surgery and how we can help you achieve the aesthetic result you are looking for!