Understanding Orthognathic Surgery: What You Need to Know About Corrective Jaw Procedures

Orthognathic Surgery in Richmond, VA: When Jaw Surgery and Orthodontics Work Together

Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, realigns the upper and/or lower jaws so your bite, breathing, and facial balance work in harmony. While braces or clear aligners move teeth, they can’t correct significant jaw position differences on their own. That’s where coordinated orthodontics and surgical care come together. Serving patients across Richmond, Short Pump, and Midlothian, our orthodontist in Richmond, VA team plans and guides orthognathic treatment from first consult through long‑term retention.

What orthognathic surgery can address

Orthognathic surgery can improve:

• Functional bite problems like open bite, underbite, overbite, and crossbite (including open bite surgery and underbite correction)
• Chewing and speech challenges
• Jaw pain from imbalance or strain
• Facial asymmetry and smile esthetics (a secondary, yet meaningful, benefit)
• Airway and breathing concerns, including some cases of sleep apnea

Explore how coordinated care works in our overview on orthodontics and oral surgery.

Are you a candidate for orthognathic surgery?

Teens who have finished most facial growth and adults often benefit. Consider an evaluation if you notice:

• Difficulty biting through foods or chewing evenly
• Front teeth that don’t touch (open bite) or a prominent lower jaw (underbite)
• Chronic mouth‑breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea concerns
• Jaw fatigue, discomfort, or facial asymmetry

Growth status matters, treating too early can lead to relapse if the jaws continue to change. We’ll advise when to monitor versus when to treat now.

How we plan your case

Every case starts with comprehensive records: photos, digital scans, and CBCT imaging for a 3D view of teeth, roots, and airway. See how we capture accurate data with our digital scanning and advanced technology. With 3D virtual surgical planning, we map jaw movements and design custom surgical splints/plates for precision. Your orthodontist aligns teeth to fit the planned jaw positions; your oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the operation. For a deeper dive into planning and outcomes, read our guide to orthognathic surgery planning and results in Richmond, VA.

The step‑by‑step treatment timeline

• Presurgical orthodontics: Braces or clear aligners align and level teeth so they fit when jaws are corrected. Expect several months on average.
• Surgery day: Performed in a hospital or surgery center under general anesthesia. Most procedures last 2–4 hours, depending on complexity.
• Immediate recovery: Swelling and tightness are normal. Elastics may guide your bite. You’ll follow a soft‑food diet and use cold compresses and prescribed medications.
• Postsurgical orthodontics: Once initial healing is complete, we fine‑tune your bite and transition to retainers.
• Overall timeframe: Many patients finish in 12–24 months from start to retainers, with individual variation.

Curious about the process and recovery details? See our post on corrective jaw surgery in Richmond, VA: process and recovery.

Benefits you can expect

Patients often report easier chewing, clearer speech, improved breathing, and reduced jaw strain. Coordinating teeth and jaws promotes facial balance and smile harmony, with long‑term bite stability when maintenance (retainers) is followed.

Risks, safety, and how we minimize concerns

Common risks include temporary or, rarely, prolonged numbness/nerve changes, infection, and bite relapse. We reduce risks through precise virtual planning, partnership with experienced surgeons, and close follow‑up. Informed consent ensures you understand benefits, alternatives, and potential complications before moving forward.

Recovery roadmap and practical tips

• Week 1: Expect peak swelling days 2–3, soft or liquid diet, and prescribed pain control. Gentle brushing and rinses keep things clean.
• Week 2: Swelling starts to subside; many return to school/work in 1–2 weeks depending on job demands.
• Weeks 3–4: Gradual diet progression to soft chew; light activity is fine, avoid high‑impact sports until cleared.

Call us for fever, worsening pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or concerns about elastics/splints. Our team provides clear, written instructions and follow‑up.

Cost, insurance, and financing

The cost of orthognathic surgery varies based on procedures, facility, and insurance. Medical insurance may cover the surgical portion when medically necessary; dental benefits typically apply to orthodontics. We handle preauthorization and documentation and can coordinate HSA/FSA use and flexible options. Learn about orthodontic payment plans in Richmond, VA.

Alternatives and adjuncts

Some patients can “camouflage” with braces or clear aligners, improving the smile without changing jaw positions. In select cases we use temporary anchorage, expansion, or extractions to enhance results. When skeletal differences are significant, non‑surgical options are unlikely to meet functional and airway goals long‑term.

FAQs about orthognathic surgery

• Will I need braces or can I use clear aligners?
  Most surgical cases can be treated with either, depending on bite complexity. We’ll recommend the best option after records.
• How long will I be out of school/work?
  Plan on 1–2 weeks for desk work or school; longer if your job is physically demanding.
• Will there be scars?
  Incisions are typically inside the mouth, so external scarring is uncommon and usually minimal if needed.
• How painful is recovery and how is it managed?
  Discomfort is moderate the first few days and managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses; it improves steadily after week one.
• Can orthognathic surgery help with sleep apnea?
  Yes, in select cases advancing the jaws can improve airway size and reduce apnea severity. A sleep specialist evaluation may be part of planning.
• What if I’m not ready for surgery now?
  We can monitor growth, use interim orthodontics, or plan for camouflage when appropriate and revisit timing later.

Why choose our team for orthognathic surgery in Richmond

• Extensive experience coordinating surgical orthodontic cases across Central Virginia
• Digital scans, CBCT, and virtual surgical planning for accuracy with our in‑house technology
• Seamless communication with your surgeon and primary dentist
• Supportive care from first consult through retainers, with convenient access to our Richmond, Short Pump, and Midlothian locations
• Meet our team: Doctors and staff

What’s next

Ready to explore orthognathic surgery with a coordinated team? Schedule a surgical‑orthodontic free consult or contact us. You’re welcome to send previous records or questions in advance — we’ll provide a clear plan and timelines tailored to you.