Corrective Jaw Surgery, or Orthognathic Surgery, is the part of plastic and maxillofacial surgery in which the bones of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both are moved to realign the teeth or improve the appearance of the face.
Dr Vybhav Deraje works with orthodontists, speech therapists and virtual surgical planning specialists to deliver this care.
Reasons People Have Corrective Jaw Surgery
- To correct malocclusion of the teeth — an ‘overbite’ (upper teeth far ahead of the lower), an ‘underbite’ (lower teeth ahead of the upper) or an ‘open bite’ (a gap between upper and lower teeth).
- To improve facial appearance — a ‘flat face’ where the upper jaw sits behind the lower, a ‘weak chin’ where the lower jaw is set back, or a ‘strong chin’ where the lower jaw is too far forward.
- To improve the smile — a ‘gummy smile’ or excessive tooth show.
- Cleft Lip and Palate — people with a cleft often have a ‘dish face’ deformity and benefit greatly from jaw surgery.
- Snoring and sleep apnoea — patients who have failed all other medical and surgical treatment can benefit from Orthognathic Surgery.
Two Approaches
Orthodontics-First
Braces and orthodontic treatment for 6 months to a year, followed by surgery. Some orthodontic treatment is sometimes needed after surgery as well.
Surgery-First
The jaw surgery is done first and followed by 6 months to a year of orthodontic treatment.
Types of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Le Fort I Maxillary Osteotomy
Cuts are made in the upper jaw (maxilla) and the bone is moved forwards, backwards, up or down as the deformity requires, then fixed in its new position with titanium plates and screws.
Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)
Cuts are made in the lower jaw (mandible) and the bone is moved forwards, backwards, sideways or rotated, then fixed with titanium plates and screws.
Double-Jaw Surgery
Le Fort I and BSSO combined — surgery on both the maxilla and the mandible.
Genioplasty
Cuts are made in the chin and the bone is moved forwards, backwards, up or down to correct the deformity.
All incisions are inside the mouth, so there are no external skin scars. These operations involve 3–4 days in hospital including one day in ICU; a blood transfusion is occasionally needed.
Need More Information?
Call +91 95355 81616, email connect@drvybhavderaje.com or book an appointment online .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery moves the bones of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both to realign the teeth and improve the balance of the face. The main operations are Le Fort I osteotomy, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), Double-Jaw Surgery and Genioplasty.
Does jaw surgery leave visible scars?
No. All incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no external skin scars.
How long is the hospital stay after Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Usually 3–4 days, including one day in the intensive care unit. A blood transfusion is occasionally needed.
Do I need braces before jaw surgery?
In the orthodontics-first approach, braces are worn for 6 months to a year before surgery. In the surgery-first approach the jaw is operated on first and orthodontic treatment follows for 6 months to a year. Your orthodontist and surgeon decide together which suits you.
Can jaw surgery help snoring and sleep apnoea?
People with snoring and sleep apnoea who have not improved with other medical and surgical treatment can potentially benefit from Orthognathic Surgery.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.