Corrective Jaw Surgery in San Diego, CA
Misaligned jaws can cause chronic pain, difficulty chewing, speech issues, and long-term dental damage—impacting both health and confidence. Left untreated, jaw misalignment worsens over time, leading to TMJ disorders, excessive tooth wear, sleep apnea, and persistent facial discomfort. Non-surgical treatments often provide only temporary relief. Corrective jaw surgery, performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons at the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, addresses the root structural cause, offering lasting functional and aesthetic improvement.
If you or a loved one is experiencing jaw dysfunction due to skeletal imbalance,
contact the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Our specialists are leaders in corrective jaw surgery in San Diego, CA, delivering precise, individualized care using advanced surgical techniques.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to reposition the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct significant skeletal discrepancies. These imbalances can result from developmental abnormalities, trauma, or congenital conditions. When orthodontics alone cannot resolve the issue, corrective jaw surgery becomes the definitive treatment to restore proper alignment and function.
This procedure is commonly recommended for patients with severe overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, or receding chins. Corrective jaw surgery also plays a critical role in alleviating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by improper jaw positioning.
Conditions Treated by Jaw Surgery
The surgeons at San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery diagnose and treat a range of complex craniofacial conditions, including:
- Chronic jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or speaking
- Sleep apnea related to jaw structure
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance
- Congenital deformities such as cleft palate sequelae
- Trauma-related jaw deformities
By addressing the underlying skeletal framework, corrective jaw surgery in San Diego, CA, not only improves appearance but also resolves debilitating functional limitations. Patients often report immediate improvements in breathing, speech clarity, and masticatory efficiency post-recovery.
The Corrective Jaw Surgery Process
Treatment begins with a detailed diagnostic workup, including 3D imaging, dental impressions, and cephalometric analysis. Our surgeons collaborate with orthodontists to plan pre-surgical tooth alignment, ensuring optimal surgical outcomes. During surgery, performed under general anesthesia, the jawbones are carefully sectioned, repositioned, and secured with plates and screws. The procedure is conducted entirely within the oral cavity whenever possible, minimizing visible scarring. Most patients remain in the hospital for one to two days for monitoring.
Recovery typically spans six to eight weeks. Swelling and limited mobility are common initially, but most patients return to normal activities within three to four weeks. Orthodontic refinement continues post-surgery until final occlusion is achieved.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Undergoing jaw surgery delivers transformative benefits:
- Improved Oral Function: Restores the ability to chew, speak, and breathe properly.
- Pain Relief: Alleviates chronic TMJ pain and headaches caused by malocclusion.
- Enhanced Airway: Reduces or eliminates obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
- Facial Aesthetics: Creates balanced, harmonious facial proportions.
- Long-Term Dental Health:
Prevents abnormal tooth wear and periodontal strain.
These outcomes significantly enhance quality of life, offering both medical necessity and aesthetic refinement.
Corrective Jaw Surgery FAQ
Q. What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery, and How Does It Improve Long-Term Oral Health?
A. Corrective jaw surgery in San Diego, CA, addresses structural imbalances between the upper and lower jaws that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. By repositioning the jawbones for optimal alignment, this procedure enhances bite function, reduces abnormal tooth wear, and prevents strain on the temporomandibular joint. At the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we use advanced 3D planning to ensure precise, lasting results that support lifelong oral health and facial stability.
Q. How Do I Know if I’m a Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
A. Patients who experience chronic difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment may benefit from corrective jaw surgery. Common indicators include facial asymmetry, receding chin, severe overbite or underbite, and TMJ pain. After a comprehensive evaluation using imaging and clinical assessment, our surgeons at the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will determine if orthognathic surgery is the appropriate solution for your condition.
Q. What Is the Recovery Process Like After Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Recovery following jaw surgery in San Diego, CA, typically involves an initial healing phase of six to eight weeks. Swelling, bruising, and limited jaw movement are expected in the first few weeks, with most patients returning to non-strenuous activities within three to four weeks. The surgical team at the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery provides detailed postoperative care instructions and monitoring to ensure a smooth, complication-free recovery and optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Q. Are There Risks Associated With Orthognathic Surgery?
A. Like any major surgery, orthognathic surgery carries some risks, including infection, nerve sensation changes, or minor relapse. However, these are rare when performed by experienced, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. At the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, patient safety is our priority—we use advanced techniques and thorough preoperative planning to minimize complications and maximize surgical success for every patient.
Q. How Can I Get Started With Corrective Jaw Surgery?
A. Beginning corrective jaw surgery in San Diego, CA, starts with a consultation at the San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Our specialists will evaluate your jaw structure, discuss your goals, and collaborate with your orthodontist to create a personalized treatment planand jaw surgery. Don’t wait to address jaw dysfunction—call (858) 292-5175 today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward improved health and confidence.
Restore Your Jaw Function and Confidence!
If you're struggling with jaw misalignment, don't delay treatment. The San Diego Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery provides expert corrective jaw surgery, combining surgical precision with patient-centered care. Call (858) 292-5175 today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief and improved facial harmony.