What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery, commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve the way they fit together. It is recommended when jaw alignment problems cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone.
By addressing the underlying skeletal structure, orthognathic surgery can improve the way the teeth meet, restore balanced facial proportions, and enhance everyday functions such as chewing, speaking, and breathing. Every procedure is carefully planned to achieve stable, functional, and natural-looking results.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients whose jaw position is affecting their function, comfort, or facial balance. During your consultation, Dr. Berger performs a comprehensive evaluation using advanced imaging and a detailed examination to determine whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- An underbite, overbite, or open bite caused by jaw misalignment
- Difficulty chewing or biting food comfortably
- Speech difficulties related to jaw position
- Facial asymmetry or disproportion
- Chronic jaw discomfort caused by skeletal imbalance
- Obstructive sleep apnea associated with jaw anatomy
- Jaw deformities resulting from injury or abnormal development
Treatment recommendations are based on your unique anatomy, symptoms, and long-term goals.
What to Expect During Treatment
Bone grafting involves placing specialized grafting material into the area of bone loss. This material may be derived from natural, synthetic, or donor sources and acts as a scaffold for new bone growth. Over time, your body integrates the graft material, gradually replacing it with your own natural bone.
Advanced techniques, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), may be incorporated to enhance healing. PRP uses growth factors from your own blood to support tissue regeneration and promote efficient recovery.
Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, but most patients experience swelling, mild discomfort, and temporary dietary restrictions during the initial healing period. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions and closely monitors your progress throughout recovery.
During healing, patients generally:
- Follow a modified diet while the jawbones heal
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
- Gradually resume work, school, and normal activities as recommended
- Continue orthodontic treatment when necessary to refine the bite
Although many patients feel significantly better within several weeks, complete bone healing continues over the following months. Regular follow-up visits help ensure the jaws remain stable and healing progresses as expected.
Why Choose the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery requires advanced surgical expertise, meticulous planning, and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and jaw function. Dr. Joel Berger’s dual medical and dental education, board certification, and extensive experience treating complex jaw conditions allow him to deliver highly individualized care with precision and confidence.
Patients and referring providers choose our practice because of our:
- Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical expertise
- Advanced 3D imaging and digital surgical planning
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient
- Modern surgical techniques focused on predictable outcomes
- Collaborative care with orthodontists and referring providers
- Commitment to patient comfort, safety, and long-term success
From your initial consultation through recovery, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate guidance and exceptional care every step of the way.
Restore Balance, Function, and Confidence
Living with jaw misalignment can affect far more than your smile. Corrective jaw surgery can improve how you eat, speak, breathe, and feel while creating lasting improvements in both function and facial balance. If you have been told that orthodontics alone cannot correct your bite or jaw position, orthognathic surgery may be the solution.
Contact the San Diego Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in San Diego at 858-292-5175 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joel Berger and learn whether orthognathic surgery is right for you.
