Programs & Services

You may be a candidate for jaw surgery if you have:

• Trouble chewing or biting
• A significant overbite, underbite or open bite
• Facial asymmetry (one side of the face doesn’t match the other)
• Jaw pain or dysfunction related to bone structure
• Sleep-disordered breathing or obstructive sleep apnea
• Speech difficulties related to jaw position
• Jaw discrepancies that you were born with (congenital) or developed over time
• Jaw differences related to trauma, arthritis or growth disorders

Jaw surgery usually happens after most facial growth is complete, usually ages 15-17 for females and 17-19 for males.

In some cases, surgery takes place earlier, either because growing stops early or functional problems are severe. Surgery can also happen well after you’ve finished growing.

The cost of corrective jaw surgery depends on your specific health plan. They determine your coverage, benefits and eligibility requirements, which can change over time. Families should contact their insurance carrier and provider directly for the most current information about coverage, benefits and your financial responsibility.

For questions, contact Phoenix Children’s Financial Counseling at 602-933-2000.

Most patients need braces and other orthodontic treatment before surgery to align the teeth properly. Usually, pre-surgical orthodontics last 12-18 months, though treatment times vary.

Some patients may benefit from a “surgery-first” approach depending on their condition.

For many people, jaw surgery is medically necessary because it helps improve function, breathing, chewing speech and oral health. Facial appearance and balance tend to be a secondary cosmetic benefit.

Yes, for some, jaw surgery, such as the maxillomandibular advancement procedure, can significantly improve obstructive sleep apnea by making the airway bigger.

As with any major surgery, there are risks associated with orthognathic surgery, though serious complications are uncommon. Your care team will discuss potential risks with you in detail, including:

• Bleeding
• Delayed healing
• Hardware-related problems
• Infection
• Need for additional surgery
• Nerve injury or numbness
• Relapse or bite changes
• Sinus issues
• TMJ symptoms
• Tooth injury

Virtual surgical planning is a process that uses 3D imaging and computer-assisted technology to simulate surgery before the procedure. This technology lets your surgeon plan your surgery based on your jaw movements, facial balance and bite. They can create custom surgical splints or guides to hold the jaw in place for a more precise outcome.

Insurance coverage for jaw surgery depends on your diagnosis and insurance plan. Most plans cover functional jaw surgery that’s medically necessary. But orthodontic treatment is often separate and may not be covered. Your care team can help you confirm what your insurance pays for and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

Surgery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure:

• Single jaw surgery typically takes one to two hours.
• Double jaw surgery typically takes two to four hours. 
• Additional procedures, such as genioplasty or TMJ surgery can increase timing.

Most people say they feel pressure, tightness and swelling after jaw surgery – not severe pain. Your care team may prescribe medications to help manage any discomfort.

For routine jaw surgery, most people stay in the hospital for one or two nights. They may stay two or more additional nights for complex or combined surgeries. Select procedures can be performed as an outpatient, so you don’t stay overnight in the hospital.

After jaw surgery, most people return to school or desk work within two to four weeks depending on the procedure and how they are healing. Recovery happens in phases:

• Weeks 1-2: Swelling, congestion, fatigue and limited diet
• Weeks 3-6: Gradual improvement in swelling and function
• Months 2-3: More noticeable functional recovery
• Up to 1 year: Any remaining swelling and nerve healing should resolve

In most modern orthognathic surgeries, we do not wire shut the jaws. During healing, we often use small guiding elastics instead. Most people can open and close their mouths immediately after surgery, although movement may be more limited at first.

Yes, you should expect the most swelling about 48-72 hours after surgery. Major swelling typically improves within two or three weeks, but subtle swelling can remain for several months.

Bruising varies by person and procedure.

Temporary numbness is common, especially in the lower lip and chin after lower jaw surgery. Most sensation improves over time. It is possible to experience partial permanent numbness. Your surgeon will discuss nerve-related risks specific to your procedure.

After surgery, you can expect to follow a staged diet:

• Liquids only
• Pureed or blended foods
• Soft foods 
• Gradual return to normal diet

Most diet restrictions last six to eight weeks depending on your surgery and how you’re healing.

You can do light walking, and we often encourage it soon after surgery. You should avoid more strenuous activity for about six weeks. Avoid contact sports until your surgeon says they’re safe to resume.

Yes, jaw surgery changes facial appearance because the jaws support the soft tissue in the face. Repositioning the jaw often improves facial balance, profile, symmetry and lip support. The goal of jaw surgery is to improve function first (including breathing, chewing and speaking), as well as facial balance and symmetry.

Most people continue their orthodontic treatment with braces for about six to 12 months after surgery to finalize bite and tooth alignment.