Jaw surgery, technically known as orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that corrects skeletal abnormalities of the jaw, improving both bite function and facial appearance. It is one of the most transformative procedures available in oral and facial surgery. Dr. Landon McLain of McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, Alabama holds dual board certifications in both cosmetic surgery and oral & maxillofacial surgery, a combination that makes him uniquely qualified to perform this complex and highly specialized procedure.
When Is Jaw Surgery Needed?
Orthognathic surgery is indicated when bite problems, jaw misalignment, or facial asymmetry cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone. Conditions commonly treated include:
- Overbite or underbite that affects chewing, speaking, or facial appearance
- Open bite, in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed
- Crossbite, where upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth
- Facial asymmetry involving the jaws
- Obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw structure or tongue base position
- Congenital jaw deformities such as hemifacial microsomia
How Jaw Surgery Works
Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anesthesia. All incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars on the face. Depending on whether the upper jaw (maxilla), the lower jaw (mandible), or both need correction, the surgeon carefully cuts the bone, repositions it to the planned position, and secures it with titanium plates and screws.
The precise movements are planned in advance using 3D imaging, digital models, and surgical planning software. This meticulous planning ensures that the corrected jaw position optimizes both bite function and facial aesthetics simultaneously.
The Role of Orthodontics in Treatment
Jaw surgery is almost always performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Braces or clear aligners are placed before surgery to align the teeth within each jaw, so that when the jaws are repositioned, the teeth meet correctly. Post-surgical orthodontics then fine-tunes the bite. The total treatment timeline is typically one to two years.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients take two to three weeks off work or school following jaw surgery. A liquid and soft-food diet is required for several weeks as the bones heal, typically four to six weeks before advancing to normal foods. Swelling gradually improves over several months, with the majority resolving by three months.
Final results, including full resolution of swelling and complete stabilization of the bite, become apparent at six to twelve months following surgery.
Aesthetic Benefits of Jaw Surgery
While orthognathic surgery is primarily a functional procedure, the aesthetic improvements are often significant. Correcting a receding chin, a prominent lower jaw, or facial asymmetry produces visible improvements in facial balance and harmony. Many patients are surprised by how dramatically their facial appearance improves as a result of repositioning the underlying skeletal structure.
Why Choose Dr. McLain
Dr. McLain’s unique dual-specialty background in oral & maxillofacial and cosmetic surgery gives him an unparalleled perspective on the relationship between oral function and facial aesthetics. He lectures nationally and trains other surgeons in advanced orthognathic techniques, bringing world-class expertise to patients throughout the Southeast.
Dr. McLain provides orthognathic jaw surgery to patients in Huntsville, Decatur, Birmingham, Scottsboro, and throughout North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. Schedule a consultation at McLain Surgical Arts to learn more.
Contact McLain Surgical Arts in Huntsville, AL to Schedule a Consultation
McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing.
For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.
Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.