Orthognathic and Maxillofacial Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective surgery, is undertaken by specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct the mandible and conditions associated with the mandible by placing the jaw and or the maxilla (cheek) in a new and more natural position. It is usually reserved for conditions that cannot be corrected with braces alone. There is a range of surgeries within orthognathic surgery, from genioplasty to sagittal split osteotomy and Maxillomandibular advancement (Bimaxillar advancement/Bimax).

Why Should I Get Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic and maxillofacial surgery is designed for people with dentofacial deformities. It is estimated that around 1 in 10-20 of the UK population suffer from such deformities and that these deformities are not solved by orthodontic treatment (braces).

Orthognathic surgery can be used to treat misplaced mandibles, be it one’s jaw is too far forward (underbite) or too far back (overbite). Orthognathic surgery can also be used when the deformity is causing secondary effects on the individual, such as sleep apnoea or affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), giving rise to pain. Everyone is assessed individually by our network of clinicians, who will take the time to evaluate before explaining treatment options.

Orthognathic Surgery / Maxillofacial Surgery Procedure Explained

It isn’t easy to outline the procedure fully, as everyone is assessed individually. Most people will be required to wear braces for some time before any surgery to get the teeth into the position needed for correction. Most procedures require you to stay in hospital for a few days and will be performed under general anaesthetic. Most procedures will mean you are swollen with temporary numbness of the nerves around the face, causing some bruising. You may be supplied with a special cooling mask to help reduce the swelling and the pain.

Most orthognathic and maxillofacial procedures will require you to have a soft diet to start with and may need you to continue this for 6 weeks as the bone heals.

Risks of Orthognathic Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery

The risks should always be discussed at length with the surgeon performing the procedure, but generally speaking, the risks of this procedure can include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scaring (although most work is done intra-orally)
• Damage to nerves leading to change sensation cheek, chin, lips, teeth
• Weakness in facial muscles
• Overcorrection or under correction leading to less desired look than planned
• Mal-occlusion
• Fracture of bones during the procedure
• Further procedures may be indicated

How Much Does Orthognathic Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery Cost?

1. Privately, the average cost for this procedure is difficult to state, as prices can range between £2,500-£20,000 or potentially more due to the numerous procedures associated with this treatment and the different desired effects for every patient. 
2. This treatment is available on the NHS if a specific health condition requires it.