Jaw surgery

Name: Bayside Orthodontics
Telephone: 03 9696 6999

At Bayside Orthodontists, we’re dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy smiles, and sometimes that goes beyond braces or aligners alone. For patients with significant jaw alignment or bite issues, jaw surgery may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

What is jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is a specialised procedure performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct irregularities of the jaw bones and realign the jaws and teeth to improve function and appearance.

When the upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly, it can cause problems with chewing, speaking, breathing, or facial balance. Surgical correction helps restore harmony between the teeth, jaws, and facial structure.

Who might need jaw surgery?

Jaw surgery is typically recommended for patients whose bite problems cannot be fully corrected with orthodontics alone. During your consultation, we will carefully assess your bite, facial structure, and growth patterns to determine whether surgical treatment may be beneficial.

Common reasons include:

Severe underbite or overbite
Open bite (front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed)
Facial asymmetry or misaligned jaw position
Chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
Sleep apnoea related to jaw structure

How jaw surgery works with orthodontics

Orthognathic surgery is a team effort between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Here’s how the process typically works:

Pre-surgical orthodontics

Before surgery, braces or clear aligners are used to move your teeth into their proper positions. This step ensures that once the jaws are realigned, the teeth will fit together correctly.

Surgical correction

The oral surgeon repositions the jaw bones under anaesthesia, using small plates, screws, or wires to secure them in their new alignment. The surgery is usually performed in a hospital or surgical centre.

Post-surgical orthodontics

After healing, your orthodontist fine-tunes your bite and alignment for optimal function and aesthetics. The full process may take several months, but the results are long-lasting and transformative.

Achieve a healthier, more balanced smile

If you’ve been told you might need jaw surgery or are experiencing bite or jaw issues, schedule a consultation with Bayside Orthodontists today. We’ll guide you through your options and design a personalised plan for a healthy, harmonious smile.

Book a consultation