Orthognathic(Corrective Jaw) Surgery Washington DC & Alexandria VA

Orthognathic surgery, also called corrective jaw surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct significant bite and skeletal misalignment. It is a coordinated treatment between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an orthodontist, and often a periodontist. The surgery corrects functional problems (chewing, breathing, speech) and dramatically changes facial appearance for patients whose issues cannot be resolved with braces or clear aligners alone.

Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery addresses skeletal problems, not just tooth alignment. Common indications include:

• Severe underbite or overbite that braces alone cannot fix
• Open bite (front teeth do not touch when back teeth are closed)
• Facial asymmetry from uneven jaw growth
• Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
• Sleep apnea caused by a small or recessed lower jaw
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ symptoms tied to malocclusion
• Speech difficulties from jaw position

How the Process Works

Orthognathic treatment typically spans 18 to 24 months in three phases:

1. Pre-surgical orthodontics (9 to 12 months): braces or aligners align teeth to their final positions within each jaw
2. Surgery: the oral surgeon repositions one or both jaws under general anesthesia (typically 2 to 4 hours)
3. Post-surgical orthodontics (6 to 12 months): final bite refinement

Types of Orthognathic Surgery

• Le Fort I osteotomy: upper jaw repositioning
• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO): lower jaw repositioning
• Genioplasty: chin repositioning
• Bimaxillary surgery: both jaws in one procedure

Where the Periodontist Fits In

A periodontist may be involved in a few ways: assessing gum health before orthodontics (moving teeth through unhealthy gums is a mistake), performing Wilckodontics to accelerate the orthodontic phases, placing implants if teeth are lost during the process, and managing any gum recession that develops during long orthodontic treatment. In simpler cases where surgery is not needed, Wilckodontics alone can sometimes address moderate skeletal issues at a fraction of the cost and recovery.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 1 to 7: hospital or supervised recovery, jaw stabilized with plates and screws (rarely wired shut anymore)
• Weeks 1 to 4: liquid then soft-food diet, mostly working from home
• Weeks 4 to 8: back to work and light activity, gradual return to normal diet
• Months 3 to 6: bone fully healed; final orthodontic refinement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orthognathic surgery covered by insurance?

Yes when medically necessary (documented functional impairment). Purely cosmetic cases are not. Medical necessity documentation is a critical piece of pre-authorization.

How much does orthognathic surgery cost?

The surgical portion typically runs $20,000 to $50,000 with anesthesia and hospital fees, plus $5,000 to $8,000 in orthodontics. Insurance often covers a significant portion of the surgical fees when medical necessity is documented.

Is jaw surgery worth it?

For patients with genuine skeletal problems, yes. Most patients report life-changing improvements in chewing, breathing, sleep, and confidence. Recovery is significant but temporary.

Consult in DC, Alexandria, or Reston

If you have been told you may need corrective jaw surgery, or are exploring less invasive alternatives, request a consult at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We will assess whether faster orthodontics or grafting can achieve your goals without surgery, and coordinate with an oral surgeon if surgery is the right path.