Orthognathic Surgery · Kochi, Kerala
Orthognathic Surgery: Correcting Jaw & Bite Alignment
Orthognathic surgery repositions the jaws to correct bite problems and facial imbalance that orthodontics alone can't resolve. This page explains who it's for and what the process looks like.
Who This Is For
- Significant over-bite, under-bite, or open bite
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or closing the lips comfortably
- Facial asymmetry involving the jaw
- Sleep-disordered breathing linked to jaw position, in selected cases
- Orthodontic cases where braces alone cannot achieve a stable bite
Treatment Pathway
Planning is joint work between orthodontist and surgeon, usually starting with pre-surgical orthodontics to align the teeth within each jaw. Surgery repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, fixed with titanium plates, followed by post-surgical orthodontics to finalise the bite.
Recovery
Most patients are on a soft diet for a few weeks, with swelling settling over the following weeks to months. Regular follow-up tracks bite stability and jaw healing through to full recovery.
Experiencing these symptoms? A focused clinical consultation is the fastest way to get a clear answer.
Book Consultation →Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthognathic surgery?
It's corrective jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, to correct bite misalignment and facial imbalance that braces alone cannot fix.
How do I know if I need it?
Signs include a visible over- or under-bite, difficulty chewing or biting food, jaw asymmetry, an open bite that won't close, or an orthodontist recommending surgery to complete alignment. A joint assessment with your orthodontist and surgeon confirms whether it's needed.
Is orthodontic treatment needed before surgery?
Almost always, yes. Braces are typically used before surgery to align the teeth within each jaw, and again afterward for final fine-tuning — surgery corrects the jaw position, orthodontics perfects the bite.
How long is recovery?
Most people return to normal diet and routine activity within two to four weeks, though swelling can take a few months to fully settle and complete healing of the jawbone takes longer.
Does it change facial appearance?
Yes, often meaningfully — because the surgery repositions the jaw skeleton, it commonly improves facial profile and symmetry as a natural consequence of correcting the bite, not as a separate cosmetic step.