What does “Orthognathic surgery” mean?
Orthognathic surgery adjusts jawbone position and relationships with the aim of improving the bite and function of the teeth and jaws. Also called jaw surgery, it may be considered when tooth movement alone cannot achieve the goals, for example because of skeletal discrepancies. Planning is based on orthodontic and oral and maxillofacial surgical assessment.
Distinguish tooth movement from jawbone movement
Assessment considers the range of movement possible with orthodontics and problems that remain because of the jaw relationship. Plans vary: the upper jaw, lower jaw or both may be involved. Changing the chin alone should not be assumed to correct how the teeth meet.
Understand orthodontics around surgery as part of the full sequence
A plan may use orthodontics to prepare tooth positions for surgery and refine the bite afterwards. During preparation, the bite may temporarily become less comfortable or the profile imbalance more noticeable, so ask why this may happen. Confirm the sequence and duration of assessment, orthodontics, recovery and retention, rather than considering only the day of surgery.
Confirm individual risks and conditions for recovery
Discuss surgical and anaesthetic risks, bleeding, infection, sensory changes around the lips or chin including persistent numbness, jaw-position changes and possible additional procedures. The types and extent of risk depend on the operation and individual condition. Follow eating, hygiene and activity instructions and attend surgical and orthodontic follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is orthognathic surgery the same as double-jaw surgery?
Double-jaw surgery involves both upper and lower jaws and is one form of orthognathic surgery. A plan may involve only one jaw, so confirm your own proposed scope.
Does jaw surgery mean orthodontics is unnecessary?
It depends on the individual plan, but orthodontics before and after surgery is often part of treatment. Ask how tooth and jaw movements work together, the stages and alternatives, and later retention.
Checking the scope and coordinated care for orthognathic surgery
Learn what the term means and how it relates to your dental condition.
- Sufficient understanding
Which problems will tooth movement address, and which require surgery?
Explanation and evidenceSeparate goals for the teeth, jawbones and chin, and confirm which jaw is involved, the intended extent of change, alternatives and remaining limitations.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS: Coordinated orthodontic and orthognathic care, stages and risks - A choice suited to your condition
How will treatment, recovery and risk management fit together?
Explanation and evidenceDiscuss the sequence of orthodontics and surgery, individual risks such as sensory changes and infection, possible further procedures, and eating, hygiene, reviews and retention.
Cambridge University Hospitals: Risks and follow-up of lower-jaw osteotomy (2025)
Further reading and references
Further reading
References
- East Lancashire Hospitals NHS: Coordinated orthodontic and orthognathic care, stages and riskselht.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge University Hospitals: Risks and follow-up of lower-jaw osteotomy (2025)cuh.nhs.uk (opens in a new tab)
- Belgian oral and maxillofacial surgery society: Orthognathic surgery and chin surgery distinguishedomfs.be (opens in a new tab)
