If you’re struggling to eat, breathe, speak, or feel confident about your appearance because of jaw issues, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, can correct underlying skeletal problems that orthodontic braces or aligners can’t fix on their own. By properly aligning and positioning the jaws, this procedure can restore function, ease pain, and dramatically improve quality of life—from improving chewing and sleep to helping you feel more confident about your smile and facial appearance.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the signs that may point to a need for surgery and how to take the next step toward lasting relief.
Common Causes of Jaw Pain or Dysfunction
Several conditions can affect the way your jaw functions and how your bite fits together. When these issues are structural, rather than muscular, jaw surgery may be the most effective solution. Some of the most common causes include:
- Jaw Misalignment & Growth Discrepancies: Sometimes the upper and lower jaws grow at different rates or develop out of proportion, resulting in misalignment. Conditions like underbite, overbite, open bite, and facial imbalance can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing—and often require surgery when braces alone aren’t enough.
- Congenital Conditions: Birth differences such as cleft palate, craniofacial syndromes, or underdeveloped jawbones can affect both function and appearance—and may require surgical correction to restore symmetry and support natural development.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: While many TMJ issues respond to conservative treatment, structural problems within the joint—such as degeneration, displacement, or bone abnormalities—can sometimes require surgical repair.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: In patients with a recessed lower jaw or narrow airway, jaw surgery can reposition the jaws to open the airway and improve breathing during sleep.
- Traumatic Injury: Accidents or sports injuries that fracture or displace the jaw may need reconstructive surgery to restore proper alignment and function.
Common Signs You May Need Jaw Surgery
Mild symptoms such as stiffness, discomfort, or popping sounds in the joint are often treated with conservative methods, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or habit modification (like avoiding gum or jaw clenching). However, when symptoms persist—or when structural abnormalities like jaw misalignment or improper growth patterns are involved—it’s time to see a specialist.
You may be a candidate for jaw surgery if you experience:
- An open bite or teeth that don't meet
- Chronic jaw pain
- Clicking, grinding, or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
- Facial asymmetry
- Migraine-like headaches (linked to jaw tension)
- Speech issues
Symptoms That Shouldn't Be Ignored
In some cases, jaw problems don’t present with obvious symptoms like a locked joint or visible misalignment. Instead, they may show up in areas that seem unrelated—making them easier to overlook or misdiagnose.
Less obvious symptoms that could signal a serious jaw-related issue include:
- Difficulty breathing (especially at night) due to a recessed jaw or narrow airway
- Ear-related symptoms such as muffled hearing or ringing
- Pain or pressure in the jaw or ears
- Persistent snoring or sleep apnea
- Worsening bite or shifting teeth
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
Getting Evaluated by a Specialist
At The Institute, patients receive world-class care from one of the nation’s leading surgical teams in craniofacial and jaw reconstruction. Your consultation begins with a detailed review of your medical and dental history, followed by a physical exam to assess your jaw movement, bite, and facial symmetry. You'll also discuss the nature, severity, and timeline of your symptoms.
To get a full picture of what’s happening beneath the surface, your specialist may order advanced imaging such as:
- Clinical photographs to evaluate facial alignment
- CT scans or panoramic X-rays to visualize bone structure
- Dental impressions to assess how your upper and lower jaws fit together
Once the root cause of your symptoms is identified, your care team will build a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals—whether that includes monitoring, orthodontic correction, or surgical intervention. If jaw surgery is the most effective path forward, you’ll be guided through every step of the process—from pre-surgical preparation to recovery and long-term follow-up. Dr. Jarrahy will also work closely with your orthodontist to ensure the best outcome for your condition.
What to Expect During Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is a carefully planned procedure performed under general anesthesia. The goal is to reposition the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both, to improve function, balance facial structure, and alleviate pain or dysfunction.
Most jaw surgeries are performed inside the mouth, which means there’s little to no visible scarring. Depending on your condition, the surgeon may:
- Adjust the lower jaw to improve alignment and facial balance
- Move the upper jaw forward, backward, or upward to correct bite or breathing issues
- Reshape the chin or jawline to enhance symmetry and function
- Secure the repositioned jawbones with small plates, screws, or wires
Post-Surgical Care
In most modern procedures, your jaw won’t be “wired shut.” Instead, your surgeon may use rubber bands (elastics) or a splint to guide your bite into proper alignment as you heal. Recovery typically involves a liquid or soft-food diet for a few weeks, along with follow-up visits to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. Coordination with treating orthodontists also continues through the postoperative phase.
Moving Forward With Confidence
While the thought of surgery can feel overwhelming, understanding the process—and knowing you're in expert hands—can make all the difference. If you're ready to explore your options for treating and managing jaw pain, contact Dr. Jarrahy and the care team at The Institute for a consultation today.
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