Correcting jaw discrepancies for improved bite, function, facial balance, and airway considerations.
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, is used to treat significant jaw discrepancies that cannot be corrected with braces or aligners alone.
At Family Dental Surgery, we work closely with oral and maxillofacial surgeons in both government hospitals and private hospitals to plan and coordinate treatment. This ensures that both the bite and facial structure are corrected in a controlled, predictable way.
If you have been told that braces alone are not sufficient, or if you have concerns about your bite, jaw position, or facial profile, an assessment can help determine whether orthognathic treatment is appropriate.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal imbalances.
While braces and aligners move teeth, they cannot correct problems caused by jaw size, position, or growth discrepancies. In such cases, surgery may be required to properly align the jaws and achieve a stable, functional bite.
Orthognathic treatment is typically carried out as a combined orthodontic–surgical approach, involving orthodontics before and after surgery to achieve a precise and stable result.
The goal is to achieve outcomes that are:
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functionally stable
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structurally balanced
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aesthetically harmonious
In selected cases, jaw repositioning may also contribute to improved airway space, particularly where jaw position plays a role in airway narrowing.
Who is it for?
Orthognathic surgery may be considered for patients with moderate to severe skeletal discrepancies that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone and is usually considered after growth is complete, typically in late teens or adulthood.
Significant Class II jaw relationship
A significantly retrusive lower jaw or protrusive upper jaw affecting bite and facial profile.
Significant Class III jaw relationship
A prominent lower jaw or underbite where the lower teeth sit ahead of the upper teeth.
Significant open bite or vertical discrepancies
Where the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly, affecting chewing and function.
Facial asymmetry
Noticeable imbalance in jaw position or facial proportions.
Cases unsuitable for orthodontics alone
Where tooth movement alone cannot achieve a stable or ideal outcome due to underlying jaw structure.
Airway-related considerations (selected cases)
In some patients, jaw position may contribute to reduced airway space, which can be associated with breathing concerns such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.
In carefully selected cases, orthognathic surgery — particularly maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) — may help increase airway dimensions as part of overall jaw correction. Assessment is important, and where relevant, treatment may be planned together with appropriate medical or sleep evaluations.
Do I Need Jaw Surgery?
Not all bite problems require surgery. Many cases can be successfully treated with braces or aligners alone.
Orthognathic surgery is typically considered when:
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the underlying issue is due to jaw position rather than tooth position
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correcting the bite with orthodontics alone would lead to compromised or unstable results
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there are significant functional concerns (chewing, speech, jaw strain)
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there are noticeable facial imbalances related to jaw structure
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be possible. However, this may involve working around the jaw discrepancy rather than correcting it.
A proper assessment will help determine whether your case is best managed with:
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orthodontics alone
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or a combined orthodontic–surgical approach
How Orthognathic Treatment Works
Orthognathic treatment is planned so that the teeth and jaws are aligned together, not treated independently.
There are two main approaches depending on the case:
Conventional approach (orthodontics first)
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Teeth are aligned with braces or aligners before surgery
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Jaw surgery is then performed
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Orthodontic treatment continues after surgery to refine the bite
Surgery-first approach
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Jaw correction is performed first
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Orthodontic treatment follows to align the teeth
This approach may provide earlier improvement in facial profile and function, and in selected cases may shorten the overall treatment process. However, it is not suitable for all cases.
The choice of approach depends on your bite, tooth position, and treatment objectives, and is planned jointly with the surgical team.
Treatment process for a conventional approach
Orthognathic surgery is carefully planned and carried out in stages to improve both function and facial balance.
We’ll guide you through each step of the process, working closely with you to ensure you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw relationship, facial profile, and treatment goals using clinical examination, X-rays, photographs, and digital scans.
2. Joint Treatment Planning
If surgery is indicated, we coordinate closely with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to develop a structured treatment plan.
3. Orthodontic Phase (timing depends on approach)
Orthodontic treatment is carried out either before or after surgery depending on the chosen approach.
4. Orthognathic Surgery
Treatment is carried out over a defined phase, with regular reviews to monitor progress, growth, and tooth eruption.
5. Healing and Recovery
Initial recovery typically takes a few weeks,
with gradual return to normal daily function.
6. Bite Refinement
Orthodontic treatment continues as needed to achieve optimal alignment and stability.
7. Retention Phase
Retainers are used to maintain the final result long-term.
Cost of Orthognathic Treatment
Orthognathic treatment involves two main components: orthodontic treatment and surgery.
Orthodontic fees
Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) is typically charged at our standard orthodontic fees.
Surgical fees
The surgical component is managed separately by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and hospital.
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Surgical fees are generally significant due to the complexity of the procedure and hospital involvement
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Costs vary depending on the surgeon, hospital selected, and case complexity
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Part of the surgical cost may be claimable through Medisave and applicable insurance plans, typically with a co-payment component
The oral and maxillofacial surgeon will provide a detailed breakdown of surgical fees and claims eligibility during your surgical consultation.
We will guide you through the process and coordinate care, but the surgical component is managed directly by the surgical team.
Things to Consider
It is a coordinated orthodontic–surgical treatment
Successful outcomes depend on close collaboration between the orthodontist and surgeon.
Treatment approach is individualised
Not all patients are suitable for surgery-first treatment. Planning is tailored to achieve the most predictable result.
Recovery is part of the process
As with any surgical procedure, there is a recovery period which will be explained in detail during planning.
Significant functional and structural improvement
Orthognathic surgery can improve bite function, jaw alignment, facial balance, and in selected cases, airway space.
Careful case selection is essential
Not all jaw discrepancies require surgery. A proper assessment is needed to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book an Orthodontic Assessment
If you have been advised that braces alone may not be sufficient, or if you are concerned about your bite or jaw alignment, a proper assessment can help clarify your options.
At Family Dental Surgery, we will evaluate your case and work with the appropriate surgical team to develop a clear, coordinated treatment plan. Book an appointment to receive a personalised consultation.
Address
302 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, #01-1836/1838,
Singapore 560302
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Saturday: 9am - 4.30pm
Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays