What Is Jaw Surgery with Braces? Procedures, Costs, and Aftercare

For individuals with facial skeletal imbalances such as a severely protruding chin, noticeable facial asymmetry, or severe malocclusion that affects daily life orthodontic treatment alone is often not sufficient to correct the root cause of the problem.

In such cases, dentists and specialists typically recommend jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment, medically known as orthognathic surgery. This comprehensive approach corrects both the position of the jawbones and the alignment of the teeth simultaneously, delivering optimal results in terms of facial aesthetics and functional bite alignment.

Jaw surgery combined with braces is a complex treatment, and there are several important aspects every patient should understand before making a decision.

Why Must Jaw Surgery Be Combined with Orthodontic Treatment?

Many patients wonder whether jaw surgery alone or braces alone would be enough. The answer, in cases of skeletal jaw abnormalities, is no.

When the jawbones are surgically repositioned, the original tooth alignment will no longer match properly. Without orthodontic treatment, the upper and lower teeth would fail to meet correctly, resulting in an unstable bite and compromised chewing function.

Therefore, jaw surgery must be performed in combination with orthodontic treatment to ensure that, once the jawbones are repositioned, the teeth are properly aligned and function harmoniously, achieving both long-term stability and optimal results.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Jaw Surgery with Orthodontic Treatment?

Jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment is recommended for individuals with significant skeletal jaw abnormalities that cannot be corrected with braces alone. Suitable candidates include:

Patients with skeletal underbite or skeletal overbite caused by abnormal jawbone positioning

Individuals with facial asymmetry or uneven jaw growth between the left and right sides

Patients who experience difficulty chewing, impaired bite function, or sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea caused by airway obstruction
Treatment Process: Jaw Surgery with Braces from Start to Finish
Jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment is a long-term, multidisciplinary process that requires close collaboration between an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The treatment typically follows these key stages:

1. Treatment Planning
The orthodontist and oral surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including 3D facial scanning, dental impressions, and X-ray imaging. These diagnostic tools are used to accurately simulate and determine the most optimal jaw position for both functional bite alignment and facial balance.

2. Pre-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
This phase typically takes 1–2 years. Braces are used to reposition the teeth so that they properly align with the new jaw structure before surgery. This step is crucial, as it prepares the dental arches to support the new facial profile after jaw surgery—much like repositioning the foundation before reshaping the structure.

3. Surgical Procedure
Once the teeth are fully prepared, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon will perform the jaw surgery under general anesthesia in a sterile operating room.
All surgical incisions are made inside the oral cavity, meaning there are no visible external scars, allowing patients to recover with confidence and peace of mind.

4. Post-Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
After a recovery period of approximately 1–3 months, patients will resume orthodontic treatment. This final phase focuses on fine-tuning the bite and achieving optimal occlusion. The post-surgical orthodontic process usually takes an additional 6–12 months, ensuring long-term stability and the best possible functional and aesthetic results.

 

How Much Does Jaw Surgery with Orthodontic Treatment Cost?

Budget planning is a crucial factor when considering jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment, as the total cost is typically divided into two main components:

1. Orthodontic Treatment Cost
The cost of braces depends on the type of orthodontic system used (such as metal braces or Damon self-ligating braces).
On average, orthodontic treatment costs range from 50,000 to 90,000 THB, depending on case complexity and treatment duration.

2. Jaw Surgery Cost
The cost of jaw surgery varies based on whether one or both jaws are operated on, as well as the hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and medical technology used.

Single-jaw surgery (upper or lower jaw): approximately 80,000 – 150,000 THB

Double-jaw surgery (two jaws): may range from 200,000 – 350,000 THB

Final costs may vary depending on individual diagnosis, surgical techniques, and facility standards.


Post-Operative Care After Jaw Surgery with Braces
The first two weeks after surgery are the most critical period for recovery. Proper self-care is essential to promote healing, reduce swelling, and prevent infection. Recommended aftercare guidelines include:

Dietary Care
During the initial recovery phase, patients should consume liquid or soft foods that require no chewing. Hard or chewy foods must be strictly avoided to prevent stress on the newly operated jawbone.

Oral Hygiene
Rinse your mouth frequently with saltwater or prescribed antiseptic mouthwash, as brushing may be difficult in the early stages following jaw surgery with orthodontic treatment.

Swelling Management
Apply cold compresses during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. After that, switch to warm compresses to help improve blood circulation and accelerate healing.

Deciding to undergo jaw surgery combined with orthodontic treatment is a highly worthwhile investment in yourself. After all, your appearance is something that stays with you for a lifetime. Beyond achieving a more balanced, harmonious, and noticeably improved facial appearance, this treatment also helps address long-term health issues related to bite alignment, jaw function, and overall oral health.

If you are currently exploring treatment options, it is strongly recommended to consult experienced dental specialists at Pasook Dental Clinic, where a personalized treatment plan can be carefully evaluated and tailored to your specific condition.
Receive professional consultation and comprehensive care from expert dentists at Pasook Dental Clinic, available at all branches conveniently located near you.

 

Source: Pasook Dental Clinic