Orthognathic Surgery Melbourne
All your questions answered about corrective jaw surgery
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Understanding Orthognathic Surgery Melbourne
Misaligned jaw? Orthognathic surgery could be the answer
If you have a misaligned jaw, orthognathic (jaw) surgery might be the right solution. This type of surgery goes beyond braces, correcting the alignment of your jaw to improve how you bite, speak, and even breathe. Unlike orthodontics alone, jaw surgery addresses the underlying bone structure, helping with more severe cases where teeth and jaw alignment need surgical adjustment.
Our team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons has strong expertise in corrective jaw surgery. With advanced training in jaw and facial procedures, we handle complex cases across both public and private healthcare settings.
Our experience in reconstructive and facial treatments means you’ll get expert care. We focus on making sure you feel comfortable and well-treated throughout.
Dr Felix Sim
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne
What is a misaligned jaw?
A misaligned jaw is when the upper and lower jaws don’t line up as they should. This can make it hard to bite, chew, speak, or even breathe comfortably. People with issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites may need jaw surgery to fix it. If you have trouble eating or jaw pain, corrective jaw surgery can help improve how your jaw works and how you feel.
Can a misaligned jaw be corrected with orthodontics alone?
Braces can do a great job of straightening teeth and fixing many bite problems. But sometimes, the jaw itself is out of line—maybe the upper and lower jaws are different sizes or don’t align properly. In these cases, braces alone won’t be enough. Your orthodontist might suggest jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to correct the jaw’s position for the best long-term results in looks and function. We’ll work closely with your orthodontist to plan the right treatment for you, using detailed models, X-rays, and other tools to get it just right.
Can you have jaw surgery without needing orthodontic treatment?
Corrective jaw surgery is done along with orthodontic treatment. Braces help get your teeth aligned before and after surgery so your bite fits correctly. Most patients need braces for 12–24 months before surgery and about six months after to fine-tune the results. This combination helps achieve the best outcome for how your jaw functions and how your teeth fit. The surgery moves the jaw, but braces help keep everything in place.
Maxillofacial Surgeon Melbourne for Orthognathic Surgery
The steps involved in corrective jaw surgery and treatment
Getting corrective jaw surgery and orthodontic treatment takes time and commitment. It’s a team effort involving you, your orthodontist, and your oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Here’s what the process looks like.
Phase 1: Treatment planning
It all starts with a visit to your orthodontist. If corrective jaw surgery is suggested, your orthodontist will team up with us to create a detailed treatment plan. This plan uses dental models, X-rays, photos, and computer projections to get everything just right. You’ll be kept in the loop every step of the way and asked for your okay before moving forward.
Phase 2: Pre-surgical orthodontics
Before orthognathic surgery, braces are used to align the teeth in each jaw. This stage can take 12–24 months. While the teeth may look misaligned with each other due to jaw positioning, this step is essential for setting the foundation for successful jaw surgery.
Phase 3: Surgical preparation
In some cases, teeth may need to be removed before orthognathic surgery, such as premolar teeth and impacted wisdom teeth. This can either be done before or during the corrective jaw surgery. When your teeth are sufficiently aligned, we will discuss the surgery details, hospital stay, and recovery with you.
Phase 4: The surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is performed in a hospital under general anaesthesia. You’ll usually be admitted the day before surgery and stay for 1-2 days after. The procedure involves making incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones, which are then repositioned and secured with titanium plates and screws.
Phase 5: Post-surgical orthodontics
After your jaw has healed and settled, post-surgery orthodontic treatment starts to fine-tune your teeth alignment. This stage usually takes a few months, and your orthodontist will let you know how long it might last. You’ll also have regular check-ups with us to keep an eye on your healing and progress.
This structured approach helps achieve the best results for jaw function, appearance, and long-term stability.
Potential complications of jaw surgery
As with any surgery, jaw surgery comes with potential risks and complications:
- Bleeding: Bleeding can happen during or after surgery, with rare cases needing a transfusion. Let us know if you or your family have a history of bleeding disorders.
- Infection: Infections are uncommon but possible. Good oral hygiene before and after surgery helps prevent this. You’ll be given antibiotics in the hospital and for use at home. In rare cases, infection may lead to plate exposure necessitating plate removal
- Lung issues: Smokers and those with asthma may have higher risks of lung complications. We will suggest stopping smoking before surgery.
- Nerve injuries: Temporary numbness in the lips, chin, or other areas is common but usually fades over weeks to months. In rare cases, numbness can be permanent.
Together with your anaesthetist, we will go over these potential risks in detail before your surgery and will be there to guide you through any concerns.
Recovery Orthognathic Surgery Melbourne
What to expect after corrective jaw surgery surgery
Corrective jaw surgery is a major procedure, so here’s what you need to know what will happen after surgery:
- Pain: Some discomfort is normal after orthognathic surgery, but many patients find it’s less painful than having wisdom teeth removed. Pain relief is provided both during your hospital stay and for home use.
- Facial swelling: Swelling starts right after surgery, peaks around 48 hours, and begins to ease after about a week.
- Bruising: Bruising on the face, under the eyes, or neck is common and may appear a week after surgery, taking up to another week to fade.
- Jaw stiffness: It’s normal for your jaw to feel stiff for around 10 days due to swelling.
- Diet changes: You’ll need to follow a modified diet. For the first two weeks, all food should be pureed. Soft foods are okay for the next two weeks, and after that, you can gradually return to a regular diet over the following two weeks. A dietitian will give you specific advice before you leave the hospital.
Most people can get back to their normal routines within 2-4 weeks after jaw surgery. However, full recovery, including returning to all activities and a regular diet, may take 2-4 months, depending on the complexity of the surgery. We will provide specific guidance based on your situation.
Orthognathic Surgery Melbourne
Why choose Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists?
At Oral & Facial Surgery Specialists in Melbourne, we prioritise your care. Our skilled team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons manages everything from routine procedures to complex jaw surgery, making sure your experience is comfortable with personalised treatment plans and clear communication.
With locations in Werribee, Glen Iris, Springvale, and Box Hill, expert care is close to home. Local dentists and GPs often refer patients to us for our trusted reputation. But it’s not just about the outcomes—we want you to feel at ease and confident throughout your treatment. Book your consultation today.
FAQ Orthognathic Surgery
Frequently asked questions about corrective jaw surgery
Does getting orthognathic surgery hurt?
During the surgery, you won’t feel pain due to general anaesthesia. After the procedure, some discomfort, swelling, and soreness are normal, but pain is managed with prescribed medication to keep you comfortable. Most patients find the pain manageable and improve within the first week of recovery.
Do I need a referral for corrective jaw surgery?
Yes, a referral from your orthodontist or doctor is usually needed for corrective jaw surgery.
When can I start brushing my teeth again after the procedure in the hospital?
You can start gently brushing your teeth the day after the procedure while you’re still in the hospital. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the surgical site to prevent irritation. We will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth during the initial recovery period to promote healing.
Where do you consult?
You can visit us at one of our four Melbourne locations: Werribee, Glen Iris, Springvale, and Box Hill. Just call us to book an appointment or use our web form.