What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective
jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, is a procedure that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal misalignment, improve bite function, and balance facial structure. At Wire Orthodontics in
Liberty Lake, WA, Dr. Clint Wire coordinates this care with trusted local oral surgeons for patients whose bite issues extend beyond what teeth alone can fix.
When the upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly, braces or Invisalign can straighten teeth, but they can’t reposition bone. That’s where orthognathic surgery comes in. It addresses the underlying skeletal structure so the teeth, jaws, and facial proportions all work together as one balanced system.
Common conditions treated with corrective jaw surgery include severe malocclusion (underbite, overbite, or open bite), facial asymmetry, jaw size mismatch, chronic TMJ pain, and breathing concerns such as obstructive sleep apnea. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Wire evaluates each case carefully to determine whether surgery, orthodontics, or a combined plan will deliver the best long-term outcome for patients in Liberty Lake, WA and the surrounding Spokane area.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
What are the benefits of corrective jaw surgery? When the jaws are properly aligned, patients often gain a better bite, easier breathing, improved sleep, relief from chronic jaw pain, and a more balanced facial profile. These improvements tend to last a lifetime when surgery is paired with orthodontic care. Here’s what corrective jaw surgery can offer in greater detail:
- Improved bite function. Chewing, biting, and speaking become easier when the upper and lower teeth fit together as they should.
- Balanced facial profile. Repositioning the jaws creates better symmetry and proportion, which many patients find boosts confidence.
- Relief from jaw pain. Skeletal alignment can reduce TMJ discomfort, headaches, and the uneven tooth wear caused by a poor bite.
- Better breathing and sleep. Forward jaw positioning often helps open the airway, easing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea for appropriate candidates.
- Long-term stability. When surgery is paired with orthodontic care before and after, the corrected bite tends to hold up well over time.
For the right patient, this is the kind of result that lasts a lifetime. Dr. Wire works closely with each person to make sure the plan fits both their clinical needs and personal goals, so every decision reflects what matters most to you.
The Corrective Jaw Surgery Process
Orthognathic treatment is a coordinated process that usually takes 18 to 24 months. It blends orthodontic care with surgical correction so the final bite is both functional and stable. Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
- Consultation and planning. Dr. Wire at Wire Orthodontics reviews your bite, facial structure, and concerns. Records including 3D imaging, photographs, and digital scans help map out a custom plan with your oral surgeon.
- Pre-surgical orthodontics. Braces are placed first to align the teeth within each jaw. This phase typically lasts 9 to 18 months and prepares the teeth to fit together correctly once the jaws are repositioned.
- Surgical planning visit. As you near the end of pre-surgical orthodontics, the oral surgeon uses 3D imaging to plan the exact movements needed.
- Surgery. Performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon under general anesthesia, the procedure repositions one or both jaws. Most patients stay in the hospital briefly for monitoring.
- Recovery. Initial healing takes several weeks, with a soft-food diet and limited activity. Most patients return to normal routines within four to six weeks, though full bone healing continues for months.
- Post-surgical orthodontics. Dr. Wire fine-tunes the bite with braces for another 6 to 12 months, then provides retainers to maintain the result.
You’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit, so the care stays consistent every step of the way.
Who Is a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
Who is a candidate for corrective jaw surgery? The best candidates are patients whose bite or facial structure issues cannot be resolved by braces or Invisalign alone, and who have completed jaw growth. This means most candidates are in their late teens or older. An evaluation at Wire Orthodontics helps determine whether surgery is the right path for your specific situation.
You may be a candidate if you have one or more of the following:
| Condition |
Why Surgery May Help |
| Severe underbite, overbite, or open bite |
Skeletal mismatch is too significant for braces alone |
| Facial asymmetry |
One side of the jaw is larger, smaller, or shifted |
| Chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorder |
Misaligned jaws strain the joint and surrounding muscles |
| Difficulty chewing or biting |
Teeth don’t meet properly even after orthodontic alignment |
| Obstructive sleep apnea |
Jaw position contributes to airway restriction |
| Receding chin or protruding jaw |
Profile concerns linked to skeletal structure |
Not every patient with these concerns needs surgery. Many bite issues can be corrected with orthodontics on their own. That’s why a careful evaluation matters. Dr. Wire reviews your records, discusses your goals, and recommends the approach that fits your situation.
Why Choose Wire Orthodontics in Liberty Lake
Choosing the right team for corrective jaw surgery makes a real difference in both the experience and the outcome. At Wire Orthodontics, you’ll find coordinated, patient focused care from a family-owned practice that treats every case with attention to detail you can trust.
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Clint Wire is a board-certified orthodontist who earned his DDS at the University of Utah Dental School (graduating first in his class) and his Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Iowa, where he served as Chief Resident. He is also an inductee of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and an active member of the Spokane Dental Society.
- Coordinated treatment. Your orthodontic and surgical care follow one unified plan, with Dr. Wire collaborating directly with trusted local oral and maxillofacial surgeons.
- Advanced planning technology. 3D imaging and digital treatment planning help map every step before surgery.
- Two convenient locations. Wire Orthodontics serves families in Liberty Lake, WA and on the South Hill in Spokane.
- Personalized care. You’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit, from your first visit to your final reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does jaw surgery recovery take?
Most patients return to work or school within four to six weeks after corrective jaw surgery, though initial swelling subsides over the first two weeks. Full bone healing continues for several months, and your orthodontist will guide you back into eating a normal diet gradually. Dr. Wire monitors your progress closely throughout.
Is corrective jaw surgery painful?
Discomfort is expected after any surgical procedure, but it’s typically well managed with prescribed medication during the first several days. Most patients describe the experience as more of a soreness and stiffness than sharp pain. Swelling and numbness are usually more noticeable than pain itself, and both improve steadily during recovery.
How much does jaw surgery cost in Liberty Lake?
The cost of corrective jaw surgery depends largely on the complexity of your case. Fees vary based on the type of surgery, hospital charges, anesthesia, and the orthodontic care before and after. Because orthognathic surgery is medically necessary in many cases, total fees are split between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Wire Orthodontics provides a clear estimate for the orthodontic portion during your free consultation.
Will insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Many medical insurance plans cover at least part of corrective jaw surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary, such as for sleep apnea, severe malocclusion, or significant functional concerns. The orthodontic portion is often billed separately and may fall under dental benefits. Our team at Wire Orthodontics helps you understand your coverage and what to expect financially.
Do I need braces before and after jaw surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgical orthodontics aligns the teeth within each jaw so they fit together correctly once the jaws are repositioned. After surgery, a shorter phase of orthodontic care fine-tunes the bite for long-term stability. This combined approach produces a bite that holds up for the long term.
What is the difference between jaw surgery and braces?
Braces and Invisalign move teeth within the bone. Corrective jaw surgery repositions the bone itself. When the upper and lower jaws don’t align properly, orthodontics alone can’t fix the underlying skeletal mismatch. Surgery corrects the foundation, while orthodontic care positions the teeth.
Schedule Your Jaw Surgery Consultation
Find out whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you with a visit to our team. Dr. Wire and our team at Wire Orthodontics offer free consultations for patients considering orthognathic treatment. We’ll review your bite, discuss your goals, and walk you through what a coordinated plan would look like.
Our family-owned practice welcomes patients at our Liberty Lake, WA office and our South Hill location in Spokane. Call
(509) 892-9284 or schedule a free consultation online to get started.
