What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery in Spokane, WA?
Corrective
jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal misalignment that braces alone cannot fix. At Wire Orthodontics in
Spokane, WA, this procedure restores proper bite function, facial balance, and oral health for teens and adults whose jaw discrepancies extend beyond what orthodontic care can resolve on its own.
While traditional braces and Invisalign move teeth, they don’t change the underlying position of the jawbones. When the upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly because of skeletal differences, orthognathic surgery becomes the right treatment. The procedure addresses functional problems like difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, while also improving facial proportions.
Corrective jaw surgery is always a team effort. Dr. Clint Wire, a board-certified orthodontist, coordinates closely with a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the Spokane area to plan and carry out every phase of orthodontic care. You’ll typically wear braces or Invisalign before surgery to position the teeth correctly, then continue with orthodontics afterward to fine-tune the bite. This coordinated approach delivers stable, long-lasting results.
Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery improves how you chew, bite, and speak while easing chronic jaw pain, opening the airway for better breathing and sleep, and balancing your facial proportions. For patients with significant skeletal misalignment, the procedure restores everyday function and supports lasting oral health, with results that hold up well over time.
The benefits of orthognathic surgery go far beyond appearance. For patients with significant jaw misalignment, surgery can change daily life in meaningful ways.
- Better chewing, biting, and speaking. A properly aligned bite makes eating more comfortable and helps with clear speech patterns affected by jaw position.
- Relief from chronic jaw pain. Many patients with TMJ-related discomfort find lasting relief once their jaws are repositioned correctly.
- Improved breathing and sleep. Jaw surgery can open the airway, which often reduces or eliminates obstructive sleep apnea linked to skeletal issues.
- Balanced facial proportions. Repositioning the jaws naturally enhances facial symmetry and profile, giving many patients a real boost in confidence.
- Stable, long-term results. When paired with orthodontic care before and after surgery, the corrections are designed to last a lifetime.
Patients often tell Dr. Wire that the functional improvements surprise them most. Eating an apple without discomfort, speaking clearly in meetings, or finally sleeping through the night can feel life-changing. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that combining jaw surgery with orthodontic care is a proven approach for correcting severe skeletal discrepancies that affect both health and quality of life, with most patients reporting strong satisfaction once the corrections are complete.
This is orthodontic care that does more than straighten teeth. It restores function, supports better health, and helps create the smile you’ll love.
How Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Work?
Corrective jaw surgery is a multi-phase process that typically spans a year and a half to three years from start to finish. Here’s what to expect at each step.
Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your free consultation at Wire Orthodontics begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Wire reviews your medical and dental history, performs a clinical exam, and captures advanced 3D imaging to map your jaw structure. Together with the oral surgeon, Dr. Wire walks you through the findings and outlines a coordinated plan built around your needs.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Before surgery, you’ll wear braces or Invisalign for roughly 12 to 18 months. This phase positions your teeth so they’ll fit together properly once the jaws are moved. It may feel counterintuitive at first because your bite can look worse before it gets better, but this preparation is essential for the surgical outcome.
Step 3: Surgery
The orthognathic procedure is performed by the oral surgeon under general anesthesia, usually in a hospital setting. Depending on your diagnosis, the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both may be repositioned. Most surgeries take a few hours, and a short hospital stay typically follows.
Step 4: Recovery
Initial recovery generally takes several weeks. A soft or liquid diet comes first, along with limited physical activity and follow-up visits to monitor healing. Most patients return to school or work within two to four weeks, though full healing continues for several months.
Step 5: Post-Surgical Orthodontics
Once initial healing is complete, Dr. Wire resumes orthodontic care to fine-tune your bite. This phase usually lasts 6 to 12 months and is followed by retainers to protect your amazing results.
| Phase |
Typical Duration |
What Happens |
| Pre-Surgical Orthodontics |
12-18 months |
Braces or Invisalign align teeth |
| Surgery & Initial Recovery |
1 day surgery, 4-6 weeks recovery |
Jaw repositioning under anesthesia |
| Post-Surgical Orthodontics |
6-12 months |
Final bite refinement |
| Retention |
Long-term |
Retainers maintain results |
Are You a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?
You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you have a significant skeletal jaw discrepancy that braces or Invisalign alone cannot correct. Common indicators include severe overbite, underbite, or open bite, chronic jaw pain, breathing difficulties, or facial imbalance. Dr. Wire evaluates each patient individually to determine whether orthognathic surgery is the right approach.
Specific signs that may point to jaw surgery include:
- Severe bite problems such as a pronounced underbite, overbite, or open bite that prevents your teeth from meeting properly.
- Functional difficulties with chewing, swallowing, or speaking caused by jaw misalignment.
- Chronic jaw or TMJ pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment.
- Facial asymmetry where one side of the face appears noticeably different from the other.
- Obstructive sleep apnea or breathing problems linked to jaw position or airway structure.
Orthognathic surgery is generally recommended after facial growth is complete, typically in the late teens for women and slightly later for men. Younger patients with developing skeletal issues may benefit from phase one treatment or growth modification first, with surgery considered later if needed. Dr. Wire will let you know whether surgery is appropriate or whether another approach can achieve your goals.
Why Choose Wire Orthodontics for Corrective Jaw Surgery in Spokane, WA
Choosing the right orthodontist matters when you’re considering a procedure as significant as jaw surgery. At Wire Orthodontics, you’re cared for by a team that brings advanced training, careful planning, and an exceptional patient experience to every case.
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Clint Wire, DDS, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist with the advanced training and clinical experience to plan and coordinate complex jaw surgery cases. He completed his Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Iowa, where he served as Chief Resident, graduated first in his dental school class at the University of Utah, and is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and the Spokane Dental Society.
- Coordinated surgical care. Wire Orthodontics partners with trusted Spokane-area oral and maxillofacial surgeons to deliver carefully sequenced orthodontic and surgical care.
- Advanced 3D imaging. Digital scans and treatment planning tools allow precise mapping of every phase, from pre-surgical alignment to post-surgical refinement.
- A family-owned practice. Wire Orthodontics is 100% family owned, and you’ll see Dr. Wire at every visit, so your care stays consistent from start to finish.
- Convenient access. With offices in Liberty Lake and on the South Hill, patients across the Spokane, WA area and Inland Northwest have easy access to expert orthodontic care.
This is the attention to detail you can trust during one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your health and your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does recovery from jaw surgery take?
Initial recovery typically takes four to six weeks, with most patients returning to school or work within two to four weeks. Swelling subsides gradually over a few months, and complete healing of the jaw bones generally takes about six to twelve months. Dr. Wire and your oral surgeon will guide you through diet, activity, and follow-up care so you always know what comes next.
Is corrective jaw surgery covered by insurance?
Many medical insurance plans cover orthognathic surgery when it’s deemed medically necessary, such as for severe functional problems, breathing issues, or TMJ-related concerns. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly. Our team can help you understand what documentation may be needed for your case.
How painful is orthognathic surgery?
Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable rather than severe. You’ll be under general anesthesia during the procedure, and pain medication is provided afterward. The most common post-surgical sensations are swelling, numbness, and tightness, which improve significantly within the first two weeks.
Will I need braces before and after surgery?
Yes. Pre-surgical orthodontics, usually lasting 12 to 18 months, positions your teeth so they fit together correctly after the jaws are repositioned. After surgery, you’ll continue with orthodontic care for another 6 to 12 months to refine your bite. Some patients are candidates for Invisalign during these phases, depending on their case.
What is the cost of corrective jaw surgery in Spokane?
Costs vary based on the complexity of the case, the surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, and the length of orthodontic care. Because much of the surgery may be covered by medical insurance, out-of-pocket expenses differ widely from patient to patient. We’ll provide a clear cost breakdown during your free consultation at Wire Orthodontics.
How long do results last?
When orthognathic surgery is combined with proper orthodontic care and retainer wear, results are designed to last a lifetime. The repositioned jaw bones heal in their new position, and retainers help keep the teeth aligned. Long-term success depends on following your retention plan and maintaining good oral health.
Schedule Your Jaw Surgery Consultation in Spokane
If you’re living with jaw pain, bite problems, or breathing difficulties that braces alone can’t fix, corrective jaw surgery may be the answer. At Wire Orthodontics, Dr. Clint Wire and our dedicated team will walk you through every option with honesty and care, taking the time to answer your questions and explain what each phase of treatment involves. We know a procedure this significant can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to make the process clear, comfortable, and reassuring from your first visit to your final reveal.
Call
(509) 892-9284 or book your free consultation online. Our family-owned practice serves patients at our Liberty Lake and South Hill offices, welcoming families from Spokane, WA and across the Inland Northwest. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to plan treatment, we’ll meet you where you are. Take the next step toward better function, better health, and a smile you’ll love.
