Jaw Surgery for Underbite
What is Underbite?
An underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw, causing lower teeth to overlap upper teeth.
Symptoms
- Lower teeth in front of upper teeth
- Difficulty biting and chewing
- Facial asymmetry
How Jaw Surgery Treats Underbite
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) corrects skeletal irregularities of the jaw bones. It improves bite function, facial symmetry, and can resolve breathing issues including sleep apnea.
Procedure Steps
- 1Comprehensive diagnostic records
- 2Orthodontic preparation (often needed)
- 3Surgical jaw repositioning
- 4Post-surgical orthodontic refinement
Recovery Time:6-12 weeks
Average Cost:$5,000-$20,000
FAQ
When is jaw surgery necessary?
When orthodontics alone cannot correct the misalignment because the problem is skeletal rather than dental.
How long is recovery from jaw surgery?
Initial recovery takes 6-8 weeks. Full healing and final results may take 6-12 months.
Can an underbite be fixed without surgery?
Mild underbites may be corrected with braces alone. Severe skeletal underbites often require jaw surgery.
At what age should an underbite be treated?
Early intervention around age 7-10 can guide jaw growth. Adults may need combined orthodontic-surgical treatment.