appointment
appointment

Orthognathic Surgery with Braces to Correct Facial Structure and Bite Problems

Braces Combined with Jaw Surgery

Many people assume that orthodontic treatment combined with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is a cosmetic procedure. In fact, it is a treatment for patients with bite problems: a protruding chin, an asymmetrical face or chin, lower front teeth that sit over the upper teeth, or upper teeth that sit over the lower teeth. These problems affect appearance as well as function, including speech, biting and chewing.

They can also become a source of insecurity, since people are often teased about them, and that causes real distress. These problems can be treated by a team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons who specialize in jaw surgery, working with orthodontists who have specific experience with this type of case.

Select an Orthodontics Topic

Why Combine Braces with Jaw Surgery?

  • Braces before or after jaw surgery correct the position of the teeth in the jaws, including the alignment of the front and back teeth, and bring the bite into a proper position.
  • They help correct an irregular facial structure and improve the bite, so chewing works properly and more efficiently.
  • They help patients speak more clearly. Importantly, they also correct irregularities in the shape of the face, so the face looks more balanced.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery with Braces?

How Much Does Orthognathic Surgery with Braces Cost?

Jaw surgery combined with braces at Smile And Co Dental Clinic starts from 145,000 THB. You can also see all of our fees on the dental fees page.

Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery with Braces

Before surgery to correct the jaw, patients usually need braces first, so the teeth are well aligned and the bite fits properly.
Orthognathic surgery with braces usually means a hospital stay of about 3–5 days. The length depends on how many jaws are operated on and on any other procedures done at the same time, such as chin surgery, cheekbone reduction or jaw angle reduction.

Recovery after surgery varies from person to person. Pain, swelling and bruising on the face are normal after the operation. Most patients feel pain in the first 2–3 days, which can be controlled with the pain medication the dentist prescribes, and it then eases gradually. In the first 1–2 days, patients may also have a sore throat, because the anesthesiologist places a breathing tube through the throat during surgery. This clears up on its own within a day or two.

Numbness after surgery is normal. Upper jaw surgery can cause numbness in the upper lip, cheeks and sides of the nose. Lower jaw surgery can cause numbness in the lower lip, chin or tongue. The numbness improves gradually. After surgery, patients may need to avoid chewing for 2–3 months while the bone heals to a sufficient degree, and they should also stay away from contact sports. Light walking is fine from the first weeks, and about 1 month after surgery, light exercise such as stretching is possible once the surgeon has assessed you.

Aftercare Following Orthognathic Surgery with Braces

Like any surgery, orthognathic surgery with braces can have side effects and complications. Patients therefore need to follow the dentist’s instructions closely, as set out below.

  • Take medication exactly as the dentist instructs. Never stop it or raise or lower the dose on your own.
  • Keep the mouth clean at all times to lower the risk of infection. Patients can rinse and start brushing from day 2 after surgery, using a small, soft-bristled toothbrush (a children’s toothbrush) and brushing carefully.
  • If the teeth do not close or meet properly, the dentist may hold the upper and lower jaws together with elastics for about 2–4 weeks. During this time, patients take water and liquid food by mouth with a syringe. About 2–4 weeks after surgery, the dentist removes the elastics and patients can move their jaws again.
  • Have clear liquids in the first 1–2 weeks after surgery to keep the wounds in the mouth clean.
  • Do not chew food for at least 3 months. From the second month, patients can start on soft food such as rice porridge, boiled rice soup or steamed egg.
    Daily routines can continue as normal, but avoid exercise and strenuous activity such as lifting or running in the first 1–2 weeks, as the body has lost blood. After week 2, light walking is fine. After week 4, light exercise such as stretching can begin. From week 12 onward, aerobic exercise such as running, cycling or swimming is possible, but patients should avoid contact sports such as basketball and football, as well as extreme sports.
  • Apply cold compresses continuously for about the first 3–5 days after surgery to reduce swelling. After that, switch to warm compresses for another 3 days, or as the dentist advises, to bring the swelling down further.
  • Sleep with the head raised at 30 degrees for about 2 weeks to help reduce swelling.
  • Stitches inside the mouth are removed at an appointment about 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Keep the mouth clean by rinsing and brushing from day 2 after surgery, using a small, soft children’s toothbrush and brushing gently. Toothpaste and mouthwash may be used to help prevent infection.
  • Avoid clearing phlegm forcefully or putting fingers in your mouth, and do not poke at the wounds.
  • Watch for complications. If symptoms are severe, see the dentist before your scheduled appointment.

Does Orthognathic Surgery with Braces Hurt?

Pain tolerance differs from person to person, so some patients report a lot of pain and others very little. Because the treatment is surgery, some pain and swelling cannot be avoided. During the operation, however, the doctor gives pain relief, and after surgery, pain medication is given through the IV line or by injection into the arm. Patients also go home with pain medication to take whenever they feel pain.

Orthognathic Surgery with Braces FAQ

The hospital stay is about 3–5 days, and returning to normal takes about 1 month. The time depends on how many jaws are operated on and on any other procedures done.

Because it is surgery, some pain cannot be avoided. How much pain patients feel varies from person to person.

From 145,000 THB.

Orthognathic surgery with braces has drawn a lot of interest, because it can correct bite problems and improve the appearance of the face. Before deciding on treatment, patients should read up on it and plan their self-care, so the results match what they hope for. For safety, treatment should be carried out by properly qualified specialist dentists.