Aesthetic Jaw surgery
What is aesthetic jaw surgery?
Aesthetic jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is a corrective procedure to improve the proportions of the skeletal jawbone(s) in adults.
This is usually done for severe forms of skeletal abnormal bite patterns that cannot be camouflaged with braces alone.
Where can aesthetic jaw surgery be performed?
Surgery may be performed on only the upper jaw, only the lower jaw or both upper and lower jaws. Jaw surgery is almost always done in conjunction with braces.
Why should I do aesthetic jaw surgery?
Aesthetic jaw surgery may improve your ability to chew, speak, and breathe efficiently.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery?
These are some conditions that may benefit from jaw surgery:
- Open bites
- Very protruded lower jaw/chin
- Severe underbites
- Severe overbites
- Slanted bite or jaw
- Difficulty in chewing, biting or swallowing food
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Birth defects
- Traumatic fractures of the face/jaw
- Vertical Maxillary Excess resulting in a gummy smile
What can I expect doing aesthetic jaw surgery at Elite Dental Group?
Step 1: Consultation and assessment
During your initial consultation, we will first discuss your treatment goals with you. A clinical assessment is also done to assess your bite and facial proportions.
Following the clinical assessment, photos, models and X-rays of your teeth will be taken. These records will provide more detail of your case.
In consultation with our in-house Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon, we will design a comprehensive treatment plan that includes orthognathic surgery.
A preview of the final outcomes of different surgical options (single or 2 jaw surgery) can be requested (for an additional fee).
Step 2: Pre-surgical preparation
You may need to wear braces for a few months to set up your bite for the surgical correction. Any remedial basic dental work should also be completed prior to the surgery.
Step 3: Jaw surgery procedure
Jaw surgery is done under full General Anaesthesia in a hospital setting. You will be warded before (1 day before) and after (3-7 days afterward) your surgery. Hospitalization insurance and Medisave (for Singaporeans/Singapore PRs) may be used to claim some of the surgery costs.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section for common inquiries and helpful information to guide you.
Why do people choose to have jaw surgery?
People choose to have jaw surgery to address functional problems such as difficulty chewing, speech impairment, and jaw pain, as well as to correct bite misalignment (malocclusion).
These functional concerns are often the primary motivation for seeking surgical evaluation, with studies showing that improvement in oral function and bite is more commonly cited than aesthetic reasons. Jaw surgery can also alleviate discomfort and improve oral health-related quality of life, with significant benefits documented in validated patient-reported outcome measures following the procedure.
In addition to functional improvements, many individuals pursue jaw surgery for aesthetic enhancement, aiming to achieve better facial balance, symmetry, and a more harmonious jawline.
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
At Elite Dental Group, we evaluate a patient’s eligibility for aesthetic jaw surgery through a comprehensive evaluation of facial structure, dental alignment, and overall health, integrating both objective and subjective criteria.
This process typically involves detailed clinical examination, 3D imaging, cephalometric analysis, and multidisciplinary input from our surgeons and orthodontists.
What are the risks and possible complications?
The most common side effects are swelling and bruising of the face, which usually go away within a few weeks. It is also very common to have temporary numbness or tingling in the lower lip or chin after surgery. This happens because nerves in the jaw area can be stretched or disturbed during the procedure. Most people find that this numbness improves over time, but for some, changes in sensation can last longer or even be permanent. Most patients adapt well and do not find these changes disruptive to daily life.
Less common risks include infection at the surgical site, which may require antibiotics, and bleeding during or after surgery. Rarely, some patients may need another surgery to fix problems such as jaw misalignment, hardware issues, or dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result
Can jaw surgery be performed without orthodontic treatment?
Yes, jaw surgery can be performed without orthodontic treatment in carefully selected patients. There are two main approaches: the “surgery-first” approach and the “surgery-only” approach, each suited to different situations.
The surgery-first approach means having jaw surgery before any orthodontic treatment with braces. Instead of wearing braces for months or years before surgery (the traditional approach), patients get the surgery done first to immediately improve their facial appearance, then wear braces afterward to fine-tune the bite.
This approach dramatically shortens the total treatment time, averaging about 12-15 months compared to 22-34 months with the traditional approach and patients see improvements in their appearance right away.
The surgery-only approach is even more streamlined and involves jaw surgery without any braces at all, either before or after. This is only appropriate for select patients who already have a good bite but want to improve their facial appearance, such as making their profile look more balanced.
Will my appearance change?
Yes, the goal is to improve facial balance and harmony. Many of our patients report greater satisfaction with their appearance in photos and videos after surgery.
HOW CAN WE
HELP?
Heading to a dental clinic can be a scary and almost overwhelming experience. If you have landed on our website, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to you and your family. There is nothing to fear!
If you require more information about our costs or are looking for ways to save money on dental treatments, arrange for a consultation with our dentists at a time of your convenience.
Elite Dental Group