Corrective Jaw Surgery in Cleburne, TX

Q: How long does the process take from start to finish?

The complete treatment process for Corrective Jaw Surgery often takes 12 to 24 months and may include orthodontic treatment before and after surgery. While the surgical procedure is typically completed in a single day, planning, healing, and bite refinement take time to achieve the best long-term outcome.

Q: Will Jaw Surgery change the way I look?

Yes. Because the jaws play an important role in facial structure, Jaw Surgery often improves facial balance and proportions. Your surgeon will use advanced imaging and treatment planning tools to discuss potential changes and help you understand what to expect based on your individual anatomy.

Q: Is Corrective Jaw Surgery painful?

You will be under General Anesthesia during Corrective Jaw Surgery and will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, swelling, tightness, and soreness are common, but many patients find discomfort manageable with prescribed medications, rest, and following recovery instructions.

Q: What is the recovery like after Jaw Surgery?

Most patients spend the first few weeks after Jaw Surgery focusing on rest, nutrition, and healing. Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first one to two weeks and gradually improves. While many people return to school or work within a few weeks, complete bone healing and bite stabilization can take several months.

Q: Does insurance cover Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Insurance coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. When Corrective Jaw Surgery is considered medically necessary to address functional concerns such as severe bite problems, jaw abnormalities, or certain breathing issues, insurance may provide benefits. Our team can help review your coverage and discuss available financing options.

If you’re experiencing problems with your bite, speech, or facial symmetry, Corrective Jaw Surgery may be the solution. At Cleburne Oral Surgery, we use state-of-the-art custom virtual surgical planning to precisely evaluate and correct jaw irregularities that can’t be resolved with orthodontics alone. Our goal is to restore proper function, enhance facial balance, and improve your overall quality of life.

As an experienced Jaw Surgeon serving Cleburne and the greater Fort Worth area, we provide personalized treatment plans designed to improve both oral function and facial harmony.

Overview

What is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective Jaw Surgery, also known as Orthognathic Surgery, is a specialized procedure designed to correct misalignment of the jaws and improve both function and appearance. It is often recommended for patients with difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, as well as those with facial asymmetry or jaw pain caused by an improper bite.

The surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to create better alignment, improving oral health, facial balance, and overall quality of life. While it is a significant procedure, modern techniques allow for predictable results and smoother recovery, helping patients achieve a more functional and confident smile.

Orthognathic Jaw Surgery is a form of Maxillofacial Jaw Surgery that addresses skeletal jaw discrepancies rather than issues that can be corrected with orthodontics alone. By improving the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, treatment may help enhance chewing efficiency, speech clarity, breathing function, and overall facial proportions.

Conditions that may require Corrective Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery may be necessary if you have:

Chronic jaw pain or discomfort
Difficulty chewing or biting food
Speech difficulties caused by jaw misalignment
A receding or protruding jaw that affects your profile
Facial asymmetry or imbalance
Breathing issues, including obstructive sleep apnea
Trauma or congenital jaw abnormalities

Additional concerns that may benefit from evaluation by an Orthognathic Surgeon include excessive tooth wear, chronic bite problems, difficulty closing the lips comfortably, and developmental jaw growth irregularities.

If you’re struggling with bite issues or facial discomfort, consulting with our surgeons can help determine if Corrective Jaw Surgery is the right option for you. Patients seeking Jaw Surgery in Fort Worth, Cleburne, and surrounding communities often begin with a consultation to understand whether surgical correction is appropriate for their specific condition.

From prep to recovery, you’re in good hands.

Before surgery

Consultation & pre-surgical planning

Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation at Cleburne Oral Surgery. During this visit, our surgeon will perform a thorough oral exam, take detailed imaging (such as 3D Scans or X-Rays), and review your medical and dental history. We’ll discuss your concerns, evaluate your jaw alignment, and determine whether Corrective Jaw Surgery is the right solution for you.

If surgery is recommended, we’ll work closely with your orthodontist to coordinate treatment. Braces are usually worn before and after surgery to guide the teeth into proper alignment. Once orthodontic prep is underway, we’ll begin planning your surgery in detail using digital imaging and modeling software to map out precise jaw movements and ensure optimal results.

Advanced virtual planning technology allows our surgical team to simulate jaw movements before surgery, helping improve precision and communication throughout the treatment process. This collaborative approach between your Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon helps create a stable, functional bite and balanced facial appearance.

Before your procedure, we’ll provide you with:

A detailed treatment timeline
Pre-operative instructions
Information on Anesthesia and the surgical facility
Nutrition and medication guidelines for recovery

During surgery

The day of surgery

Corrective Jaw Surgery is performed under General Anesthesia. Depending on your specific needs, the procedure may involve:

Repositioning the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both
Adjusting the chin (genioplasty) if needed for facial balance
Making most incisions inside the mouth to avoid visible scarring
Using small surgical plates, screws, or wires to secure the new jaw position

The surgery may take several hours. Afterward, you’ll spend time in recovery and may stay overnight at the hospital before returning home.

Because every case is unique, the exact surgical approach will depend on your anatomy, treatment goals, and the recommendations of your Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team.

After surgery

Recovery & healing

Healing after Jaw Surgery happens in stages, and we’re with you through every one:

First 1–2 weeks: Expect swelling, mild bruising, and a soft or liquid diet. You’ll receive prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics, along with detailed care instructions.
Weeks 3–6: Gradual improvement in comfort and swelling. You may return to school or work with modified activity levels.
After 6 weeks: Most normal activities can resume, and you’ll continue follow-up visits to ensure healing is on track.
Complete healing: Bone healing and final bite stabilization may take up to 9–12 months, with braces typically removed at the end of this period.

Our team will guide your recovery every step of the way, offering nutritional counseling, oral hygiene tips, and regular check-ins to ensure everything heals properly.

Many patients notice improvements in bite function and facial balance early in recovery, though final results continue to develop as swelling resolves and healing progresses. Following post-operative instructions and attending scheduled follow-up appointments can help support a smooth recovery process.

We understand that the decision to undergo Corrective Jaw Surgery is a significant one. Our team is here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

FAQs about Corrective Jaw Surgery

Cleburne Oral Surgery is here to address all your questions and concerns regarding Corrective Jaw Surgery.

What conditions can Corrective Jaw Surgery fix?

Corrective Jaw Surgery can address jaw misalignment, overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, and certain breathing-related concerns. In many cases, Orthognathic Jaw Surgery helps improve chewing, speech, facial balance, and overall jaw function when orthodontic treatment alone cannot fully correct the problem.

How long does the process take from start
to finish?

The complete treatment process often takes 12 to 24 months and may include orthodontic treatment before and after surgery. While the surgical procedure itself is typically completed in a single day, proper planning, healing, and bite refinement take time to achieve the best long-term outcome.

Will Jaw Surgery change the way I look?

Yes. Because the jaws play a major role in facial structure, Jaw Surgery often improves facial balance and proportions. Your surgeon will use advanced imaging and treatment planning tools to discuss potential changes and help you understand what to expect based on your individual anatomy.

How do I know if I need an Orthognathic
Surgeon?

If you have significant bite problems, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing, speech concerns, chronic jaw discomfort, or a jaw position that affects daily function, a consultation with an Orthognathic Surgeon can help determine whether surgical treatment may be beneficial.

Is Corrective Jaw Surgery painful?

You will be under General Anesthesia during surgery and will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, swelling, tightness, and soreness are common, but many patients find discomfort manageable with prescribed medications, rest, and adherence to recovery instructions.

What is the recovery like after Jaw Surgery?

Most patients spend the first few weeks focusing on rest, nutrition, and healing. Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first one to two weeks and gradually improves. While many people return to school or work within a few weeks, complete bone healing and bite stabilization can take several months.

Does insurance cover Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Insurance coverage varies by plan and diagnosis. When Jaw Surgery is considered medically necessary to address functional concerns such as severe bite problems, jaw abnormalities, or certain breathing issues, insurance may provide benefits. Our team can help review your coverage and discuss available financing options.

What is the difference between Orthognathic
Surgery and braces?

Braces move teeth into better alignment, while Orthognathic Surgery repositions the jaws themselves. In many cases, both treatments work together to correct complex bite issues and create long-term functional and aesthetic improvements.

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