How Long is Jaw Surgery Recovery?

If you have jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or are unhappy with the appearance of a crooked or protruding jaw, Dr. Sonneveld can help. Corrective jaw surgery is an orthognathic procedure designed to improve the appearance and function of your jaw.

What is Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery is a surgical technique used to modify the jaw structure. Also known as orthognathic surgery, this procedure can address various orthodontic issues, such as crowded teeth, an underbite, or a dislocated jaw.

An orthognathic treatment plan typically involves several steps and may extend over a year or two, with the corrective surgery done at some interim point. Depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment plan may also include braces, tooth extractions, and other procedures.

*Individual results may vary

What Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Treat?

Patients undergo jaw surgery for numerous reasons since the procedure can address a wide range of orthodontic issues. Jaw surgery can be cosmetic, to improve the appearance of your jaw and smile, or functional to repair damage or restore proper function. Some of the conditions jaw surgery can correct include:

• Underbite or overbite
• Protruding jawbones
• Crowded teeth
• Chronic jaw pain and TMJ
• Breathing problems and sleep apnea
• Crooked, uneven, or protruding teeth
• Jaw injury or dislocation
• Birth defects

Recovery After Jaw Surgery

The healing process after jaw surgery takes approximately six weeks. Patients typically stay one to three days in the hospital before they can go home. You may need a follow-up appointment in one week for Dr. Sonneveld to remove the stitches unless absorbable sutures were used. 

You’ll need to use a straw and only consume liquids and pureed foods for the first two weeks. You can eat soft foods for the remaining four weeks of recovery, but you should avoid gum and hard, chewy foods for one to two months. Most patients return to work and normal activities two weeks after jaw surgery. Dr. Sonneveld will advise you when to resume exercise, but you should plan to take a few weeks off from any strenuous activities or sports.

Jaw Surgery Results

After corrective jaw surgery, your jaw will look and work better. Depending on your specific procedure, you may have straighter teeth, a more symmetrical and aligned jaw, or a better facial profile. Correcting jaw problems can also make talking, chewing, swallowing, and breathing easier.

Since jaw surgery is typically part of a comprehensive orthognathic treatment plan, you may not see your full results until the entire plan is complete. However, you’ll likely still have significant improvements from the surgery. You can start enjoying the results of jaw surgery within a few weeks as your jaw heals. 

Once you recover, you will likely need braces to finish aligning your teeth. Most patients then need to wear a nighttime retainer to keep their teeth aligned long-term.

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about jaw surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you