Introduction
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt your bite or smile just doesn’t seem to line up properly? Perhaps chewing just feels awkward, or you’ve been told you have an overbite, underbite, or even jaw pain. That’s where jaw surgery can help. If you are considering options such as jaw correction surgery in India, you may have many questions. Don’t worry — I’ve got you. We break this down step by step so you know exactly what’s what.
What is Jaw Correction Surgery?
Imagine your jaws as two pieces in a puzzle. And when they don’t align, eating, speaking, and even breathing can become troublesome. Jaw correction surgery, otherwise known as orthognathic surgery, is the process of gently maneuvering those puzzle pieces so they fit back together perfectly. Bonus? It can help make your face appear more balanced.
Common Jaw Problems That Need Fixing
Overbite, Underbite & Open Bite
Overbite: Your upper teeth cover your lower teeth too much.
Underbite: Your lower jaw protrudes farther than your upper.
Open bite: Your teeth don’t come together in the front of your mouth when you close your mouth — like there’s a little window between them.
Facial Asymmetry & TMJ Issues
Have you noticed your smile begin to look a little lopsided? That’s asymmetry. A few people are confronting TMJ problems — clicking jaws, pain, or an inability to open their mouths wide. Surgery can be instrumental in this regard as well.
Types of Jaw Correction Surgery
Now, the big three surgeries.
Surgery of the Upper Jaw — Le Fort I Osteotomy
Who needs it?
So if you’re smiling but you’re upper jaw is projecting too much, too little, or just so goshdarn gummy when you smile, this one’s for you. It also assists with open bites and midface deficiency.
Procedure in simple words
They surgically cut inside your mouth (hurray — no visible scars), gingerly slide the upper jawbone into its new habitat, and attach it there with metal plates and screws. It’s like righting a drawer that’s slightly sticking out — you nudge it back in, screw it tight, and it slides in and out smoothly again.
Recovery
Expect swelling for a few weeks, a soft food diet for some time, and the possibility of braces to perfect the bite. Complete healing occurs over a matter of a few months, though you’ll observe major improvements relatively rapidly.
Lower Jaw Surgery — Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO)
Who needs it?
This one is the easy choice for those of you with underbites or with diminutive/receding chins. In essence, when the lower jaw requires repositioning pushed forward or backward.
Procedure
The jawbone behind your molars is cut in two, the surgeon slides it into place, and locks it down with plates and screws. All from inside, so you don’t get the outer scars.
Recovery
The swelling is highest in the first few days and slowly disappears over time. You could experience numbness around your chin or lips, which typically gets better. Chewing and talking feel normal again within a few months.”
Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary)
When do you need it?
And when both jaws are misaligned — perhaps your bite is severely off, maybe your chin appears recessed, or perhaps even a condition like sleep apnea is at play — surgeons can restore both jaws in one surgery.
How it’s done
It’s a two-for-one: upper jaw surgery + lower jaw surgery in one go. Both upper and lower jaws are positioned, oriented, and lashed tight.
Recovery
This one’s more grueling than single-jaw surgeries. The swelling is even more prominent, and you’ll need an extra dose of patience. But the results? Frequently, life-altering, both functionally and aesthetically.
Pre-Surgery Planning
Braces before surgery
Yes, most people will need braces beforehand. They get your teeth in the right place, so the jaws will align correctly. Consider it laying the groundwork for the big show.
3D planning
Surgeons plan every move using CT scans and 3D models. It’s the equivalent of doing a dry run of the surgery digitally before you do it in real life. Pretty cool, right?
Risks & Complications
But let’s not kid ourselves — all surgery has risks.” Some of the frequently performed cases involving jaw surgery are:
Temporary numbness (chin/lips).
Infection (usually manageable).
Small bite adjustments are needed after.
Sometimes bones slide back some.
Yet with an experienced surgeon and the right aftercare, most people do just fine.
Recovery & Aftercare
What to expect right after
Looking like a chipmunk — completely normal.
Soft or liquid diet (eg, soups, smoothies, mashed-up food).
Your best friends? Pain meds and ice packs.
Longer-term recovery
It may feel a little weird to talk for a while.
Chewing returns slowly to its former extent.
You will be returning to see your orthodontist and your surgeon for follow-up.
Most people get to feeling ‘normal’ by 3–6 months.
Selecting a Surgeon and Hospital
This is HUGE. Don’t just Google and grab the first name. Look for:
A maxillofacial surgeon who practices jaw surgery.
3D planning technology in their mix.
Before/after cases to show results.
A good (orthodontist + physio + speech therapy if necessary).
Pro tip: Ask a lot of questions. A confident surgeon won’t mind.
Cost & Accessibility in India
Here’s the good news — in India, jaw surgery is world-class jaw surgery – undoubtedly at way more reasonable rates. Prices vary by city, hospital, and whether it’s single- or double-jaw surgery. Whatever you choose, don’t decide without checking what is included (hospital stay, anesthesia, plates, follow-ups).
Conclusion
Cosmetic jaw surgery is far more than an appearance issue. It’s about biting into something you love without pain, not feeling self-conscious when you smile, and, in some cases, having an easier time breathing at night. It can be your life, your daily life — in your upper jaw, in your lower jaw, or in both — and the right treatment can transform you. If you’re weighing your options, do your research, choose a strong team, and remember — the right venue can make all the difference. For most, that is reliant on the Best Dental Hospital in Jaipur.
FAQs
A1: When can I eat regular food again?
Typically, about 6–8 weeks, but you will be put on liquids and soft foods first.
Q2: Is it very painful?
Not as bad as it sounds! Pain is worse than swelling, and meds do help a lot.
Q3: After my jaw surgery, will I have a completely different appearance?
Yes — in a good way. Your bite feels better, and your face often looks more balanced.
Q4: Will I definitely have to wear braces?
Almost always. Braces, both before and after, ensure that your teeth and jaw are perfectly aligned.
Q5: How quickly can I go back to work or school?
It varies by how you feel. But for most people, it’s 2–3 weeks.