What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery — also called orthognathic surgery — is a specialized oral surgical procedure designed to correct structural problems with the jawbones that cannot be fixed with braces or dental appliances alone. If your upper jaw, lower jaw, or chin is misaligned, too far forward, too far back, or asymmetrical, corrective jaw surgery may be the most effective long-term solution.

At Lawton Oral Surgery, our experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons provide comprehensive corrective jaw surgery for patients throughout Lawton, OK and the surrounding region. Whether you’ve been living with a bite problem for years or were recently referred by your orthodontist, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Not every jaw issue requires surgery — but when skeletal discrepancies are significant, orthognathic surgery is often the only way to achieve lasting results. You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty chewing or biting — food doesn’t come together properly when you eat
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ disorders — persistent soreness, clicking, or locking of the jaw joint
• Open bite — upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed
• Underbite or overbite — the lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, or the upper jaw extends too far forward
• Facial asymmetry — one side of the face appears noticeably different from the other
• Sleep apnea — in some cases, jaw position contributes to airway obstruction during sleep
• Speech difficulties — certain sounds are hard to form due to jaw position

Patients from across southwest Oklahoma — including Fort Sill, Duncan, Elgin, Cache, and Comanche — come to our Lawton, OK practice for surgical consultations. If you’ve been told by your dentist or orthodontist that your jaw alignment needs more than braces can fix, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team.

How Does Corrective Jaw Surgery Work?

Corrective jaw surgery is almost always performed in coordination with orthodontic treatment. In most cases, you’ll wear braces for 12–18 months before surgery to align the teeth within each jaw independently. After surgery — once healing is complete — your orthodontist will fine-tune your bite. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation at our Lawton, OK office. We use digital X-rays, 3D imaging, photographs, and dental impressions to map your jaw structure and plan the surgery in precise detail. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) allows us to simulate the procedure digitally before ever entering the operating room.

2. Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

Working closely with your orthodontist, you’ll wear braces (or in some cases clear aligners) to move your teeth into the positions they’ll occupy after surgery. This phase typically lasts 12–18 months and is a critical foundation for a successful outcome.

3. The Surgery Itself

Corrective jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically in a hospital or surgical center. The oral surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth — so there are no visible facial scars — and repositions the jawbone(s) using small titanium plates, screws, and wires to hold everything in place. Depending on the complexity of your case, surgery may involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both.

Most procedures take between 2 and 4 hours. Patients generally stay one night in the hospital for monitoring before returning home to begin recovery.

4. Recovery and Healing

Recovery from corrective jaw surgery takes time, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is with the right support. Here’s what to expect:

• Weeks 1–2: Swelling is at its peak; a soft or liquid diet is required. Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work or school.
• Weeks 3–6: Swelling gradually subsides; soft foods are gradually reintroduced. You’ll have follow-up visits at our Lawton, OK office to monitor healing.
• Months 2–3: Most everyday activities can be resumed. Numbness in the lips and chin is common and typically resolves over time.
• Full healing: Bone fully heals within 9–12 months, at which point your orthodontist will complete the final phase of braces treatment.

Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery

Patients who undergo orthognathic surgery in Lawton, OK often report life-changing improvements across multiple areas:

• Functional improvement: Chewing, speaking, and breathing become significantly easier
• Pain relief: Chronic jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ symptoms often decrease dramatically
• Aesthetic enhancement: Facial balance and symmetry improve naturally as part of the surgical correction
• Better sleep: Patients with sleep apnea related to jaw position may experience meaningful relief
• Long-term oral health: A properly aligned bite reduces uneven wear on teeth and lowers the risk of future dental problems

Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Because orthognathic surgery corrects medically necessary functional problems, it is often covered — at least in part — by medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Coverage depends on your specific plan, diagnosis, and insurer. Our team at Lawton Oral Surgery can help you navigate the insurance and pre-authorization process. We also offer financing options through Proceed Finance for patients who need additional support with out-of-pocket costs.

Why Choose Lawton Oral Surgery for Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Choosing the right surgical team is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in this process. At Lawton Oral Surgery, serving Lawton, OK, Fort Sill, Elgin, Cache, Duncan, and Comanche, we bring:

• Advanced surgical training in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• State-of-the-art 3D imaging and virtual surgical planning technology
• A compassionate, patient-centered approach from consultation through recovery
• Close coordination with your orthodontist for seamless, team-based care
• A proven track record helping southwest Oklahoma patients achieve healthier, more comfortable lives

If you’re in Lawton, OK and wondering whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you, the first step is a consultation. Our experienced surgical team will review your records, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand all of your options — with no pressure.

Schedule Your Consultation in Lawton, OK

Don’t let jaw misalignment affect your quality of life any longer. Whether you’re dealing with bite problems, facial pain, sleep issues, or have been referred by your orthodontist, Lawton Oral Surgery is here to help. We proudly serve patients from throughout southwest Oklahoma, including Lawton, Fort Sill, Duncan, Elgin, Cache, and Comanche.

Request an appointment online or call our office today to take the first step toward a healthier jaw and a more confident smile.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results and treatment plans vary. Please consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate for your specific situation.