Oral surgery for jaw alignment, known as corrective or orthognathic surgery, can improve chewing, breathing, and speech while balancing the bite and facial structure. At Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island, Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, a board-certified periodontist, helps patients understand their options and coordinates with specialists when jaw surgery is the right path. This is educational information, since orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Explore our care on the services page.
Corrective jaw surgery addresses skeletal and dental irregularities that orthodontics alone cannot fix. Benefits can include easier chewing and swallowing, better breathing, relief of certain jaw joint strain, and a more balanced bite and facial appearance.
“Jaw alignment surgery is specialist territory, and it works best as a team effort. My role is to evaluate the whole picture, explain the options clearly, and coordinate a referral when a patient may benefit. The goal is always function first.”
Dr. Daniel Nejat, DMD, Board-Certified Periodontist (Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology), Sola Dental Spa
A Staten Island patient with a pronounced open bite struggled to chew comfortably and felt self-conscious about her profile. After we discussed how orthodontics and jaw surgery can work together, we connected her with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and stayed involved as part of her care team.
What is corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to correct skeletal and dental irregularities, including misaligned jaws and teeth, mainly to fix functional problems.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, this surgery can improve breathing, chewing, and speaking. While appearance often improves as a result, the procedure is performed to correct functional issues. Treatment usually includes orthodontics before and after surgery, so it is a process rather than a single event.
What problems can it help with?
It can help with difficulty chewing or swallowing, chronic jaw joint pain, an open bite, a receding or protruding jaw, excessive tooth wear, and in some cases breathing issues such as obstructive sleep apnea.
The AAOMS lists conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery, including difficulty biting food, an unbalanced facial appearance, chronic mouth breathing, and trouble making the lips meet without straining. An orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to determine whether someone is a candidate.
Who performs jaw alignment surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, usually alongside an orthodontist. At Sola Dental Spa, we evaluate, educate, and coordinate referrals within our periodontal scope of care.
Because jaw surgery involves the bone, soft tissue, and nerves of the face, it is handled by a specialist surgeon. Our role is to help you understand whether an evaluation makes sense and to coordinate care with the right specialists. This keeps your treatment connected while staying within our scope. Our guide on alternatives to oral surgery covers other options to discuss.
| Goal | How jaw surgery may help |
|---|---|
| Chewing and swallowing | Aligns the bite for more comfortable function |
| Breathing | May address certain airway concerns |
| Facial balance | Corrects skeletal irregularities affecting profile |
If you are exploring surgical care more broadly, our guides on the risks of oral surgery and caring for your mouth after oral surgery are helpful next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Is jaw alignment surgery mainly cosmetic?
No. It is performed to correct functional problems like chewing, breathing, and bite issues. Appearance often improves, but function is the primary goal.
Who is a candidate for corrective jaw surgery?
Candidacy is decided by an orthodontist and oral surgeon together, based on skeletal and dental irregularities that orthodontics alone cannot correct.
Does Sola Dental Spa perform jaw surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. At Sola Dental Spa, we evaluate, educate, and coordinate referrals as appropriate.
Does jaw surgery involve braces too?
Often yes. Treatment usually includes orthodontics before and after surgery, so it is a process that unfolds over time rather than a single procedure.
Can jaw alignment surgery help with sleep apnea?
In some cases, corrective jaw surgery may help with breathing concerns such as obstructive sleep apnea. A specialist evaluation determines whether it applies to you.