Orthognathic Surgery - AKA Corrective Jaw Surgery
Some problems run deeper than crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. When the foundation of your face—your jaw—is out of alignment, it can cause a ripple effect of issues you might not even realize are connected: difficulty eating, breathing challenges, speech problems, and even chronic discomfort.
Orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, or Wenatchee WA, is designed to realign your jawbones so they function the way they were always meant to. As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our role isn’t just to fix what’s visible—it’s to improve how your body works as a whole.
More Than a Bite Issue: The Real Impact of Jaw Misalignment
You may not always see it in the mirror, but you’ll definitely feel it. Jaw misalignment can contribute to:
- Frequent headaches or facial pain
- Clicking or locking of the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Interrupted sleep due to airway obstruction
- Uneven tooth wear and damage
- Speech challenges or changes in your voice
If you’ve spent years managing these symptoms without clear answers, orthognathic surgery might be the missing piece in the puzzle.
Breaking Down Orthognathic Surgery—Simply
Let’s simplify what’s actually involved.
Orthognathic surgery is a precisely planned procedure that repositions your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to achieve ideal alignment. It’s not just about how your face looks—it’s about how your bones support daily functions like breathing, speaking, and eating.
What sets this surgery apart is the combination of high-tech planning and delicate execution. Using digital scans and 3D models, we plan your treatment down to the millimeter, ensuring your bite, jaw movement, and facial symmetry are all corrected with surgical precision.
Is This the Right Solution for You?
Corrective jaw surgery isn’t just for people with visible jaw differences. You may be a candidate if you’ve experienced:
A noticeable overbite, underbite, or open bite
- Difficulty closing your mouth comfortably
- Chronic TMJ pain
- Trouble breathing at night or diagnosed with sleep apnea
- Bite problems that haven’t improved with braces alone
- Changes in appearance due to jaw development
Orthognathic surgery isn’t about "cosmetic perfection"—it’s about functional correction. We focus on how your jaws should work together, not just how they look from the outside.
What the Journey Looks Like
From the first consultation to final recovery, we’re here to guide you through every phase. Here’s how it generally unfolds:
- Step 1: Consultation + Imaging
We’ll conduct a full assessment using 3D imaging, digital X-rays, and bite analysis. This step helps us build a detailed surgical plan tailored to your anatomy. - Step 2: Orthodontic Preparation
In most cases, your orthodontist will prepare your teeth with braces before surgery so they align properly once the jaw is repositioned. - Step 3: Surgery Day
Under general anesthesia, we’ll reposition the jawbones internally using small incisions, meaning no visible scarring. Titanium plates or screws hold the bones in place for stable healing. - Step 4: Recovery Timeline
Recovery includes a soft food diet, some swelling, and close monitoring. Most patients return to daily activities in a couple of weeks, with full healing taking a few months.
Functional Healing, Visible Results
Here’s something we hear from many patients after surgery: “I didn’t realize how much better life could feel.”
The improvements can be wide-ranging:
- Easier chewing and eating
- No more clicking or locking jaws
- Significant improvement in sleep and breathing
- Clearer speech and articulation
- Balanced facial proportions
- Lasting relief from jaw strain and discomfort
It’s more than a surgery. It’s a reset button—physically and emotionally.
Why Choose a Surgical Specialist?
Corrective jaw surgery isn’t something to leave to chance. It demands precise knowledge of facial anatomy, surgical skill, and deep collaboration with orthodontists and other dental professionals.
We specialize in complex oral and facial procedures. That means we’re equipped not just to perform the surgery in Ellensburg WA, Moses Lake WA, or Wenatchee WA, but to design a plan that fits your lifestyle, minimizes risks, and leads to long-term stability.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
If you’re exploring orthognathic surgery—or if your orthodontist has recommended it—it starts with a conversation. There’s no pressure, no obligation—just clarity.
At Central Washington Oral & Facial Surgery, we’ll listen, answer your questions, review your goals, and walk through next steps if it turns out surgery is the right fit for you.
Because real alignment isn’t just about your jaw—it’s about restoring confidence, comfort, and quality of life.
Ellensburg WA
Moses Lake WA
Wenatchee WA
Yakima WA
