Two-jaw surgery

Surgery-First Jaw Correction (Pre-Orthodontic Surgery)

Pre-orthodontic jaw surgery, also known as 'Surgery-First,' allows patients to undergo corrective jaw procedures before starting orthodontic treatment. This method shortens the overall treatment timeline and provides immediate aesthetic improvement by correcting the skeletal foundation first.

Who it suits

  • Individuals with jaw misalignment, such as protruding chin (underbite) or facial asymmetry.
  • Patients who want to improve their appearance immediately without waiting years for pre-surgical orthodontics.
  • Those looking to shorten the total treatment duration compared to traditional methods.

Technique highlights

  • Eliminates the 1-2 year pre-surgical orthodontic phase, significantly reducing total treatment time.
  • Utilizes 3D-CT scanning and MSS (Modified Sagittal Split) techniques for high surgical precision.
  • Prevents the temporary worsening of protruding chin appearance that often occurs during pre-surgical braces.

Surgical steps

  • Comprehensive planning using 3D-CT imaging and virtual modeling to determine the precise movement of the jaw bones.
  • General anesthesia is administered by a specialist to ensure patient safety and comfort.
  • Surgical correction of the upper and lower jaws (Double Jaw Surgery) to align the skeletal structure first.
  • Post-operative recovery and monitoring in the hospital for two days.
  • Commencement of orthodontic treatment (braces) after the initial healing to align the teeth into their final positions.

Recovery & aftercare

  • Hospitalization: A 2-day stay is required for close monitoring.
  • Stitch Removal: Sutures are typically removed 2 weeks after the procedure.
  • 1 month post-op: Most patients can resume normal daily activities and start post-surgical orthodontics.

Risks & things to consider

  • Patients must follow a strict liquid or soft food diet during the initial healing phase to avoid putting pressure on the jaw bone.
  • General surgery risks include bleeding, infection, and inflammation, which vary by individual health conditions.
  • Potential temporary numbness or nerve sensitivity in the lip and chin area may occur.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery period before I can return to work?

While recovery varies, most patients return to normal daily routines within 2 to 4 weeks, though full bone healing takes longer.

Is the surgery painful?

No, surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is managed with medication.

Do I still need braces after the surgery?

Yes, post-operative orthodontic treatment is still necessary to fine-tune the teeth alignment and ensure a stable bite.

Cases in this area

Before & After gallery
Surgery-First Jaw Correction (Pre-Orthodontic Surgery) — ID Hospital before & after

Case photos show individual results. Outcomes vary with anatomy and aftercare.

Other procedures in this area

Adapted from ID Hospital official material · View source page