Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery in Sarasota–Bradenton
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Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery in Sarasota

Overview

What is corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper or lower jaw to fix bite, function and facial balance.

This is among the more involved procedures oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform, often in coordination with an orthodontist and sometimes in a hospital or surgery-center setting. It addresses issues that braces alone cannot fix, such as significant overbite, underbite, open bite or jaw asymmetry. Because it is frequently medically necessary, medical insurance is more often involved than with elective dental work.

Options & pricing

Your options.

Lower jaw (mandibular) surgery

Moves the lower jaw forward or back.

Common for under/overbite. Varies; often insurance-based
Upper jaw (maxillary) surgery

Repositions the upper jaw.

Varies; often insurance-based
Double-jaw surgery

Both jaws repositioned together.

For complex bite and asymmetry cases. Varies; often insurance-based
Typical Sarasota pricing
Technique
Typical range
Downtime
Surgeon + facility + anesthesia
Often $20,000-$40,000+ billed
Frequently covered substantially by medical insurance when medically necessary.
Pre-surgical orthodontics
$3,000-$7,000
Braces before and after surgery.
3D imaging & surgical planning
$300-$800
Virtual planning is common.
Why consider it

Benefits of corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery.

✓ Corrects bite and jaw alignment problems
✓ Can improve chewing, speech, and breathing
✓ Addresses facial balance along with function
✓ Often paired with orthodontic treatment
Healing timeline

Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery recovery.

First 1 to 2 weeks
Swelling and liquids
Expect major swelling and a liquid or soft diet while the jaw stabilizes.
Weeks 2 to 6
Gradual normalcy
Swelling falls steadily and diet advances slowly under guidance.
6 weeks and on
Bone healing
The jaw bone continues to knit, with activity restrictions easing over time.
Months
Final alignment
Orthodontics finalizes the bite and numbness gradually improves.
Featured

Top corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery oral surgeons.

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1 ★ 5.0
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Sarasota Oral & Implant Surgery (Drs. Middleton, Reuter & Roemer) · Sarasota
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Dr. Cara Overbeck
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Dr. Gary M. Raska
Raska Dental Implant & Oral Surgery · Sarasota
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Dr. Austin L. Lyman
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Dr. Scott Wenk
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Tomeo, Tomeo & Rose
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7 ★ 4.7
Dr. David J. Christian
Bradenton Oral Surgery Center · Bradenton
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Risks & complications

What can go wrong.

Swelling and numbness
Significant facial swelling and temporary or lasting lip and chin numbness are common.
Infection
Infection at the surgical site can occur and may need treatment.
Relapse
The jaw can shift over time, occasionally needing further treatment.
Prolonged recovery
Eating, speaking, and full healing take longer than with many procedures.
How to choose

Dental credentials, explained.

Oral & maxillofacial surgeons treat the mouth, jaws and face surgically — from wisdom teeth and implants to corrective jaw surgery. They complete a four- to six-year hospital-based surgical residency after dental school (some also earn an MD). The defining credentials are AAOMS membership and board certification — Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS).

Hospital surgical residency
OMS training is 4–6 years of hospital-based surgery including anesthesia; some programs award an MD alongside the dental degree.
ABOMS Diplomate
Board certification by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is the specialty’s defining credential.
Anesthesia training
OMS are uniquely trained to administer office-based anesthesia and sedation — relevant for extractions, implants and jaw surgery.
Questions to ask your oral surgeon
  1. Are you a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon (ABOMS Diplomate)?
  2. How often do you perform this specific procedure?
  3. What anesthesia or sedation options do you offer, and who monitors me?
  4. Is your Florida dental license current and in good standing?
Your questions

Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery FAQs.

How do I know if I need jaw surgery?+

Signs include a bite that braces cannot correct, chewing or speech difficulty, chronic jaw pain, or noticeable facial imbalance. A surgeon and orthodontist evaluate together. This is general information, not medical advice.

Is it covered by insurance?+

When the surgery corrects a functional problem, medical insurance often covers a meaningful portion. Documentation of medical necessity matters.

How long is recovery?+

Initial healing is typically a few weeks, with jaw stabilization continuing over months. Most patients are on a modified diet early on.

Will it change my appearance?+

Yes, often subtly improving facial balance, since jaw position affects the profile. Surgical planning previews the expected outcome.

Do I need braces too?+

Most cases involve orthodontics before and after surgery to align the teeth into the corrected bite.

Where is the surgery performed?+

Depending on complexity, it may be done in a hospital or accredited surgery center under general anesthesia.

References & sources

Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.

American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) ↗American Dental Association (ADA) ↗
Boards & certification

Verify a dentist’s credentials and Florida license yourself:

AAOMS — American Assn. of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons ↗ ABOMS — American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery ↗ Florida Board of Dentistry — License verification ↗
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