When your jaws don’t line up, everyday things like chewing, speaking, and even breathing can become a struggle.
At Prime Oral Surgery in Cranford, our oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, to realign the upper and lower jaws, restore a healthy bite, and bring natural balance to your face.
Patients from Cranford, Westfield, Garwood, Kenilworth, Clark, and across Union County trust our team for careful planning, clear communication, and results built to last.
Do You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Some jaw problems are too significant for braces or aligners to fix alone. Corrective jaw surgery may be right for you if you experience:
- Difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw pain, headaches, or TMJ discomfort
- An underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Excessive wear on your teeth
- Speech difficulties
- A receding chin or protruding lower jaw
- Facial asymmetry from growth, injury, or a birth defect
- Obstructive sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing
Surgery is usually performed once jaw growth is complete, typically in the late teens or adulthood.
Jaw Conditions We Correct
Underbite and Overbite Correction
Repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both brings your teeth together properly, so you can bite and chew comfortably.
Open Bite Correction
If your front teeth don’t meet when your back teeth close, surgery can close the gap and restore proper function.
Facial Asymmetry and Receding Chin
Aligning the jaws, sometimes paired with chin surgery (genioplasty), creates a more balanced, harmonious profile.
What to Expect: Your Corrective Jaw Surgery Journey
Step 1: Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your surgeon examines your bite, reviews detailed imaging, and works with your orthodontist to design a plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 18 months before surgery to align the teeth for their new jaw position.
Step 3: Surgery Day
Jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with incisions made inside the mouth whenever possible to avoid visible scars.
Step 4: Recovery and Final Orthodontics
Initial healing takes about six weeks, and most patients return to work or school within two to three weeks. A short phase of orthodontics then fine-tunes your bite.
Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery
Patients often describe jaw surgery as life-changing. Benefits include easier chewing and speaking, relief from jaw pain and headaches, better breathing and sleep, less wear on the teeth, and a more balanced facial appearance that boosts confidence.
Why Choose Prime Oral Surgery in Cranford?
Corrective jaw surgery is a major decision, and you deserve a team that treats it that way. Our surgeons are specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery, with advanced training in complex procedures of the jaw and face. We coordinate closely with your orthodontist, explain every step in plain language, and support you from your first consultation through full recovery, all from our convenient office in downtown Cranford.
Corrective Jaw Surgery FAQs
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
When surgery corrects a functional problem, many medical insurance plans provide coverage. Our team will help you verify benefits before treatment.
Will I have visible scars?
In most cases, no. The majority of jaw surgery is performed through incisions inside the mouth.
Is jaw surgery painful?
You’ll be fully asleep during surgery. Afterward, swelling and soreness are expected and are managed with medication, cold compresses, and a soft diet.
Schedule Your Jaw Surgery Consultation in Cranford, NJ
Don’t let a misaligned jaw hold you back from eating, speaking, and smiling with confidence. Call Prime Oral Surgery at (908) 272-3950 or visit us at 34 Forest Ave, Cranford, NJ 07016 to schedule your corrective jaw surgery consultation today.