Orthognathic Surgery Singapore

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that corrects jaw misalignment by repositioning the jaws to achieve better function and relationship.

This surgical intervention combines with orthodontic treatment, where teeth are straightened with braces while the operation adjusts the position of the misaligned jaws. The procedure enhances facial balance and harmony while ensuring proper teeth alignment, leading to improved jaw function, refined facial proportions, and better overall oral health.

Indications Benefits Techniques Preparation Procedure Recovery Specialised Services Risks FAQ

Indications for Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery becomes an option when jaw growth proceeds at different rates or when injury or birth defects alter jaw alignment. The following conditions often indicate when surgical intervention might be appropriate:

Improper Bite or Jaw Misalignment

Occurs when upper and lower jaws grow at different rates, leading to functional challenges and imbalances in facial proportions that orthodontic treatment alone cannot address.
Difficulty in Chewing, Biting or Swallowing

Jaw misalignment can make these basic functions challenging, affecting nutrition and quality of life.
Speech Problems

Jaw position can impact the ability to articulate words clearly, leading to speech difficulties that persist despite speech therapy.
Chronic Jaw or TMJ Pain

Persistent pain in the jaw joints can result from misalignment, causing discomfort during daily activities.
Open Bite

A condition where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, affecting biting and chewing efficiency.
Protruding Jaw

Excessive forward positioning of either jaw, which can affect facial symmetry, jawline definition, and overall facial aesthetics.
Breathing Problems

Jaw position can impact airway size and breathing patterns, particularly during sleep. In some cases, correcting the jaw’s position can also refine the lower facial profile.

Benefits of Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery provides a range of advantages that go beyond aesthetic improvements. The following benefits address both functional aspects and appearance.

Improved Jaw Function: The surgery enhances jaw mechanics, allowing for more effective chewing, clearer speech, and easier breathing.
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics: By repositioning the jaws, the procedure enhances facial harmony by refining jawline definition, improving profile balance, and achieving better facial proportions.
Reduced Risk of TMJ Disorders: Proper jaw alignment decreases stress on the temporomandibular joints, potentially preventing or alleviating painful TMJ disorders.
Improved Dental Health: Correcting bite problems reduces uneven wear on teeth, decreases the risk of tooth decay in hard-to-clean areas, and makes maintaining oral hygiene more straightforward.
Better Sleep Quality: For patients with sleep-related breathing disorders, jaw repositioning can enlarge the airway, reducing symptoms of sleep apnea and improving overall sleep quality.

Surgical Techniques

Maxillary Osteotomy (Upper Jaw Surgery)

This procedure adjusts the position of the upper jaw to enhance facial symmetry, balance the profile, and improve both function and appearance. The surgeon creates incisions in the gums above the upper teeth, moves the jaw to the planned position, and secures it with titanium plates and screws. This approach corrects conditions such as open bite, crossbite, or upper jaw protrusion.

Mandibular Osteotomy (Lower Jaw Surgery)

Used to reposition the lower jaw, this technique reshapes jaw alignment to create a more proportionate and defined lower face while also improving function. This approach addresses conditions such as receding chin, protruding lower jaw, or facial asymmetry. The jawbone is fixed in its new position with titanium plates and screws that may remain in place long-term.

Segmental Osteotomy

This technique involves repositioning specific sections of the jaw rather than the entire jawbone. It is utilised when only certain parts of the dental arch require correction, allowing for refinements that enhance both functional alignment and facial aesthetics. The surgeon creates several precise cuts in the jawbone to move targeted segments while maintaining the position of other sections. This method provides focused correction in cases where misalignment affects only particular areas of the jaw.

Preparing for the Procedure

Comprehensive Evaluation

A thorough assessment includes a physical and dental examination, along with imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, and 3D models. These evaluations provide a detailed understanding of jaw structure, helping to guide treatment planning. In some cases, computer modelling is used to illustrate expected post-surgical outcomes.
Pre-existing Condition Management

Any medical or dental issues should be addressed before the procedure. This includes completing treatment for gum disease, finishing necessary dental work, and ensuring proper management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Orthodontic Preparation

Orthodontic treatment is often necessary before surgery to ensure proper tooth alignment. This pre-surgical phase typically lasts 12–18 months and positions the teeth according to the planned jaw realignment rather than the current bite. Consistent monitoring and adjustments throughout this period help achieve the desired alignment.
Lifestyle Adjustments

Certain lifestyle modifications can support better healing and recovery. Smoking should ideally be stopped at least six weeks before surgery, and alcohol should be avoided until after the procedure. Medications and supplements may need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued based on medical guidance.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

The procedure begins with the administration of general anaesthesia. This ensures you remain unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery. Your vital signs are continuously monitored during this phase to ensure safety.

Surgical Access

The surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth along the gum line to access the jawbones, avoiding visible external scars. In some cases, small incisions may be needed outside the mouth, typically placed in inconspicuous locations to minimise visible scarring.

Bone Cutting and Repositioning

Using specialised instruments, the surgeon cuts the jawbone (osteotomy) at predetermined locations according to your personalised surgical plan. The jaw is then moved to its new position as mapped out during pre-surgical planning. This repositioning corrects the functional and aesthetic issues identified in your initial assessment.

Fixation and Stabilisation

Once the jaw is properly positioned, it is secured using titanium plates and screws that provide stability during healing. These fixation devices are typically permanent and rarely need to be removed. In some cases, temporary wires or elastic bands may be used to guide your bite into the correct position during initial healing.

Bone Grafting (If Needed)

In some cases, additional bone material may be needed to fill gaps created by the repositioning. This bone graft material can be harvested from another part of your body or may be synthetic. The graft helps ensure proper healing and stability of the new jaw position.

Soft Tissue Adjustment

The surgeon carefully reattaches soft tissues affected by the procedure, including muscles and gum tissue, to ensure a natural, aesthetically pleasing facial appearance after healing.

Final Evaluation and Closure

Before completing the surgery, the surgeon verifies the new jaw position and ensures proper alignment. The incisions are then closed using dissolvable sutures that do not require removal.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

Immediate Recovery and Monitoring	The first 24–48 hours typically require hospital observation to manage pain, swelling, and potential complications. Cold compresses help reduce swelling, and prescribed medications control discomfort and prevent infection.
Dietary Adjustments	A liquid diet is necessary initially, progressing to soft foods over 6–8 weeks. Clear liquids are followed by blended or pureed foods before transitioning to soft solids as healing allows.
Oral Care and Activity Restrictions	Maintaining oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antimicrobial rinses prevents infection. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks, with a gradual return to normal movement. Keeping the head elevated helps reduce swelling.
Follow-up and Orthodontic Finalisation	Regular follow-ups assess healing, jaw stability, and bite alignment, ensuring that both functional and aesthetic refinements are maintained over time. If orthodontic treatment was part of the plan, post-surgical adjustments typically continue for 6–12 months to refine tooth positioning.

Specialised Jaw Surgery Services

Oral Pathology

Diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions.

Learn more

Sleep Apnoea

Surgical interventions to alleviate obstructive sleep apnoea and improve breathing during sleep.

Learn more

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorders

Treatment options for temporomandibular joint disorders to relieve jaw pain and dysfunction.

Learn more

Potential Risks and Complications

Orthognathic surgery carries risks such as temporary or permanent numbness in the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue due to nerve involvement. Infection may develop despite preventive measures, requiring antibiotics. Bleeding can occur during or after surgery, sometimes needing intervention. Excessive swelling may affect breathing or swallowing. Anaesthesia-related risks include allergic reactions and respiratory issues. In some cases, the jaw may shift post-surgery (relapse), or bite irregularities may require further correction. Titanium plates and screws may cause discomfort or require removal.

Corrective Jaw Surgery: Balancing Function, Aesthetics & Timing

These videos delve into the motivations, methods, and outcomes of jaw surgery. Whether addressing functional bite issues, facial asymmetry, or both, guiding patients on what to expect from surgical planning through recovery and long-term effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the entire treatment process take?

The complete process typically spans 18-24 months. This timeline includes 12-18 months of pre-surgical orthodontics to align teeth, the surgery itself, and 6-12 months of post-surgical orthodontic refinement. The duration varies according to case complexity and individual healing patterns. In some cases, surgery can be done first without presurgical orthodontics and may likely be completed within 12-18 months.

Will there be visible scarring after the procedure?

Generally, there will be no visible external scarring as incisions are made inside the mouth. However, some cases may require small external incisions that are strategically placed in natural skin creases to minimise visibility. Internal gum scars may form but are not externally visible.

When can I return to work or school after surgery?

Most patients can resume non-strenuous work or school activities within 2-3 weeks following surgery. Complete recovery, including participation in sports or physically demanding activities, generally requires 6-8 weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance based on your specific recovery progression and the nature of your daily activities.

Complimentary eBook

Your Guide to Cosmetic Jaw Surgery

Dr. SL Chan

Singapore Oral Surgeon

BDS | MDS | FRACDS | FAMS |

A Leading Singapore Dental Surgeon specializing in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, with a special interest in reconstructive & corrective jaw surgery.

Dr Chan has held major leadership position in Singapore Dentistry, including being President of the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (Singapore), Chairman of the Singapore Regional Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and President of the College of Dental Surgeons of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore. He has also served in the Singapore Dental Council where he chaired the Credentials Committee and the Aesthetic Facial Procedures Oversight Committee.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), National University of Singapore (1989)
Master of Dental Surgery in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Training under Professor H. Tideman), University In Hong Kong
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore