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Orthognathic Surgery London

Orthognathic surgery is a safe and effective procedure that repositions protruding or recessed jaws. Also known as jaw alignment surgery, it can correct your bite, help you breathe easier, and significantly improve your facial symmetry. Learn more about the many physical and psychological benefits of this intervention. Discover the unique blend of surgical excellence and compassionate care we take pride in here at the Harley Street Specialist Hospital.

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Private orthognathic surgery in central London

Private orthognathic surgery in central London

Getting jaw surgery can be a stressful event. That is why your comfort is our top priority at the award-winning Harley Street Specialist Hospital. Our experienced dental surgeons, doting nurses, and caring pain management consultants will be there to guide you every step of the way.

The surgical team will answer all your questions and include you in every medical decision. Moreover, they will offer unwavering support and reassurance so you can walk into your jaw alignment surgery feeling confident, safe, and optimistic.

Orthognathic jaw surgery can provide excellent results, allowing you to eat, look, and feel better. Book an appointment today with our consultants and start your journey towards a higher quality of life.

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What is orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that corrects misaligned upper and lower jaws. If your jaws and teeth do not fit well together, you can experience pain, bite problems, impeded breathing, and an asymmetrical appearance. To fix this problem, the dental surgeon will cut through your jawbone and reposition your jaws or chin in the right place for a better fit. 

This jaw alignment operation may be recommended, with excellent results, for pronounced bite problems (open bite, overbite, underbite), jaw abnormalities caused by fractures or a cleft palate, and certain types of obstructive sleep apnea (breathing pauses in your sleep). It can also reduce pain caused by temporomandibular (TMJ) joint disorder or by genetic syndromes that cause joint misalignment (e.g. Treacher-Collins syndrome, Miller syndrome).

Types of orthognathic surgery

Depending on the bones that need realignment, there are four main types of jaw operation:

Le Fort I Osteotomy: The surgery is performed on a protruding or recessed upper jaw. The maxillary is separated from the other bones in your face, repositioned and fixed in place with titanium plates and screws.

Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy: The operation corrects a protruding or recessed lower jaw. The dental surgeon cuts the mandible on both sides and aligns it with the maxillary. It is then fixed in place with titanium plates and screws. 

Bimaxillary Osteotomy: The dental surgeon operates on both jaws, using a Le Fort I osteotomy and a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy during the same intervention. This can be done safely without increasing recovery time.

Genioplasty: The surgeon separates your chin from your lower jaw, repositioning it without moving your teeth. Then, they fix it in place to correct a weak, misaligned, or overprotruding chin.

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The orthognathic jaw surgery procedure

Jaw alignment surgery may sound daunting, but rest assured that it is normally a safe and fast intervention (it usually lasts 1-2 hours). Here is what you can expect:

1. Assessment and diagnosis — Your dental specialist will get your medical history and carefully examine your jaws and teeth. They will also use modern diagnosis and imaging tools to determine if jaw alignment surgery is the best treatment for you.

2. Pre-operatory orthodontic treatment — You may be advised to undergo orthodontic treatment for a few months before your orthognathic surgery. That will correct any tooth misalignment that may interfere with jaw repositioning.

3. Anaesthetic — This surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. This means you will be comfortably asleep and feel no pain during the procedure

4. Surgical jaw realignment — The surgeon will separate the affected jaw (or chin) from the rest of your facial bones and reposition it for better alignment using acrylic splints. Then, they will fix the bone in place with titanium plates and screws.

5. Recovery — depending on the complexity of your procedure, your surgeon may ask you to remain in the hospital for 1-2 days so we can monitor you and make sure that you are well. You may also need to wear wired bracers for 2-3 weeks post-surgery.

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Orthognathic surgery FAQs

Find out more about what you can expect when getting jaw alignment surgery by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions:

Orthognathic surgery has very high success rates, and 85-90% of patients are satisfied with its outcomes. This procedure has outstanding results for improving oral function and correcting the aesthetic shortcomings caused by jaw or chin misalignment.

A jaw alignment operation can be considered major surgery, as it is performed under general anaesthesia and requires several weeks to fully recover. However, the procedure is generally safe and does not require lengthy hospitalisation. 

Before your jaw surgery, you will undergo general anaesthesia. That means you will sleep soundly the entire time and will not feel anything. While you may experience pain for a few days after the anaesthetic wears off, the consultants in our pain management clinic will be there for you to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Every surgical procedure carries some risk, and jaw alignment surgery is no exception. While most patients don’t face any issues, there is a small chance of complications, such as:

  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding, bruising, or swelling
  • Damage to your teeth
  • Temporomandibular disorder (pain and dysfunction in your jaw joint or muscles)
  • Fixation device fracture (the plates or screws holding your jaw in place may break) 
  • Facial nerve injury
  • Dental or skeletal relapse (your teeth may become misaligned or, rarely, your jaw may be pushed back into its original position before it has a chance to heal)

While you will likely only spend a couple of days in the hospital, full recovery from orthognathic surgery can take between 2 and 6 months. You may need to be on a liquid or pureed food diet during this time. You may also need some orthodontics to ensure your teeth remain well-aligned. Rest assured that our team of specialists will closely monitor your healing and provide guidance and support at every step.

Orthognathic surgery costs

Treat yourself to a five-star dental surgery experience! Contact us today to discover a personalised jaw alignment surgery treatment plan designed by our top-tier surgeons to suit your needs perfectly. 

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Learn more about orthognathic surgery

If you still have unanswered questions regarding jaw surgery, find out more about this procedure and its recovery process:

Corrective jaw surgery has many benefits for your teeth, digestion, breathing, and facial features alike:

  • Preventing unnecessary tooth wear if your teeth do not meet properly.
  • Correcting your bite so you can chew better (which can improve your digestion).
  • Reducing jaw joint and muscle pain stemming from bite problems.
  • Resolving certain forms of obstructive sleep apnea and mouth breathing.
  • Increasing your self-confidence by making your face more symmetrical.

While some patients require another orthognathic operation, this is not common. Studies show that approximately 2-3% of people who had jaw alignment surgery are reoperated, most within 6 months to 1 year after the initial procedure.

Some patients may be ready to return to work only a couple of weeks post-surgery. However, most need about a month of healing before resuming their professional activity. As long as you don’t over-exert your operated jaw, it is likely safe to return to work as soon as you feel comfortable enough to do so.

You will likely have no visible scarring after orthognathic jaw surgery. That is because the operation is performed on the inside of your mouth. No incisions are normally made on the outside of your cheeks or chin, so you should be left with no unappealing facial marks.

You can safely get jaw alignment surgery when your jaws and teeth have stopped growing. That usually happens around the age of 14-16 for girls and 17-21 for boys. There is no upper age limit for this procedure, as long as you are in general good health and preferably a non-smoker (smoking can significantly increase the risk of complications for any surgery).

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Flexible Payment Options to Suit You

Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.

Self-pay

Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.

Private Medical Insurance

We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.

Private medical insurance we accept
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Patient Reviews

Getting orthognathic surgery at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

Here at Harley Street Specialist Hospital, we fully understand the natural angst accompanying oral and maxillofacial surgery. That is why we do everything possible to put your mind at ease. There are no waiting lists so you can get a timely diagnosis and treatment for your condition. Your needs and preferences are at the core of our care, as you will be an equal partner in designing your treatment. And every step of your recovery will be closely monitored by dedicated specialists to ensure you get the best possible outcome from your jaw alignment surgery.

 

Book an appointment with our dental team to discuss your best treatment options.

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Our orthognathic surgery consultants