What Is Upper Jaw Surgery (Maxillary Osteotomy)?
If you have been told you need upper jaw surgery, here is what the procedure involves.
Upper jaw surgery, medically called a maxillary osteotomy, is a procedure that repositions the upper jaw (maxilla) to correct bite problems, facial imbalances, and functional issues. The surgery is performed inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars.
- What it corrects:
- Open bite (front teeth do not touch)
- Crossbite (upper teeth sit inside lower teeth)
- Gummy smile (too much gum showing when smiling)
- Midface deficiency (sunken midface appearance)
- Narrow upper jaw
- Sleep apnea caused by upper jaw position
- How it is done:
- Incisions are made inside the upper lip
- The upper jawbone is carefully cut and mobilized
- The jaw is moved to its new position (forward, backward, up, or down)
- Tiny titanium plates and screws hold the jaw in its new position
- The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches
- Surgery takes 1β3 hours for upper jaw alone
- Hospital stay of 1β2 nights
- The upper jaw must heal for 6β8 weeks before it is fully stable
- You will wear orthodontic rubber bands after surgery to guide healing
- The titanium plates remain in place permanently unless they cause problems
- Recovery from maxillary osteotomy includes:
- Swelling of the upper lip and cheeks (peaks at day 2β3)
- Some numbness of the upper lip, cheeks, and nose area (usually temporary)
- Liquid diet for 2β4 weeks, then soft foods
- No nose blowing or sneezing with mouth closed for 2β3 weeks
What to Expect
Recovery
Clinical Guidance
Upper jaw surgery (maxillary osteotomy) repositions the upper jaw to correct open bite, gummy smile, crossbite, and midface deficiency. It is performed through incisions inside the mouth with no visible scarring, and recovery involves 6β8 weeks of bone healing.