{"id":3899,"date":"2026-02-28T02:47:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T02:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-28T02:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T02:47:33","slug":"orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of orthognathic surgery(What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together.<br\/>\nIt is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix.<br\/>\nIt is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.<br\/>\nThe goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why orthognathic surgery used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main purpose of orthognathic surgery is to correct a <strong>skeletal jaw discrepancy<\/strong>\u2014a mismatch in the size, position, or relationship of the jaws. When the jaws are not aligned, teeth may not meet properly even if the teeth themselves are straight. This can create a <strong>malocclusion<\/strong> (an improper bite), strain the jaw joints and muscles, and make biting and chewing less efficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common goals and potential benefits include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Improved occlusion (bite fit):<\/strong> Creating a more stable relationship between the upper and lower teeth so forces are distributed more evenly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Better chewing function:<\/strong> Aligning jaws can make it easier to bite through foods and chew without compensations.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Speech improvement in selected cases:<\/strong> Some jaw relationships affect tongue space and lip posture; changes may help certain speech patterns. Results vary by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Facial balance:<\/strong> Repositioning the jaws can change facial proportions (for example, addressing a prominent lower jaw or a retrusive upper jaw). Aesthetic outcomes are individualized.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Support for interdisciplinary care:<\/strong> In some patients, jaw position is considered in broader treatment planning (for example, for certain airway-related concerns). Whether surgery is appropriate depends on diagnosis and case factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Importantly, orthognathic surgery is not a \u201cquick fix\u201d and is typically part of a longer treatment pathway that may include orthodontics before and after surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When dentists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Typical scenarios where orthognathic surgery may be considered include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Skeletal <strong>Class II<\/strong> patterns (lower jaw set back relative to upper jaw) with functional bite problems<\/li>\n<li>Skeletal <strong>Class III<\/strong> patterns (lower jaw prominent or upper jaw underdeveloped) affecting bite and facial profile<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anterior open bite<\/strong> (front teeth do not overlap) due to jaw growth pattern, not just tooth position<\/li>\n<li>Significant <strong>overjet<\/strong> or <strong>underbite<\/strong> driven by jaw position<\/li>\n<li><strong>Facial asymmetry<\/strong> from uneven jaw growth or jaw position differences<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vertical maxillary excess<\/strong> (increased upper jaw height) contributing to gummy smile and bite issues<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crossbites<\/strong> caused by jaw width discrepancies (for example, narrow upper jaw relative to lower)<\/li>\n<li>Post-traumatic or developmental jaw deformities affecting occlusion<\/li>\n<li>Cases where orthodontic \u201ccamouflage\u201d would require tooth movements beyond reasonable limits or would not address the underlying skeletal cause<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>orthognathic surgery may be less suitable, postponed, or approached differently in situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uncontrolled systemic health conditions<\/strong> that increase surgical or anesthetic risk (assessment varies by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Active oral infections<\/strong> or untreated dental disease that should be addressed before major surgery<\/li>\n<li><strong>Poor periodontal (gum) support<\/strong> that could compromise orthodontic tooth movement or bite stability<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insufficient readiness for the treatment pathway<\/strong>, since care often includes orthodontics, multiple appointments, and recovery time<\/li>\n<li><strong>Expectations that cannot be matched to realistic outcomes<\/strong>, especially regarding facial changes or symmetry (exact results vary)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ongoing facial growth<\/strong> in some patients, when growth could change jaw relationships after treatment (timing depends on diagnosis)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Situations where non-surgical options can meet goals<\/strong>, such as mild discrepancies manageable with orthodontics alone<\/li>\n<li><strong>High relapse risk factors<\/strong> in certain patterns (for example, some open-bite tendencies), where stability planning becomes more complex; treatment approach varies by clinician and case<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Material \/ properties)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many \u201cmaterial and properties\u201d concepts\u2014such as <strong>flow and viscosity<\/strong>, <strong>filler content<\/strong>, and <strong>curing<\/strong>\u2014apply to restorative dental materials (like composite fillings) rather than to orthognathic surgery. For orthognathic surgery, the closest parallels are the <strong>biomechanics of bone repositioning<\/strong>, <strong>fixation stability<\/strong>, and <strong>healing response<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a high-level view using the requested property categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Flow and viscosity:<\/strong> Not applicable in the way it is for flowable dental composites. In surgery, the relevant concept is <strong>tissue handling and surgical access<\/strong>\u2014how the surgeon can safely expose bone, perform bone cuts (osteotomies), and reposition segments while protecting nerves, blood supply, teeth roots, and jaw joints.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Filler content:<\/strong> Not applicable. A closer concept is the choice of <strong>fixation system<\/strong> and hardware design, such as:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Titanium plates and screws<\/strong> (common in rigid fixation)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Resorbable fixation systems<\/strong> (materials and performance vary by manufacturer and case)<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Custom plates\/guides<\/strong> designed from 3D planning in some practices<br\/>\n  These choices influence how the bone segments are held during healing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Strength and wear resistance:<\/strong> \u201cWear resistance\u201d is not a primary issue for jaw fixation the way it is for tooth restorations. The relevant property is <strong>mechanical stability under functional loads<\/strong>, including bite forces and muscle pull, until the bone heals. Stability depends on:<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Surgical technique and precision of bone repositioning<\/li>\n<li>Fixation method (rigid vs other approaches)<\/li>\n<li>Bone quality and healing capacity<\/li>\n<li>Postoperative bite guidance (often elastics) and orthodontic coordination<br\/>\n  Long-term stability can also be affected by growth patterns, muscle function, and how well the final occlusion is maintained.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">orthognathic surgery Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The workflow below uses a sequence common in adhesive dental restorations, and it does <strong>not<\/strong> literally describe orthognathic surgery. It is included to match the requested structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Isolation \u2192 etch\/bond \u2192 place \u2192 cure \u2192 finish\/polish<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For orthognathic surgery, a more appropriate high-level workflow is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Diagnosis and records:<\/strong> Clinical exam plus records such as photographs, dental impressions or scans, and radiographic imaging (often including 3D imaging depending on case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interdisciplinary planning:<\/strong> Coordination between orthodontist and surgeon to define bite goals and jaw movements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Presurgical orthodontics (common):<\/strong> Braces or aligners may be used to align teeth and remove compensations so jaw movement can achieve a stable bite.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surgical planning:<\/strong> Model surgery and\/or digital planning may be used to design surgical splints and define movements.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Anesthesia and surgical access:<\/strong> Surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Osteotomies and repositioning:<\/strong> Controlled bone cuts allow the jaw segment(s) to be moved into the planned position.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fixation:<\/strong> Plates and screws (or other fixation systems) stabilize the new jaw position while healing occurs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Closure and early guidance:<\/strong> Incisions are closed; elastics may guide the bite. Postoperative monitoring focuses on swelling control, bite stability, nerve function checks, and oral hygiene ability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Postsurgical orthodontics:<\/strong> Fine-tuning of the bite after healing is common to achieve the planned final occlusion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Exact steps and sequencing vary by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations of orthognathic surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Orthognathic procedures are selected based on which jaw(s) need repositioning and in what direction (forward, backward, up, down, or rotational changes). Common types include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maxillary surgery (upper jaw):<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Le Fort I osteotomy:<\/strong> Repositions the upper jaw; can address vertical issues, open bite, crossbite components, and midface position.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Segmental Le Fort I variations:<\/strong> The upper jaw may be divided into segments in selected cases to correct width or tooth-bearing segment relationships (used selectively; planning varies).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Mandibular surgery (lower jaw):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO):<\/strong> Common method to move the lower jaw forward or backward.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO):<\/strong> Another approach used in certain mandibular setbacks; technique selection varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Bimaxillary (double-jaw) surgery:<\/strong> Combines upper and lower jaw procedures to optimize function, facial balance, and occlusal stability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Chin surgery (genioplasty):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Sliding genioplasty:<\/strong> Moves the chin bone segment to adjust projection, vertical height, or symmetry; may be combined with jaw surgery.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Transverse expansion approaches (selected cases):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE\/SARME):<\/strong> Used for certain adult maxillary constriction patterns; naming and protocols vary.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Distraction osteogenesis (selected cases):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Gradual bone lengthening using a device; considered for particular discrepancies or reconstructive needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Technology and planning variations:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Conventional planning with splints vs <strong>virtual surgical planning<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Stock plates vs <strong>patient-specific fixation<\/strong> (availability and use vary by clinician and case)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Requested examples such as <strong>low vs high filler<\/strong>, <strong>bulk-fill flowable<\/strong>, and <strong>injectable composites<\/strong> are categories of restorative materials and are not types of orthognathic surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Addresses the <strong>skeletal cause<\/strong> of certain bite problems rather than only tooth positioning<\/li>\n<li>Can improve <strong>occlusal stability<\/strong> when combined with orthodontic treatment<\/li>\n<li>May enhance <strong>chewing efficiency<\/strong> and reduce compensatory biting patterns<\/li>\n<li>Can correct <strong>facial asymmetry<\/strong> or disproportion related to jaw position (results vary)<\/li>\n<li>Provides a framework for coordinated treatment in complex cases (orthodontics + surgery)<\/li>\n<li>May reduce excessive tooth movements that would otherwise be needed for camouflage orthodontics in some patients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Involves <strong>major surgery<\/strong> with anesthesia, swelling, and a meaningful recovery period<\/li>\n<li>Requires <strong>time and coordination<\/strong>, often including orthodontics before and after surgery<\/li>\n<li>Temporary changes in <strong>sensation (numbness\/tingling)<\/strong> can occur, especially in lower jaw procedures; recovery varies by clinician and case<\/li>\n<li>Outcomes depend on <strong>planning accuracy, healing, and stability<\/strong>; some degree of relapse can occur in certain patterns<\/li>\n<li>Eating, speaking, and daily routines can be limited during early healing<\/li>\n<li>Cost and insurance coverage can be complex and vary widely by region, provider, and indication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Aftercare in orthognathic surgery focuses on supporting healing, maintaining oral cleanliness when tissues are sore, and protecting the new jaw relationship as bone consolidates. \u201cLongevity\u201d is usually discussed as <strong>stability of the jaw position and bite over time<\/strong>, rather than how long a material lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Factors that commonly influence stability and long-term outcomes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Initial diagnosis and growth pattern:<\/strong> Some bite patterns (such as certain open bites) can be harder to keep stable long term; stability varies by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quality of orthodontic finishing and retention:<\/strong> Final tooth contacts and retention strategies help maintain the corrected occlusion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bite forces and parafunction:<\/strong> Heavy bite forces, clenching, or bruxism can stress the system and may affect comfort and stability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Oral hygiene and periodontal health:<\/strong> Healthy gums and bone support are important for orthodontic stability and overall oral function.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow-up schedule:<\/strong> Regular reviews allow the team to monitor healing, bite settling, and orthodontic progress.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fixation approach and bone healing:<\/strong> Hardware selection and bone biology affect early stability; approaches differ among clinicians.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lifestyle and general health factors:<\/strong> Smoking status, nutrition, and systemic health can influence wound healing capacity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Recovery experiences differ widely. Patients commonly describe a phase of swelling and diet modification early on, followed by gradual return of comfort and function as healing progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because orthognathic surgery corrects jaw position, the most meaningful comparisons are to <strong>non-surgical approaches<\/strong> that manage the bite by moving teeth, altering tooth shape, or using appliances. Requested comparisons to restorative materials (flowable vs packable composite, glass ionomer, compomer) are generally <strong>not applicable<\/strong> because those materials treat tooth structure (like cavities or defects), not jaw alignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-level alternatives and how they compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Orthodontic treatment alone (braces or aligners):<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Best suited for mild-to-moderate discrepancies where tooth movement can create an acceptable bite.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>In skeletal discrepancies, orthodontics alone may \u201ccamouflage\u201d the issue by tipping teeth, which can have limits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Orthodontic camouflage (tooth compensations):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>May reduce the appearance of a jaw discrepancy and improve bite contacts without moving jaws.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Can be limited by periodontal boundaries, root position, and facial aesthetics goals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Extractions as part of orthodontics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Sometimes used to manage crowding or reduce dental protrusion.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Does not change jaw size\/position; it changes tooth arrangement within the jaws.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Restorative\/prosthetic adjustments (bonding, crowns, veneers):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Can change tooth shape and contacts to refine occlusion in selected situations.<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Does not correct the underlying skeletal relationship; used carefully to avoid overloading teeth.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and skeletal anchorage mechanics:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>Can expand what orthodontics can achieve in some cases (intrusion, distalization, etc.).<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Still may not fully replace surgery in significant jaw discrepancies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Distraction osteogenesis (selected cases):<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>A surgical alternative that moves bone gradually rather than repositioning it in one operation.<\/li>\n<li>Indications and protocols vary by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If a patient\u2019s primary issue is tooth decay or a broken tooth, comparisons like <strong>flowable vs packable composite<\/strong>, <strong>glass ionomer<\/strong>, and <strong>compomer<\/strong> are relevant\u2014but those are different treatment categories than orthognathic surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions (FAQ) of orthognathic surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What exactly does orthognathic surgery correct\u2014teeth or jaws?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt primarily corrects the <strong>position of the jaws<\/strong>. Teeth are usually aligned with orthodontics so that when the jaws are repositioned, the bite fits together properly. Many treatment plans combine orthodontics and surgery for that reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Who is typically involved in planning and performing orthognathic surgery?<\/strong><br\/>\nPlanning is commonly shared between an <strong>orthodontist<\/strong> and an <strong>oral and maxillofacial surgeon<\/strong>. Depending on needs, other clinicians may be involved (for example, restorative dentists, periodontists, or speech professionals). Team structure varies by clinic and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is orthognathic surgery painful?<\/strong><br\/>\nDuring surgery, anesthesia prevents pain. Afterward, discomfort, swelling, and a feeling of pressure are commonly reported, and experiences vary by clinician and case. Pain management approaches differ and are tailored by the treating team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does recovery usually take?<\/strong><br\/>\nRecovery is typically described in phases: early healing (swelling and diet changes), then gradual return to daily activities, and longer-term bone remodeling. Exact timelines vary by clinician and case, and by whether one jaw or both jaws are treated. Orthodontic finishing may continue after initial healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long do the results last?<\/strong><br\/>\nThe goal is long-term stability, but maintenance depends on factors like the original bite pattern, orthodontic retention, muscle function, and healing response. Some cases are more prone to relapse than others. Long-term follow-up helps monitor stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What are the main risks or complications?<\/strong><br\/>\nAs with major surgery, risks can include bleeding, infection, unfavorable healing, changes in sensation, bite instability, and the need for additional treatment. The risk profile depends on the procedure type and individual anatomy. A treating surgeon provides the most case-specific risk discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Will there be visible scars?<\/strong><br\/>\nMany orthognathic approaches use incisions inside the mouth, which typically avoids visible facial scarring. Some related procedures may use small external incisions depending on technique. Incision placement varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does orthognathic surgery change facial appearance?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt can, because moving jaws changes the support for lips, cheeks, and the lower face. The amount and type of change depend on the direction and size of jaw movements and the person\u2019s soft tissue response. Exact aesthetic outcomes vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How much does orthognathic surgery cost?<\/strong><br\/>\nCosts vary widely based on region, facility fees, anesthesia, imaging, orthodontics, and whether one or both jaws are treated. Insurance coverage also varies by plan and by how the procedure is classified (medical vs dental). A clinic typically provides an itemized estimate for a given plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is orthognathic surgery considered safe?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt is a commonly performed procedure within oral and maxillofacial surgery, but it remains major surgery with meaningful risks. Safety depends on patient health, planning, surgical expertise, and postoperative monitoring. Individual risk assessment varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together. It is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix. It is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together. It is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix. It is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-28T02:47:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"name\":\"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-28T02:47:33+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"My blog\",\"description\":\"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\",\"name\":\"drdental\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"drdental\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","og_description":"orthognathic surgery is jaw surgery that repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to improve how they fit together. It is commonly used to correct skeletal (bone-based) bite problems that braces alone cannot fully fix. It is planned with orthodontics and performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The goal is to improve function (bite, chewing, speech) and, in some cases, facial balance.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_site_name":"Best Dental Hospitals","article_published_time":"2026-02-28T02:47:33+00:00","author":"drdental","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"drdental","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","name":"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-28T02:47:33+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/orthognathic-surgery-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"orthognathic surgery: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/","name":"My blog","description":"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0","name":"drdental","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"drdental"},"url":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3899"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3899\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}