Do I Need Corrective Jaw Surgery? Seven Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’re like many people, you may think of corrective jaw surgery as something that’s performed after a facial trauma. In reality, however, corrective jaw surgery — also known as orthognathic surgery — is a relatively common procedure and can be used to correct a wide variety of problems, from an overbite and underbite to other forms of malocclusion that may be interfering with various aspects of your comfort and overall quality of life. 

To understand whether you could benefit from corrective jaw surgery, a consultation with our knowledgeable team at The Oral Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC is a fantastic place to start. In the meantime, keep reading to review seven of the most common signs you could be a candidate for jaw surgery — from visible bite misalignment to chronic jaw pain, and difficulty breathing and sleeping.

How do you know if you need oral jaw surgery? 

Only a comprehensive evaluation can determine whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate, but several signs may suggest that jaw alignment issues are affecting your health, comfort, or daily function. Seven common signs that someone may benefit from orthognathic surgery include:  

• An overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite 
• Difficulty chewing or biting food 
• Chronic jaw pain or TMJ discomfort 
• Speech difficulties related to jaw positioning 
• Difficulty fully closing the lips 
• Facial asymmetry or an unbalanced facial profile 
• Breathing problems or sleep-disordered breathing 

While experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean you need surgery, they may indicate an underlying jaw alignment issue that warrants further evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. 

Will jaw surgery make me stop snoring? 

In some cases, corrective jaw surgery may improve snoring and other sleep-related breathing concerns. Certain jaw alignment problems can contribute to a narrowed airway, making it more difficult to breathe freely during sleep. By repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, orthognathic surgery may increase airway space and improve airflow. However, not all snoring is caused by jaw structure, and not every patient who snores is a candidate for corrective jaw surgery. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine whether jaw position may be contributing to sleep-related symptoms. 

Is a teenager too young for jaw surgery? 

Corrective jaw surgery is generally performed after the jaws have finished most of their growth and development. For many patients, this occurs during the mid-to-late teenage years, although the timing varies from person to person. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may begin before surgery is performed so that the teeth can be properly aligned in preparation for jaw repositioning. During an evaluation, our team can assess skeletal development and determine whether surgery should be considered now or delayed until growth is complete. 

Will my overbite get worse over time if I delay jaw surgery? 

The answer depends on the severity and underlying cause of the bite misalignment. Some jaw discrepancies remain relatively stable, while others may gradually worsen as a result of continued growth patterns, uneven tooth wear, changes in jaw joint function, or compensation by surrounding muscles and tissues. If you have been told you may benefit from corrective jaw surgery, periodic monitoring can help determine whether your condition is changing over time. 

What are the risks of not getting corrective jaw surgery? 

Not every patient with jaw misalignment requires surgery, but significant bite and jaw issues can sometimes contribute to ongoing functional problems. Depending on the severity of the condition, delaying or avoiding corrective jaw surgery may increase the risk of:  

• Progressive tooth wear 
• Difficulty chewing certain foods 
• Chronic jaw discomfort 
• TMD-related symptoms 
• Speech challenges 
• Ongoing breathing or sleep issues 
• Reduced confidence related to facial appearance 

A consultation can help determine whether your concerns are primarily cosmetic, functional, or both, and whether surgical correction may provide substantial benefits that are worth undergoing surgery. 

Take charge of your comfort, confidence, and oral health with corrective jaw surgery in Greensboro, NC 

If ongoing jaw pain, bite misalignment, breathing difficulties, or other symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to learn whether corrective jaw surgery is right for you. At The Oral Surgery Center, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluations and advanced orthognathic surgery solutions designed to improve both function and appearance. Contact our Greensboro, NC oral surgery office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health.