Understanding Orthognathic Surgery for Golders Green Patients

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is a procedure to reposition the jaws. It combines braces and surgery performed by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. The aim is to fix functional problems such as an improper bite not fixable with braces alone and to improve facial harmony. The surgery is done from inside the mouth, leaving no external scars on the face. It is a major treatment, sometimes available on the NHS for clinically necessary cases, and it can dramatically improve a person’s ability to chew, speak, and breathe.

Jaw surgery is usually recommended when braces alone fail to create a functional bite. Severe underbites, overbites, crossbites, or open bites where the front teeth do not meet are common examples. It also addresses facial asymmetry, certain TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea caused by jaw structure. A referral to a specialist surgeon is required for a full assessment. The total treatment time, including pre surgical orthodontics, typically takes about 2.5 to 3 years.

The process starts with a consultation with an orthodontist and a maxillofacial surgeon. First, braces are worn for 12 to 18 months to align teeth for the new jaw position. Then the surgery takes place under general anaesthesia in a hospital, with a stay of one or two nights. The surgeon repositions the jaw bones and fixes them with small titanium plates and screws. Recovery requires a soft food diet for about six weeks. After surgery, a final orthodontic period, usually around six months, completes the bite. Full recovery takes several months.

While orthognathic surgery is essential for severe skeletal issues, many bite and alignment problems can be corrected without surgery. For patients with moderate crowding, overbites, or crossbites where the underlying jaw structure is not the primary issue, Invisalign clear aligners are a highly effective alternative. At our Finchley practice, we use 3D CBCT scanning to precisely assess your dental and jaw structure to determine your suitability. Case example: A patient from Golders Green was concerned about prominent front teeth and a deep bite. They believed surgery was the only option. After assessment, the issue proved to be dental rather than skeletal. A 16 month Invisalign Full treatment plan corrected the bite and smile, avoiding surgery. The total cost was £4,400.

Case example: Another individual presented with a significant underbite causing chewing difficulties and jaw pain. The 3D scans showed a skeletal issue with disproportionate growth of the lower jaw. In this case, Invisalign alone would not fix the root cause. We referred them to a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon in London for a surgical consultation, as this was the correct and only effective treatment path for them.

To make an informed choice, ask the right questions during a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, whether in Golders Green or elsewhere in London: What procedure is recommended and why? What are the risks and potential complications of this surgery? What is the total expected treatment time, including orthodontics? Can you show before and after results of similar cases? What does the full cost include, and are NHS funding options available for my case? What will the recovery be like and how much time off work will be needed?