Orthognathic Surgery (Corrective Jaw Surgery) in North London

Corrective jaw surgery is a solution for issues that orthodontics alone cannot fully resolve. You may be a candidate if you have significant functional or aesthetic problems related to your jaw alignment. This includes difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing, chronic jaw or TMJ pain, and headaches. Some patients seek this treatment for sleep apnoea where repositioning the jaw can open the airway. Aesthetically, it can correct an open bite, a protruding or receding jaw, and facial asymmetry. The goal is to create a healthier, more comfortable bite and a balanced facial profile. Our Finchley practice conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if surgery is the right path for you.

The journey is a multi stage process handled by our team and a specialist surgeon. First, your initial consultation at our Finchley practice uses advanced 3D CBCT scans to build a precise digital model of your jaw. Next, you typically undergo an orthodontic phase lasting 12 to 18 months, where braces straighten your teeth in preparation for surgery. Then you are referred to the hospital based surgeon who performs the procedure under general anaesthesia, which usually lasts 2 to 4 hours. After a hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights, you enter the recovery phase. Finally, a post surgical orthodontic period of about 6 months fine tunes your bite. The entire process from start to finish spans around 24 months.

Recovery from jaw surgery requires patience. The first 1 to 2 weeks bring swelling, bruising, and discomfort that are managed with prescribed pain relief. Your diet will be liquids for the first 2 to 3 weeks, then gradually shift to soft foods over the next 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients take 2 to 4 weeks off work or study to rest. It is important to follow all post operative instructions, including oral hygiene routines, to prevent infection. You will have regular follow up appointments with both the surgeon and our practice to monitor healing. Red flags to report: contact your surgical team if you have a fever above 38 C, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection such as pus. For non urgent questions about orthodontic care, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7).

For minor to moderate alignment issues orthodontics alone may be enough. Invisalign or traditional braces can correct many bite problems without surgery. When the problem is skeletal, meaning the jaw bones themselves are misaligned, orthodontics can only camouflage the issue rather than fix the root cause. Another option for specific cases like a receding chin is genioplasty (chin surgery), which is less invasive. We perform a full assessment, including 3D scans, to give an honest evaluation of whether a non surgical approach can meet your goals.

A 28 year old from Barnet visited us with a severe underbite that made eating difficult and affected confidence. Our 3D scans showed a significant skeletal discrepancy. We planned a course of treatment beginning with 14 months of braces to align the teeth. He was then referred to a maxillofacial surgeon at a London hospital who repositioned the lower jaw. After a six week recovery and six months of orthodontic adjustments, the bite was fully corrected. He can eat properly and is pleased with the balanced profile.

A 45 year old from Highgate was referred by his GP for severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Our CBCT scan showed a recessed lower jaw narrowing the airway during sleep. We planned surgery to advance the lower jaw. The procedure widened the airway, and post operative sleep studies showed a dramatic reduction in apnoea events. This improved sleep and health and also enhanced jawline and facial profile as a welcome bonus.

Private orthognathic surgery costs can be high and vary with case complexity. The total fee is usually split across the orthodontic treatment, the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist's fee, and the hospital stay, typically from £15,000 to £30,000 plus. At your initial consultation we provide a clear quote for the diagnostic and orthodontic phases. We accept several private dental plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover part of the costs depending on your policy. We can provide the necessary documents to help with your claim.

To make an informed choice about your care whether with us or another practice in North London here are key questions to ask: What specific jaw movements are planned for me? Can you show a 3D simulation of the predicted outcome? What are the primary risks for my procedure? Who is the oral and maxillofacial surgeon you work with and what is their experience? What is the total estimated cost including orthodontics surgery and hospital fees? How long will total treatment and recovery take? What dietary and activity limits will follow surgery?