An informative guide for patients considering corrective jaw surgery
If you are exploring orthognathic surgery — whether you have been referred by an orthodontist or are researching your options independently — this article will walk you through what the procedure involves, who is a suitable candidate, what recovery looks like in practice, and what results you can expect long-term.
For information about booking a consultation or the treatments available at our clinic, visit our orthognathic surgery page.
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- Orthognathic surgery corrects jaw misalignment that cannot be resolved with braces alone.
- Candidacy requires a joint assessment by a maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist, with 3D imaging, intra oral scan and clinical photographs.
- Most patients resume light activity within 5 to 7 days.
- Cost ranges from €8,000 to €15,000 depending on complexity
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What Is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery — commonly known as corrective jaw surgery — is a surgical procedure that repositions one or both jaws to correct skeletal and dental irregularities that cannot be resolved with orthodontic treatment alone. It is performed under general anaesthesia by a maxillofacial surgeon, typically in close collaboration with an orthodontist.
The goal is both functional and aesthetic: to achieve a balanced bite, improve facial harmony, and resolve problems caused by jaw misalignment — from difficulty chewing to breathing issues during sleep.
Who Needs Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is considered when jaw misalignment causes functional problems or significantly affects quality of life. Common indications include:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)
- An open bite, underbite, or overbite that braces alone cannot correct
- Obstructive sleep apnoea related to jaw anatomy
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance affecting self-confidence
- Excessive tooth wear caused by a misaligned bite
Candidacy requires a joint assessment. Orthognathic surgery is planned by a maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist working together. Planning relies on 3D imaging (CBCT) to map the precise jaw movements required and anticipate the outcome with accuracy. There is no fixed age requirement, but surgery is generally performed once skeletal growth is complete — typically in the late teens or early twenties.
How Is Orthognathic Surgery Performed?
Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, requiring one night in the clinic. All incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars on the face.
Depending on whether one jaw (monomaxillary) or both jaws (bimaxillary) require repositioning, the procedure typically lasts between two and five hours. The bones are repositioned according to the pre-surgical plan and fixed in place with small titanium plates and screws, which are well tolerated and do not need to be removed in most cases.
The degree of complexity — and therefore the duration and recovery — varies between patients. Your surgical team will discuss what to expect specifically in your case before any decision is made.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery from orthognathic surgery is gradual, but more manageable than many patients expect. Here is what a typical timeline looks like:
Night 1: You will stay one night in the clinic for monitoring. Swelling and mild discomfort are expected and well-controlled with medication.
Days 2–3: You return home on a liquid diet — all food and drink should be cold or at room temperature during the first week, as heat increases swelling. From day 3, a semi-solid diet is introduced, also kept cold during this initial week. Gentle walking is encouraged from these early days to help reduce swelling and support circulation.
Days 5–7: Most patients resume light daily activity, including working from home, within five to seven days.
Weeks 1–6: Diet remains semi-solid. Elastics are used during this phase to guide the bite into its new position — your surgical team will show you how to manage these at home. Oral hygiene during this period requires extra attention and your team will provide specific instructions.
Month 2: More solid foods can be gradually reintroduced. All sports and intense physical exercise should be avoided until the end of week 8.
From week 8 onwards: You may return to your usual sporting activities. If you practise contact sports — such as martial arts, rugby, or similar — additional caution is recommended between months 2 and 6. A protective facial mask, where permitted by your sport, is advisable during this period to protect the healing bone structure.
Months 6–12: Full aesthetic result becomes visible as residual swelling resolves completely. Bone stabilisation is complete, and post-surgical orthodontic treatment — used to fine-tune the bite — is typically concluded during this period.
Sensation changes, including temporary numbness in the lips or chin, are common during recovery. You can read more about this in our dedicated article on numbness after orthognathic surgery.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits?
For the vast majority of patients, the results of orthognathic surgery are significant and lasting. Once fully recovered, patients typically report:
- Improved chewing function and comfort
- Better breathing — including reduction or resolution of obstructive sleep apnoea
- Clearer speech and improved phonetics
- Reduction or resolution of jaw pain and TMD symptoms
- A more balanced facial profile
- Greater confidence in their appearance
The stability of results is generally excellent, particularly when post-surgical orthodontic treatment is completed as planned.
How Much Does Orthognathic Surgery Cost in Portugal?
The cost of orthognathic surgery in Portugal varies according to the complexity of the case — specifically whether one jaw (monomaxillary) or both jaws (bimaxillary) require repositioning, and the surgical planning involved.
As a general reference, the cost ranges from €8,000 to €15,000. This figure relates to the surgical procedure itself. Orthodontic treatment — which is required before and after surgery — is planned and costed separately with your orthodontist.
Some cases may be eligible for partial coverage through private health insurance, depending on your plan and the clinical indication. This is worth verifying with your insurer before your consultation.
The only way to receive an accurate cost estimate for your specific situation is through an individual assessment. During your consultation, Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira will review your imaging, discuss your goals, and provide a detailed treatment plan with full cost transparency.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Right for You?
Understanding the procedure is the first step — but every case is different. The conditions that make someone a good candidate, the precise jaw movements required, and the expected outcomes can only be determined through a personal consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist working together.
If you are experiencing jaw-related problems and believe orthognathic surgery might be relevant to your situation, the next step is a consultation to discuss your specific needs.
This article reflects the clinical experience of Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira, MD, DDS, Maxillofacial Surgeon, and is intended for general patient information only. It does not substitute individual medical consultation.