Orthognathic Surgery Atlanta 

What is Orthognathic Surgery? 

Orthognathic surgery refers to surgical moving or repositioning one or both jawbones to a new position.

Orthognathic surgery involves surgery of the maxilla and mandible. Since the maxilla and mandible are in intimate association with the surrounding teeth as well as structures of the face and airway, the position and size of the maxilla and mandible significantly influence the dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension. Therefor, indication(s) for considering orthognathic surgery in order to improve the size and position of the maxilla and mandible are invariably aimed at improving dental occlusion, facial esthetics and airway dimension. 

The Purpose of Orthognathic/Jaw Surgery:

  • Improve facial cosmetics
  • Correct malocclusion (your bite is off)
  • Open your airway – make your breathing better
  • Correct sleep apnea
  • Align your teeth for corrective dentistry
  • Improving sleep has documented positive effects on longevity enhancing

A very tolerable procedure

  •  Done as an outpatient in our surgical suite vs. a hospital environment – no added hospital fees

Affordable – combine your insurance benefits and payment plans

  • We offer 3rd party financing
  • Medical insurance may cover a part of your procedure
  • Dental insurance may cover part of third molar removal

 Surgical Facts:

  • Done from inside your mouth – no outside incisions
  • You can open and close your mouth when you wake up
  • Done as an in-office outpatient procedure
  • Diet is soft foods for 6 weeks
  • Minimal post-op pain
  • Significant facial swelling for about 10-14 days
  • Typically, 7-8 days off work or school

Am I a candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?

People are candidates for the following reasons:

    1. Dental Malocclusion:

  • Your teeth cannot be aligned by braces alone – your bite is too far off.
  • Lining up the jawbone – either the upper, lower or both – will line up your teeth in a healthy and stable way.

    2. Facial Cosmetics:

Before and After Jaw Surgery

  • People with gummy smiles, too short or long of a chin, narrow smiles and faces are candidates.
  • A short chin can be greatly enhanced by bringing the chin forward, but also bringing both the upper and lower jaws forward and rotating them to provide a very significant improvement in the projection of your chin and face.
  • Also – many people do not show their teeth when they smile and this can be corrected as well.

3. Poor Airway causing sleep and breathing issues

Orthognathic surgery is the only surgical procedure that can improve the airway significantly and not require patient compliance afterwards. 

Jaw surgery brings the jawbones forward, and pharyngeal tissues of the airway – mechanically opening up the airways. 

Most of our patients that undergo this surgery can eliminate their CPAP usage, report significant improved cognitive function and improved cardiovascular function. Research also reports decreased risks of developing many age-related diseases such as dementia, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction (ED)

People who benefit from orthognathic surgery include those with an improper bite, or jaws that are positioned incorrectly. Jaw growth is a gradual process and in some instances, the upper and lower jaws may grow at different rates. The result can be a host of problems that may affect chewing function, speech, or long-term oral health and appearance. Injury to the jaw and birth defects can also affect jaw alignment. Orthodontics alone can correct bite problems only when the teeth are involved. Orthognathic surgery may be required for the jaws when repositioning is necessary.

Patient Orthognathic Surgery Testimonial- Erin S. (TMJ pain & Sleep Apnea)

The Process:

  1. Initial Consultation

We evaluate you, determine your needs and necessary treatment. We will recommend an orthodontist if needed. We will then review fees and avenues of payment (see global fee structure below)

   2. Pre-surgical appointment

A review of the procedure with yourself and family member. Digital records of your teeth (via intra-oral scan), updated radiographs and photos to utilize for surgical treatment planning and splint fabrication.

   3. Surgery appointment

In our surgery center under general anesthesia.

   4. Post-operative follow-ups.

1 week, 3 weeks, and 6-week follow-up. Typically, one or two more at 3 months and when orthodontics is completed is utilized.

Orthodontics and Orthognathic Surgery

Are braces required?

In most instances, orthodontics are utilized to refine the occlusion. Once we line up the bones in their new positions the patients teeth may need to be adjusted to fit the new spatial alignment of the jaw bones.

Typically, you have braces placed first for several months (pre-surgical orthodontics). This removes many of the positional compensations your teeth have gone through due to the malalignment of your jaw bones. Once surgery lines up your bones – the position of your teeth is finalized via post-surgical orthodontics.

Invisalign – also known as retainer therapy. Our orthognathic procedures can be done in conjunction with Invisalign therapy. We must place temporary appliances on during your surgery and we will remove them prior to you waking up after surgery. This takes place so we can accurately set your bite prior to our procedure.

On occasion – people present with very nicely aligned teeth prior to their surgery. These are people having the procedure done for cosmetic reasons or to open their airway up to improve their breathing for sleep. In these cases, orthodontics can be eliminated. However, some of these people need post-surgical orthodontics or Invisalign to fine tune their bite.

Difficulty in the following areas should be evaluated:

  • Difficulty in chewing, biting, or swallowing
  • Speech problems
  • Chronic jaw or TMJ pain
  • Open bite
  • Protruding jaw
  • Breathing problems

How long does it take to recover from Orthognathic Surgery? 

Technology & Orthognathic Surgery

Dr. Loetscher, Dr. Plavin and Dr. Best use modern computer-aided techniques and three-dimensional models to show you exactly how your surgery will be approached. Using comprehensive facial x-rays and computer video imaging, we can show you how your bite will be improved and even give you an idea of how you’ll look after surgery. This helps you understand the surgical process and the extent of the proposed treatment.

If you are a candidate for corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Loetscher will work closely with your dentist and orthodontist during your treatment. The actual surgery can move your teeth and jaws into a new position that results in a more attractive, functional, and healthy dental-facial relationship.
Corrective jaw surgery is a significant intervention requiring many months of preparation. The surgery is performed in our office. Braces are maintained during surgery and may need to be removed six-to-twelve months after surgery. The greatest impact of orthognathic surgery is the recovery phase. Patients typically may be off work/school from two weeks-to-one month after surgery. Patient will return to normal chewing function but may take 2 months. Full function may take one year. Our goal is to ensure that you are well taken care of during and after surgery. Weekly appointments are required for up to two months after surgery.

View our Jaw Surgery Gallery

What is the Cost of Orthognathic Surgery?

Dr. Loetscher performs the majority of orthognathic surgery in our outpatient surgery facility. This provides a clean, controlled environment as well as a major cost savings to our patients by eliminating the hospital associated fees.

There are several factors going into the cost of Orthognathic Surgery:

  1. Pre- and Post-operative orthodontics. Orthognathic surgery is done in conjunction with orthodontics. Orthodontic fees in the area run approximately $5,000 – $6,500
  2. The surgery itself (see below)
  3. The time off of school or work, 7-14 days
  4. Insurance Coverage: About 70% of our patients have insurance that cover some of the costs of the surgery. The Surgical fee itself:

Global Orthognathic Surgery Fees January 2023

We have established “Global Fees” for our Orthognathic Surgery patients. The global fees cover the surgeons fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, and all surgery center fees, including pre-op appointments and follow-up appointments for the first year.

Lower Jaw (BSSO)
$17,200
Upper Jaw (1 or 2 piece LeFort)*
$18,200
Genioplasty (Advancement)
Set Back 
$5,100
$6,400
Upper Jaw & Chin or Lower Jaw & Chin
$21,000
Upper & Lower Jaw Together
$33,400
Upper & Lower Jaw, with Chin
$35,400
Surgical Rapid Palatal Expansion (RPE)
-including Anesthesia
$5,800
Surgical Rapid Expansion – Lower Jaw
-including Anesthesia
Placement of Arch Bars (Invisalign Patients) 
$3,700

$2,950

Post-Operative In-Home Nursing Service
$100 – $300

Note:  Surcharge for a 3 piece maxilla upper jaw modification for severe open-bite closure is an additional $2,200.

*Asymmetry Surcharge: Virtual Treatment Planning – $3,400

These fees represent the combined collection from the patient and their insurance company. We require a deposit to schedule. Most insurance carriers will not disclose amounts they will pay for the procedure until it has been performed. Pending insurance approval – your amount paid prior to your surgery may be decreased – depending upon your insurance.

We will file to your insurance for reimbursement of all reasonable items, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist’s fee, and supplies. This will be reimbursed upon receipt.

  • Post-operative in-home Nursing services:    $100-$200

Financing:

CareCredit is available with our office for financing.

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