Orthognathic (Corrective Jaw) Surgery in Bangalore

Orthognathic surgery is not just about moving jaws; it is about restoring balance, function and confidence in a way that lasts. Many patients come to us with difficulty chewing, speech issues, an uneven bite, breathing problems, or a sense that their face does not match how they feel inside.

In our practice in Bangalore, we focus on understanding the person behind the problem rather than chasing a single measurement or angle. Every face is different, every jaw pattern has its own story, and no two surgical plans are ever the same. The aim is a harmonious result that respects both form and function: a comfortable bite, a more balanced facial profile, and a stable airway.

Who may benefit from orthognathic surgery?

Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery may be considered if you have:

• Recessed or protrusive jaws affecting the bite or appearance
• Facial asymmetry or a tilted jaw line
• A short face, long face, or gummy smile
• An open bite, deep bite, underbite or overbite that orthodontics alone cannot correct
• Obstructive sleep apnoea related to jaw position
• Previous jaw surgery that has not given stable or satisfactory results

These problems are not just cosmetic. They can affect chewing, speech, jaw joint health, the airway and long-term dental stability.

An evidence-based, carefully planned approach

Good jaw surgery begins long before the operating theatre. The result depends on an accurate diagnosis and a meticulous plan, worked out together with your orthodontist. We plan every case in three dimensions with virtual surgical planning, moving the jaws digitally before surgery to predict the bite, the facial profile and the airway, and to make custom guides that are used in theatre for precise, predictable movements.

The treatment journey usually spans 18 to 36 months, including a phase of braces before surgery to align the teeth for their new jaw position, the surgery itself, and a shorter phase of orthodontics afterwards to settle the bite. In selected cases a surgery-first approach can shorten the time in braces. What matters is that the sequence is chosen for your bite and your goals, not applied as a formula.

What the surgery and recovery involve

Surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually takes around two to four hours, depending on whether one jaw or both are treated. All the incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible facial scars, and the bones are fixed with small titanium plates and screws. In modern practice the jaws are rarely wired shut; elastic bands guide the bite instead.

Most patients stay in hospital for one to two nights. Swelling is greatest in the first two weeks and settles steadily. A soft, no-chew diet is followed for about six weeks while the bone consolidates, and most people return to light routine within two to six weeks, with heavier activity after six to eight weeks. Final bite refinement is completed with orthodontics, and regular follow-up tracks healing and stability.

Why choose Dr Dipesh Rao in Bangalore?

Dr Dipesh Rao is a dual-qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon whose practice is focused on jaw deformity correction rather than general dentistry. Trained at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne and the Oxford Craniofacial Unit, he brings genuine depth to complex asymmetry, revision jaw surgery and cases with airway concerns, and works closely with orthodontists and, where needed, speech and sleep specialists. He consults in English, Hindi and Kannada. Read more about Dr Dipesh Rao or explore related cleft and jaw care and all the conditions we treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orthognathic surgery only cosmetic?

No. While it improves facial balance, its primary goal is function: correcting the bite, chewing, speech, jaw joint health and, in some cases, the airway. A balanced appearance is a natural result of correcting the underlying jaw position.

Can orthodontics fix my bite without surgery?

Braces can correct problems that are within the teeth, but when the jaws themselves are the wrong size or position, orthodontics alone cannot fix it. Severe overbite, underbite, open bite or asymmetry usually needs orthognathic surgery combined with braces.

How long is the whole treatment?

The full journey is usually 18 to 36 months, including braces before surgery, the operation, and orthodontics afterwards to settle the bite. The surgery itself is a single stage within this longer, planned process.

Will I have facial scars after jaw surgery?

No visible facial scars. The surgery is done through incisions inside the mouth, so the healing is hidden and not seen on the face.

Can jaw surgery help sleep apnoea?

Yes. Maxillomandibular advancement, which moves both jaws forward, is a highly effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea related to jaw position, planned individually for each patient.