Orthognathic Surgery

Maxillary osteotomy repositions the upper jaw. It may be used in selected cases involving open bite, crossbite, upper jaw asymmetry or other upper jaw alignment concerns. The movement can be forward, upward, downward or rotational depending on the surgical plan.

Mandibular osteotomy repositions the lower jaw. It may be planned for certain underbite, overbite or jaw relationship patterns, depending on the diagnosis. The plan should consider bite function, stability and nerve safety.

Bimaxillary surgery moves both the upper and lower jaws during the same operation. It may be recommended when both jaws need adjustment to support bite correction, facial symmetry or surgical stability.

Segmental osteotomy moves part of the jaw rather than repositioning the entire jaw as one unit. It may be used in selected cases to address specific bite or dental arch concerns as part of a wider treatment plan.

The team reviews the bite, jaw relationships and facial proportions. Records may include dental scans or impressions, photographs and imaging used to plan the surgical movements.

Many patients need braces or aligners before jaw surgery so the teeth fit the planned jaw positions. This stage can take time and is important for long term bite stability.

The surgical plan defines the jaw movements, bite goals and stability considerations. Surgical guides or splints may be used depending on the planning workflow and clinical case.

The surgeon repositions the jaw or jaws according to the plan and secures them with internal fixation. Elastics may be used after surgery to guide the bite while healing begins.

Early checks focus on swelling control, wound care, bite guidance, oral hygiene and diet progression. Imaging may be used to review jaw position when clinically needed.

After initial healing, orthodontic treatment often continues to refine the bite and tooth alignment. Retainers or longer term stability planning may be discussed toward the end of treatment.

• Complete dental checks and treat cavities or gum disease before surgery if advised
• Share medical history, medications and allergies with the surgical team
• Discuss smoking and nicotine use because they can affect healing
• Ask about nutrition planning, especially if a liquid or soft diet is expected early in recovery

• Plan an appropriate in-country stay for surgery, inpatient recovery and early follow ups
• Arrange support during the first week, including accommodation close to the hospital
• Confirm how urgent concerns are handled and how remote follow up works after you return home
• Coordinate orthodontic care between the treating team and your local orthodontist if shared care is part of the plan

• Day 0 to 2: In-person assessment, records review and final surgical planning
• Day 1 to 3: Pre operative checks as advised by the hospital and anesthesia team

• Surgery day: Orthognathic surgery under general anesthesia
• Next 1 to 3 days: Hospital monitoring for swelling, bleeding, pain control and safe oral intake

• First week: Clinic review, wound checks, elastic guidance and diet review
• Second week: Additional checks as needed and discussion of travel readiness

Return travel should be planned only after the surgeon confirms that healing is progressing, pain is controlled and a clear follow up plan is in place. Long flights may require extra precautions that should be discussed with the treating team.

Swelling often increases during the first few days before it begins to settle. Diet is commonly limited to liquids or very soft foods, and speaking, chewing and mouth opening may feel difficult early on.

Swelling and bruising often continue to improve. Jaw stiffness may gradually reduce and diet progression is guided by the surgeon. Follow ups focus on bite guidance, hygiene and early stability.

Many patients feel more functional by this stage, although residual swelling, stiffness or altered sensation may still be present. Orthodontic finishing often continues according to the treatment plan.

Healing, bone remodeling and soft tissue settling continue over time. Sensation changes may gradually improve in some patients, and final bite stability is reviewed through specialist follow up.

• Follow the clinic’s instructions for mouth cleaning and wound care
• Keep to the recommended diet progression and hydration plan
• Avoid smoking and nicotine during healing if advised by the treating team

• Follow guidance on activity, sleep position and return to work
• Attend scheduled follow ups for elastic adjustments and bite checks
• Contact the surgical team promptly if swelling worsens, fever develops, bleeding occurs or breathing becomes difficult

• Continue orthodontic visits as planned, either locally or through coordinated return visits
• Use remote check ins if offered to monitor swelling, bite function and wound healing
• Maintain routine dental care to protect teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment

• Swelling, bruising and pain
• Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the lips, cheeks or chin
• Jaw stiffness and limited mouth opening during early recovery
• Nausea or throat discomfort after general anesthesia

• Bleeding that requires additional treatment
• Infection
• Unfavorable bite changes or relapse that may require additional orthodontic work or revision surgery
• Persistent nerve changes
• Tooth or gum complications near the surgical areas
• Sinus-related issues after upper jaw procedures in selected cases
• Blood clots, particularly with prolonged immobility or long distance travel

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Heavy bleeding
• Fever, worsening swelling or foul drainage
• Sudden worsening pain or unexpected bite changes

Turkey may be considered for corrective jaw surgery because major cities have hospitals offering oral and maxillofacial surgery, anesthesia support, imaging access and inpatient care. International patients should compare surgeon credentials, facility standards, orthodontic coordination, early recovery monitoring and the clarity of the follow up plan.

Iran may be considered for oral and maxillofacial care through hospital-based services in major cities. For jaw correction surgery, patients should look closely at records review, consultation quality, inpatient monitoring, communication standards and how follow up will continue after returning home.