If you’ve been told you have a significant overbite, underbite, or misaligned jaw, you may have wondered whether braces alone can fix the problem — or whether jaw surgery is in your future. For patients in St. George, UT and the surrounding communities of Washington, Hurricane, Ivins, Santa Clara, and Cedar City, Red Rock Surgical offers orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training in facial skeletal procedures.

This guide explains what jaw surgery is, who needs it, what to expect during recovery, and why patients throughout Southern Utah choose Red Rock Surgical for this life-changing procedure.

What Is Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)?

Orthognathic surgery — commonly called corrective jaw surgery — repositions one or both jaws to improve how the teeth fit together (your bite) and how the face looks in profile. The word comes from the Greek orthos (straight) and gnathos (jaw).

While orthodontics straightens individual teeth, it can only do so much if the underlying bones are significantly misaligned. Jaw surgery moves the actual bone into a position where teeth meet correctly, breathing improves, and facial symmetry is restored.

Common procedures include:

• Le Fort I osteotomy — repositions the upper jaw (maxilla)
• Sagittal split osteotomy — moves the lower jaw (mandible) forward or backward
• Genioplasty — reshapes or repositions the chin
• Bimaxillary surgery — corrects both jaws simultaneously for complex cases

Who Needs Jaw Surgery? Common Conditions Treated

Not every bite problem requires surgery. Mild discrepancies can often be managed with orthodontics alone. However, jaw surgery is typically recommended when skeletal imbalances are too large for braces or aligners to fully resolve. Conditions commonly treated include:

Overbite (Excessive Overjet)

An overbite occurs when the upper jaw protrudes significantly beyond the lower jaw. Severe overbites can affect chewing efficiency, cause front teeth to wear prematurely, and sometimes contribute to speech difficulties. Patients in St. George searching for overbite treatment often discover that surgery combined with orthodontics delivers the most durable, natural-looking result.

Underbite

An underbite means the lower jaw extends in front of the upper jaw. This is usually a skeletal issue — the lower jaw simply grew too large, or the upper jaw didn’t grow enough. Underbite treatment in St. George, UT at Red Rock Surgical may involve bringing the upper jaw forward, setting the lower jaw back, or both, depending on each patient’s anatomy.

Open Bite

In an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth don’t overlap or touch when the back teeth are closed. This makes biting into food difficult and can affect speech. Open bite correction often requires repositioning the upper jaw so the teeth contact properly.

Facial Asymmetry

When one side of the jaw grew differently than the other, the result can be a visibly uneven face. Jaw surgery can rebalance facial proportions and improve both function and appearance.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (Skeletal Cause)

In certain patients, a jaw that sits too far back narrows the airway during sleep. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery moves both jaws forward, enlarging the airway — and in carefully selected patients, it is one of the most effective long-term treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Jaw Surgery Process: Step by Step

1. Orthodontic Preparation (12–18 Months)

Jaw surgery is a team effort between your orthodontist and your oral surgeon. Before surgery, braces or clear aligners align the individual teeth within each jaw. This “pre-surgical orthodontics” phase typically lasts 12–18 months. It may feel counterintuitive — your bite can temporarily look worse — but it positions teeth exactly where they need to be once the jaws are moved.

2. Surgical Planning with 3D Imaging

Red Rock Surgical uses advanced 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging to create a precise digital model of your facial skeleton. Your surgeon plans exactly how far each jaw will move before a single incision is made. Virtual surgical planning means less time in the operating room and more predictable outcomes.

3. Surgery

Jaw surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically in a hospital or accredited surgical facility. All incisions are made inside the mouth — there are no external scars on your face. Titanium plates and screws hold the repositioned bones in place while healing occurs. Most procedures take 2–5 hours depending on complexity.

4. Recovery

Most patients spend one night in the hospital and return home the next day. Expect significant swelling for the first 2–3 weeks; it gradually resolves over 3–6 months as the bone fully heals. A soft or liquid diet is required for 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to desk work or school within 2–3 weeks. Full bony healing takes 3–6 months, after which final orthodontic finishing begins.

5. Post-Surgical Orthodontics (6–12 Months)

Once healing is confirmed, your orthodontist fine-tunes the bite with a finishing phase of braces or aligners. This is where the results truly come together — function and aesthetics working in harmony.

Risks and Realistic Expectations

Jaw surgery is a major surgical procedure and carries the risks associated with any surgery performed under general anesthesia, including bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific risks include temporary or (rarely) permanent numbness in parts of the face or lips due to nerve proximity, relapse of jaw position, and the need for additional procedures. Your surgeon will review all risks in detail during your consultation.

Most patients report that the improvements to bite function, breathing, and facial balance make the recovery period worthwhile. The key is choosing an experienced, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon — which is exactly what you’ll find at Red Rock Surgical’s oral surgery team in St. George.

Why Choose Red Rock Surgical for Jaw Surgery in St. George?

• Board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeons with hospital-based surgical training, including full anesthesia privileges
• In-office 3D CBCT imaging for precise virtual surgical planning before your procedure
• Collaborative orthodontic relationships throughout the St. George, Washington, and Hurricane areas
• Full-service oral surgery practice — from wisdom teeth removal and tooth extractions to complex facial skeletal surgery, all under one roof
• Trusted by Southern Utah families — serving patients from Washington, Hurricane, Ivins, Santa Clara, Cedar City, and across the region

If you’ve been told you may need jaw surgery, or if you’re curious whether your bite problem could benefit from orthognathic treatment, the best first step is a consultation with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Learn more about how to choose the right oral surgeon in St. George, UT before booking your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery in St. George, UT

How do I know if I need jaw surgery or just braces?

The key distinction is whether your bite problem is dental (teeth are tilted or crowded) or skeletal (the jaw bones themselves are mispositioned). Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will evaluate X-rays and measurements to determine which approach — or combination — is right for you. Many patients start with an orthodontic consultation and are then referred for a surgical evaluation.

Is jaw surgery covered by insurance?

When jaw surgery is deemed medically necessary — for functional problems like chewing difficulty, speech impairment, breathing obstruction, or significant bite dysfunction — it is often covered (at least partially) by medical insurance, not dental insurance. Red Rock Surgical’s team can help you navigate insurance verification and prior authorization. Coverage varies significantly by plan.

How long does jaw surgery recovery take before I can return to work?

Most patients feel well enough to return to a desk job or remote work within 2–3 weeks. Jobs requiring physical labor or heavy lifting typically require 4–6 weeks off. Swelling is the most noticeable side effect for the first few weeks, though it continues to improve gradually over 3–6 months.

Will jaw surgery change how my face looks?

Yes — and for most patients, that’s one of the most rewarding outcomes. Moving the jaws changes the profile of the chin, lips, and midface. Your surgeon will use digital imaging to show you a projection of expected changes before you commit to surgery, so you can make an informed decision.

Can I get jaw surgery at Red Rock Surgical in St. George without traveling to Salt Lake City?

Yes. Red Rock Surgical provides orthognathic surgery consultations and surgical care right here in St. George, UT — no need to travel to Salt Lake City or Las Vegas. Patients from Cedar City, Hurricane, Washington, and across Southern Utah have access to board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgical expertise locally.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every patient’s anatomy and treatment needs are unique. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for an individualized evaluation and treatment recommendation.