Jaw surgery isn't one thing. It's a family of distinct procedures, each designed for a different situation. Some people deal with a bite that has never aligned correctly. Others live with chronic jaw joint pain, or struggle with sleep disrupted by airway collapse. Each situation points to a different category of surgery, and knowing which one applies to you is the right place to start.
Each category is covered in more depth on its own dedicated page, so you can explore whichever situation feels most relevant without wading through everything at once.
If you're not sure which category fits your situation, our oral surgeons at Optimum Oral Surgery & Dental Implants can help clarify that at a consultation.
Orthognathic Surgery for Jaw Alignment and Bite
Orthognathic surgery repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both to correct alignment problems significant enough that orthodontics alone can't resolve them. This includes cases where the jaws don't meet properly, creating bite issues that persist regardless of braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Chin position sometimes plays a role in overall facial balance as well. Genioplasty, a procedure that repositions the chin bone, falls within this category and may be performed alongside jaw repositioning or on its own.
If jaw asymmetry is part of what you're navigating, the dedicated jaw asymmetry page goes deeper into how these corrections are planned and what to expect.
TMJ Surgery for the Jaw Joint
TMJ surgery addresses the joint itself rather than the overall position of the jaws. Someone with TMJ-related pain may have well-aligned jaws but a joint that isn't functioning normally, and that distinction shapes the entire treatment approach.
The range of options is wide. Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive approach that uses fluid to flush and lubricate the joint. Open-joint surgery is reserved for more complex structural problems that don't respond to less invasive care. Surgery doesn't automatically mean the most involved route. The TMJ jaw surgery page covers this category in full, including how the different approaches compare and when each tends to be appropriate.
Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Maxillomandibular advancement is a surgical option for obstructive sleep apnea when the condition is linked to jaw position and airway anatomy. Moving both jaws forward increases the space behind the tongue and soft palate where airway collapse tends to occur. This type of surgery is generally considered after non-surgical treatments such as CPAP or oral appliance therapy haven't provided adequate relief.
It's a more involved intervention, but for the right patient it can produce lasting improvement in airway function. The jaw surgery for sleep apnea page explores the topic in depth, including who tends to benefit most.
What Recovery Has in Common Across Types
Swelling is expected across all jaw surgery types, a modified diet is typically required while bones heal, and a period of reduced activity is part of nearly every recovery plan. These are predictable, and your care team prepares you for them in advance.
The specifics vary considerably depending on the procedure and the individual. Timelines, dietary restrictions, and return-to-activity milestones differ across the board. The jaw surgery recovery page walks through what that process looks like in practical detail.
Why Choose Optimum Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
At Optimum Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, Dr. Chad Rebhun, Dr. Lauren Trager, and Dr. John Masi bring complementary experience to complex cases. The practice's 1,900-plus five-star reviews reflect consistent, patient-focused care that has built its reputation across South Jersey.
Dr. Rebhun served as Chief House Officer at Boston University Medical Center and holds advanced emergency and anesthesia credentials rarely seen in a private oral surgery practice. That depth of preparation matters when procedures involve sedation or carry any medical complexity.
The practice also operates an in-house laboratory, which allows for same-day restorations without delays from outside labs. For patients who've waited to address a jaw concern, that efficiency matters.
Our doctors serve patients in Moorestown, Voorhees, and Mullica Hill. When you're ready to understand what type of jaw surgery might be right for you, the team at Optimum Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is a clear place to begin.