If you’re in Tempe and you’ve noticed chewing takes more effort than it should, or your bite just doesn’t feel like it fits together right, you’re not imagining it. Jaw misalignment is more common than most people realize, and it isn’t always something braces alone can fix. Here are the signs worth paying attention to, and what corrective jaw surgery actually involves if orthodontics can’t fully solve the problem on their own.
What Is Jaw Misalignment?
Jaw misalignment, also called malocclusion, happens when the upper and lower jaws don’t meet the way they should. Sometimes it’s mild and manageable with orthodontics. Other times, the jaws themselves — not just the teeth — are out of proportion or positioned incorrectly, which is where surgical correction comes in.
5 Signs Your Bite May Need More Than Braces
Not every misalignment needs surgery, but certain signs suggest the issue may be skeletal rather than something teeth-straightening alone can resolve:
- Chewing feels effortful, uneven, or tiring, even after orthodontic treatment
- Your upper and lower teeth don’t meet comfortably when your mouth is closed
- You notice a visible overbite, underbite, or asymmetry in your jawline
- Your lips don’t close naturally without effort
- An orthodontist has told you braces alone won’t fully correct your bite
If a few of these sound familiar, it’s worth a conversation with an oral surgeon rather than assuming braces are your only option.
What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both so they line up properly. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, it’s performed to correct a range of skeletal and dental irregularities and can improve breathing, chewing, and speaking, not just appearance. It’s typically done in coordination with an orthodontist, who handles the teeth-alignment side before and after your surgeon repositions the jaw itself.
Is Corrective Jaw Surgery Only About Appearance?
No. While many patients do notice a more balanced facial profile afterward, the surgery is performed to solve functional problems — difficulty chewing, an uncomfortable bite, or jaw strain that orthodontics alone can’t correct. Appearance often improves as a side effect of fixing the underlying structural issue, not the other way around.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Recovery is gradual rather than immediate. Expect some swelling and a soft-food diet in the first couple of weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks and full healing continuing over several months as the bones settle into their new position. Your surgeon will walk you through a specific timeline based on your procedure.
How Do I Know If I’m a Candidate?
The best way to know is a consultation. Our Tempe oral surgeons provide corrective jaw surgery and will evaluate your bite, jaw position, and any orthodontic history to determine whether surgery is the right path, or whether your case can still be managed with orthodontics alone.
Bringing It All Together
A bite that never quite feels right isn’t something you have to accept as normal. Whether it’s effortful chewing, visible asymmetry, or an orthodontist telling you braces won’t fully solve it, these are worth a real evaluation rather than years of adjusting around the problem.
If any of these signs sound familiar, reach out to Oral & Facial Surgeons of Arizona in Tempe at (602) 900-9874 to schedule a consultation and find out what’s really going on with your bite.
FAQs
Can braces fix jaw misalignment on their own?
Sometimes, but not always. Mild cases can often be managed with orthodontics alone. More significant skeletal misalignment usually needs surgery in addition to braces for a lasting correction.
Is corrective jaw surgery painful?
There is swelling and discomfort during recovery, similar to other oral surgery procedures, and it’s managed with pain control and a soft-food diet in the initial weeks.
How long does the whole process take, including orthodontics?
The full process, including pre-surgical and post-surgical orthodontics, typically spans a couple of years, though the surgery itself is a single procedure within that timeline.
Will my bite look and feel different immediately after surgery?
There will be swelling initially, so the final result takes time to become fully visible as healing progresses and orthodontic adjustments continue.
Do I need a referral from my orthodontist to see an oral surgeon?
Not necessarily. While many patients are referred by their orthodontist, you can also schedule a consultation directly with our team to have your bite evaluated.
