Jaw Surgery for Adolescents at Midtown Orthodontics | Best Orthodontist in Midtown Toronto, ON
Midtown Orthodontics

Jaw Surgery

Jaw Surgery for Teens

Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects problems of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these problems cause difficulty chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Jaw surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile. Drs. Freeman, Caro & Lands have experience managing all manner of cases, with a focus on jaw surgery, and are with you every step of the way. They have systems and a team in place to ensure the best results possible for you.

Jaw Surgery
Jaw Surgery
Jaw Surgery

Our Treatment Process

Jaw surgery is a multi-stage process that combines advanced digital planning with orthodontic treatment to deliver results that are both functional and lasting. Using the latest in digital imaging and computerized treatment planning, we map out your teen's care from start to finish, minimizing treatment time and setting the stage for the best possible outcome.

Jaw Surgery

Initial Evaluation

We start with a comprehensive exam, including X-rays, photos, and digital imaging, to get a complete picture of your teen's jaw structure, bite, and facial profile. This allows us to determine whether orthognathic surgery is the right course of action, or whether orthodontic treatment alone can achieve the desired result.

Custom Treatment Planning

We design a precise surgical and orthodontic treatment plan tailored specifically to your teen. We'll walk you through the projected functional and aesthetic outcomes so you have a clear picture of what to expect before treatment begins.

Jaw Surgery & Treatment

Most patients begin with a phase of orthodontic treatment before surgery to align the teeth in preparation. For the surgical procedure itself, we will make a referral to our trusted and highly regarded oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Throughout the surgical and treatment process, we will be with you every step of the way if any adjustments are needed.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

After surgery, we'll continue orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment and ensure everything settles into place properly. Our team will stay closely involved throughout the recovery process, checking in regularly until your teen's treatment is fully complete.

Is My Teen a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?

Not every bite or jaw issue requires surgery. Many problems can be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

Jaw surgery is typically recommended when the jaw discrepancy is too significant to be addressed with braces or aligners. Common signs include significant difficulty chewing or biting, a pronounced overbite or underbite, chronic jaw pain, or breathing and sleep issues related to jaw positioning.

The best way to find out is to come in for an evaluation.

How Long is Treatment?

The full process, including pre-surgical orthodontics, surgery, and post-surgical orthodontic treatment, typically takes two to three years. We'll give you a more specific timeline at your consultation.

Before & After Jaw Surgery

Before Surgery

Most teens will begin with a period of orthodontic treatment before surgery, typically lasting 12 to 18 months.

This phase aligns the teeth so they're in the correct position once the jaw is surgically repositioned. During this time, we'll also finalize the surgical plan using digital imaging and work closely with your oral surgeon to coordinate timing.

After Surgery

Recovery from jaw surgery typically takes a few weeks before returning to normal daily activities.

Swelling and some discomfort are expected in the early days, but most patients adjust quickly. Following surgery, orthodontic treatment will continue for several more months to fine-tune the bite and ensure everything settles into its final position.

The result is a smile and facial profile that looks and functions the way it should.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery from jaw surgery is a gradual process, but most teens bounce back faster than expected.

In the first few days, some swelling, soreness, and difficulty eating solid foods is completely normal. A soft or liquid diet is typically recommended for several weeks while the jaw heals, and we'll give you clear guidelines on what to eat and what to avoid.

Most teens are back to school and light activity within two to three weeks. Strenuous activity will need to wait a bit longer as the jaw continues to stabilize. Swelling can take a few months to fully resolve, but the day-to-day discomfort fades well before that.

Throughout your recovery, our team and your oral surgeon will stay in close contact to monitor healing and answer any questions that come up along the way.

Is Jaw Surgery Covered by Insurance?

In many cases, yes. Because orthognathic surgery addresses functional issues rather than purely cosmetic ones, it is often covered in part by medical or dental insurance. We'll help you navigate your coverage before treatment begins.

Reviews After Jaw Surgery

See how people react after completing jaw surgery.

Hotel interiors
Midtown Orthodontics Logo | Best Orthodontist in Midtown Toronto, ON

Book Your Appointment

Schedule your consultation with Drs. Freeman, Caro, and Lands to discuss your goals and explore your options. From your first visit to your final result, you'll receive the personalized attention you deserve.

Hotel interiors
Midtown Orthodontics Logo | Best Orthodontist in Midtown Toronto, ON

Book Your Appointment

Schedule your consultation with Drs. Freeman, Caro, and Lands to discuss your goals and explore your options. From your first visit to your final result, you'll receive the personalized attention you deserve.

Hotel interiors
Midtown Orthodontics Logo | Best Orthodontist in Midtown Toronto, ON

Book Your Appointment

Schedule your consultation with Drs. Freeman, Caro, and Lands to discuss your goals and explore your options. From your first visit to your final result, you'll receive the personalized attention you deserve.