WHAT IS ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Orthognathic surgery is an oral and maxillofacial procedure used to correct the position of the upper jaw, lower jaw or both when a skeletal discrepancy affects the bite, oral function or facial balance.
Orthodontics can move and align the teeth, but it cannot by itself correct a significant skeletal discrepancy. When the problem is not purely dental, orthodontic treatment may need to be combined with surgery.
It may be considered in selected cases of prognathism, retrognathia, open bite, crossbite, facial asymmetry or other dentofacial discrepancies. The indication is established after assessing the bite, facial structure and each patient’s functional needs.
At Face Clinic, treatment is planned individually and coordinated between oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics when required.
RECOVERY AFTER ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Recovery is gradual and depends on the type of surgery, whether one or both jaws are treated, and individual healing. Swelling, temporary dietary changes and clinical follow-up are normal parts of the post-operative period.
Swelling, tightness and manageable discomfort are common. The team reviews your progress and adapts post-operative advice to your recovery.
During the initial phase, a liquid, puréed or soft diet may be required depending on the surgeon’s advice and the procedure performed.
Swelling is expected after surgery and gradually subsides. Facial appearance continues to change as the tissues settle.
Temporary changes in sensation may occur in the lips, chin or nearby areas. These are monitored during post-operative reviews.
Initial recovery usually takes several weeks and is often around 4–6 weeks, although the exact timing depends on the surgery and individual progress.
When orthodontic treatment is part of the plan, it continues after surgery to make the necessary adjustments and progressively stabilise the bite.
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY PROCEDURE
Orthognathic surgery requires coordinated planning between the oral and maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist. Before surgery, the bite, jaw relationship, facial proportions and relevant diagnostic tests are assessed to define the required skeletal movements.
The assessment covers the bite, position of the upper and lower jaws, facial profile, symmetry and any functional impact.
Radiological imaging, dental assessment and facial planning help determine whether surgery is required on the upper jaw, lower jaw or both.
With the conventional protocol, orthodontics prepares the teeth so the dental arches can fit correctly after the jaws are repositioned.
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. The jaw bones are repositioned according to the surgical plan and stabilised in their new position.
After surgery, regular reviews monitor recovery and, when part of the treatment plan, orthodontics continues to refine and stabilise the bite.
Dr Francisco Riba explains what orthognathic surgery involves and how it is used to correct jaw-position and bite discrepancies.
BENEFITS OF ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
Orthognathic surgery is designed to correct a structural discrepancy. Improving the relationship between the jaws may support a more balanced bite and proportionate changes to facial profile and harmony.
It can correct selected skeletal discrepancies that cannot be addressed by moving the teeth alone.
Planning aims to achieve a more functional and stable bite between the dental arches.
A more appropriate jaw relationship may make chewing easier and improve load distribution.
Repositioning the jaws may improve facial profile, symmetry and the proportions of the mid and lower face.
Coordination with orthodontics helps consolidate tooth position and the bite once the skeletal discrepancy has been corrected.
Depending on the diagnosis, correction may also affect oral closure, speech or the airway in selected cases.
ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY SPECIALISTS
Orthognathic surgery requires individual assessment by specialists in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, with orthodontic coordination when this forms part of the treatment plan. Our team assesses facial structure, bite, function and the required movements before establishing an indication.
Dr. Francisco Riba García
Medical Director and founder of Face Clinic. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon with experience in facial surgery, orthognathic surgery and planning complex maxillofacial cases.
ICOMEM 28375865
View medical profileOrthognathic surgery unit
Dr. Matías Cuesta Gil
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · Facial surgery and assessment of dentofacial discrepancies.
View profile
Dr. Eduardo Monteserín
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · Assessment and treatment of functional and structural maxillofacial conditions.
View profile
Dr Gema Arenas de Frutos
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · Assessment and treatment of functional and surgical maxillofacial conditions.
BookORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY BEFORE AND AFTER
Orthognathic surgery outcomes depend on the initial discrepancy, the movements performed, orthodontic coordination and individual healing. The aim is to improve jaw relationship, bite and facial balance according to each patient’s anatomy.
Request an assessmentFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY
We answer common questions before requesting an orthognathic surgery assessment at Face Clinic: what happens at the first consultation, which specialists are involved, how treatment is planned, likely costs and available finance options.
What happens at the first orthognathic surgery consultation at Face Clinic?
At the first assessment, we review the bite, the relationship between the upper and lower jaws, facial proportions and any symptoms or functional limitations. We also review available tests and decide whether further investigations are needed before proposing a treatment plan.
Which specialist will assess my case?
Assessment takes place within the Face Clinic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit. When orthodontics is required, the case is also coordinated with the orthodontic team to plan tooth position and surgical movements together.
Should I bring X-rays, CT scans or orthodontic records to my first consultation?
If you already have X-rays, CT scans, cephalometric studies, photographs, dental scans or orthodontic reports, please bring them with you. The specialist will then decide whether they are sufficient or whether additional tests are needed to complete planning.
How much does orthognathic surgery cost?
The cost depends on the complexity of the case, whether single-jaw or bimaxillary surgery is required, the hospital, anaesthesia, surgical planning and any associated orthodontic treatment. As an indicative reference for private treatment in Spain, the combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgery process may be around €16,000. This is not a Face Clinic fee. After assessing your case, we provide a personalised quotation.
What does an orthognathic surgery quotation include?
The quotation is prepared according to the treatment indicated and sets out the items relating to the surgical procedure. Depending on the case, it may include planning, surgical team fees, anaesthesia, hospital stay and surgical materials. If orthodontic treatment is also required, its planning and cost are explained separately.
Is orthodontic treatment included in the surgery cost?
Not necessarily. Surgery and orthodontics are separate stages of treatment and their cost depends on each patient’s needs. When a combined approach is required, both teams coordinate planning so the patient understands the expected stages and costs from the outset.
Can orthognathic surgery be financed at Face Clinic?
Yes. Face Clinic offers finance options, subject to the lender’s terms and approval. Once the quotation has been prepared, our team can explain the available options and possible payment plans.
Where is orthognathic surgery performed?
Consultations, assessment and follow-up can take place at the relevant Face Clinic locations. Orthognathic surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and is scheduled in an appropriate hospital setting according to the treatment plan and the patient’s needs.
How long is it from the first consultation to surgery?
There is no single timescale. It depends on the investigations required, the type of surgery and, in particular, whether pre-surgical orthodontics is needed. After the first assessment, we can outline the expected stages and an approximate treatment timeline.
Can I request a second opinion about orthognathic surgery?
Yes. You can request an assessment at Face Clinic even if you already have a diagnosis or treatment proposal from another centre. Please bring any available scans, reports and planning so the surgeon can review the case and provide an independent opinion.
Can I have an initial assessment if I live outside Madrid or Spain?
Patients living in another city or abroad can ask about an initial medical video consultation. This allows the specialist to review the medical history and available documentation and provide initial guidance before arranging an in-person assessment and any necessary diagnostic tests.
What happens after the first assessment if orthognathic surgery is recommended?
If surgery is indicated, we explain the proposed treatment, required tests, any orthodontic coordination, expected stages and quotation. Planning is then organised before a surgical date is agreed.
FACE CLINIC LOCATIONS
You can request an orthognathic surgery assessment at our Madrid or Salamanca clinics. Our team will guide you on the most appropriate location, specialist and tests for your case.
PERSONALISED ASSESSMENT
Request an assessment at Face Clinic to review your bite, jaw relationship, facial structure and whether orthodontic coordination may be needed.
Request an assessment Individual diagnosis, surgical planning and a quotation tailored to your case.