Corrective Jaw Surgery in Falls Church, VA

Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery

Functional Improvements

Patients often notice meaningful changes in daily life after recovering from jaw surgery. Chewing becomes easier and less tiring. Speech may become clearer. For patients whose jaw position was narrowing the airway, breathing during sleep can improve as well. These are practical, day-to-day gains that patients frequently describe as life-changing.

Long-Term Oral Health Outcomes

Correcting bite alignment at the skeletal level reduces uneven wear on teeth and lowers the long-term strain on the jaw joints. Patients with TMJ disorders tied to skeletal imbalance may find that properly aligned jaws place less stress on those joints over time. A corrected airway position can also support better sleep quality for years to come.

Who Is a Candidate for Jaw Surgery?

Most candidates have completed or are in active orthodontic treatment and have been referred by their orthodontist or general dentist. Surgical candidates are typically adults or older teens whose jaws have finished growing.

A thorough consultation, including 3D imaging, allows our surgeons to evaluate your jaw structure and confirm whether surgery is the right path. Not every bite discrepancy requires this level of treatment, and our team will be straightforward with you about what your situation calls for.

What Happens If Jaw Problems Go Untreated

Skeletal jaw discrepancies tend to worsen over time rather than stabilize on their own. Without treatment, patients may experience:

• Progressive joint damage and chronic jaw pain
• Increasing difficulty chewing a normal diet
• Accelerated wear on teeth due to uneven bite forces
• Airway compromise that disrupts sleep quality
• Greater complexity if surgery becomes necessary later

Addressing a jaw discrepancy at the right time generally leads to a more straightforward surgical plan and a smoother recovery.

Your Jaw Surgery Experience at Merrifield Oral Surgery

We understand that surgical-orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when it spans months of preparation. Our team is here to make the process clear and manageable from your first visit forward.

Here is what to expect:

• Consultation and imaging: We use 3D/CBCT imaging to capture a detailed picture of your jaw structure, which guides precise surgical planning.
• Orthodontic coordination: Our surgeons communicate directly with your orthodontist throughout pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical follow-up.
• Anesthesia and setting: Surgery is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia in a hospital or accredited surgical center. Learn more about our sedation and anesthesia options.
• Recovery timeline: Most patients transition back to light daily activities within a few weeks; full bone healing takes several months. Your surgeon will set clear expectations at every stage.
• Post-operative follow-up: Our staff proactively reach out after your procedure to check in on your recovery. You will not be left wondering how you are doing.

In some cases, jaw surgery works alongside related procedures such as distraction osteogenesis, a technique that gradually moves bone into position over time. Our surgeons can explain which approach fits your specific situation.

For information on coverage and financial planning, visit our Insurance and Financing page.