Jaw Surgery

Do you have misaligned jaws and teeth that impede your ability to eat, speak, and swallow comfortably?

Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, can improve the appearance and function of your teeth and jaws.

Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics in Philadelphia, PA, can work with an oral surgeon to permanently correct your jaw.

side view of a model with an underbite

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery
and How Can It Help?

Severe malocclusion such as overbites and underbites can significantly impact your life. Common concerns people experience when they have misaligned jaws and teeth include:

  • Difficulty biting and chewing
  • Problems with swallowing
  • Speech impediments and difficulty enunciating
  • Excessive wear of the teeth
  • A small or protruding chin
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Lips that don't close properly
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • TMJ disorder

Dr. Kellyn Hodges works with a skilled oral surgeon who provides orthognathic surgery to realign the jaw and correct these issues. Through a process of orthodontics and surgery, we can realign your bite and teeth, leading to an attractive smile, improved facial harmony, comfortable eating, articulate speech, and more.

Dramatic Transformations With Jaw Surgery A Real Patient Case

Before jaw surgery
Before
After jaw surgery
After
This young man came to one of our Philadelphia, PA, offices with a slanted open bite and advanced lower jaw. Jaw surgery brought his jaws into better alignment and improved his facial symmetry.

Ready to Correct Your Jaw Alignment With Surgery? Get Started With a Consultation

Orthognathic surgery is a lengthy process that can require about two to three years to complete, but the results are truly transformational. Our orthodontist has seen firsthand how orthodontics and jaw surgery make patients feel more comfortable in their own skin and significantly elevate their quality of life. If you are experiencing pain or difficulties when chewing, or feel that your bite is substantially misaligned, you may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery.

Let the team at one of our orthodontics offices in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, or Montgomeryville examine your teeth and bite to determine if you're a candidate for this maxillofacial surgery. Fill out our form or give our offices serving Philadelphia, PA, a call at:

(610) 617-0700

Philadelphia, PA, Patients Are Grateful for Our Exceptional Oral Care

1

Justin Stirling

Bala Cynwyd, PA

2024

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Dr. Hodges is simply exceptional!! From the moment you step into her office, you're greeted with warmth and professionalism. Her expertise is evident in the care she and her staff provides. Dr. Hodges and her staff ensures I receive personalized treatment tailored to my personal wants and needs. I am still in treatment, but the results are speaking for itself. Her friendly demeanor and commitment to excellence, make her the perfect choice for my orthodontic care. I highly recommend Dr. Hodges to anyone seeking a top-notch orthodontist.

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1

Cool phanatic 1357

Bala Cynwyd, PA

2024

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I highly recommend this office to everyone looking for a beautiful and healthy smile! Our family is very thankful for the amazing service we get here. The staff and doctors are very professional, knowledgeable and caring. They actually listen to your concerns! My oldest son finished treatment last summer, and, not only did he get gorgeous results, he has more confidence in himself and that is priceless!! My youngest is still in treatment and we are loving and trusting the process.

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The Orthognathic Surgery Process

Helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile is our priority. Our Philadelphia team can coordinate your oral surgery and provide orthodontic treatment for a streamlined experience.
Helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile is our priority. Our Philadelphia team can coordinate your oral surgery and provide orthodontic treatment for a streamlined experience.

Orthodontics

The process starts with orthodontics like braces to bring your teeth into better alignment and prepare them for surgery. You may wear your braces for about a year before your surgery.

Surgery

Jaw surgery may be performed on the upper jaw, lower jaw, chin, or any combination of these. An oral surgeon will divide your jawbone, move it into the correct position, and secure it in place. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Most incisions can be made inside your mouth, so you don't have to worry about facial scarring.

Recovery

Depending on the extent of your surgery, it could take two to three months for the bones to heal. You may need to take a month or longer away from work or school.

Orthodontics

After your jaw has healed for about six weeks, you can return to our office in Bensalem, Bala Cynwyd, or Montgomeryville so Dr. Hodges and her team can place braces to finish aligning your teeth. You may need braces for up to a year after your surgery.

Retainer

Once your braces are removed, a retainer can hold your teeth in their aligned positions. Our orthodontist will let you know how often to wear your retainer. This could be continuously for a full year, and then every night indefinitely.

A Deep Dive Into the Recovery Period After Your Surgery

Following surgery, you must follow your doctor's instructions to heal properly and experience the best possible results. Your instructions will include:

patient and dentist smiling at follow up

Attending Follow-Up Appointments

We will schedule follow-up visits at one of our Philadelphia, PA, offices throughout your recovery to monitor your progress. During these appointments, our team may review your post-surgical instructions, give you tips on how to care for your oral health as you heal, remove stitches or your oral splint, and take X-rays.

woman eating yogurt in bed

Eating a Soft Food Diet

You won't be able to chew well after surgery, so you will need to eat a diet of liquid and soft foods exclusively until your doctor determines you can resume eating solid food. Foods we recommend include soups, shakes, yogurt, pureed meals, and lots of water.

Another Orthognathic Patient Treated at Our Philadelphia Practice

before jaw surgery
Before
after jaw surgery
After
This young woman had a set-back lower jaw, an overjet, and crowded teeth. With orthodontics and corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Hodges and an oral surgeon corrected her dental misalignment and brought her lower jaw forward into a more comfortable position.

FAQ About Jaw Surgery

Does the process only require orthodontics and surgery?

While your orthognathic surgery process may only require braces and jaw surgery, other procedures incorporated into your treatment may include a frenectomy, tooth extractions, surgical splints, and wiring of the jaws to facilitate proper healing. Our orthodontist and an oral surgeon will give you a better idea of what your surgical process will entail during a consultation.

Will I lose sensation in my jaw?

It is normal to experience some numbness for several weeks after maxillofacial surgery, but it is unusual to experience permanent loss of sensation.

More 5-Star Reviews From Philly Patients "I will always be grateful."

1

J Rosa

Bensalem, PA

2024

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Everyone in this office was extremely polite,professional and will do anything to make sure your taking care of this people did the impossible in my mouth they went beyond my expectations amazing wow I will always be grateful God bless

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1

Paula Gardner

Montgomeryville, PA

2024

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Dr Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics practice is a place of professionalism and kindness. Her entire staff is very cordial and pleasant. The orthodontists were great. The front desk staff and the dental hygienists were wonderful. I was a client for about 36 months and I was treated very well the entire time. I am well pleased with my teeth.

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Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics staff

Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics

At Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics, serving patients in Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, and throughout Philadelphia, we are committed to helping children and adults of all backgrounds achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Our compassionate and widely respected doctors are members of prestigious dental organizations, including: 

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association 
  • National Dental Association
  • National Board of Orthodontics, U. S. 

To reach our helpful, multilingual staff, call us at (610) 617-0700 or request a consultation online.

Contact Us Today

We love Kellyn Hodges! She listens to her patients and provides excellent care! Her staff is very friendly and helpful as well! Tara F.

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