If you’ve been told you have a misaligned jaw — or if you’ve lived for years with difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, obstructive sleep apnea, or a bite that just doesn’t feel right — jaw alignment surgery may be the most transformative treatment option available to you. This guide, written for patients throughout Albuquerque, NM and surrounding communities, explains what orthognathic surgery involves, who it’s right for, what the process looks like at OMSA New Mexico, and what you can expect during recovery.

What Is Jaw Alignment Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery)?

Jaw alignment surgery — the clinical term is orthognathic surgery — is a surgical procedure that repositions the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both to correct skeletal misalignment that orthodontic treatment alone cannot fix. The word “orthognathic” comes from the Greek roots for “straight” and “jaw,” and that’s precisely the goal: restoring proper jaw position so that your teeth meet correctly, your airway is open, your face is balanced, and your jaw functions without pain or strain.

Jaw misalignment isn’t simply a cosmetic concern. When the jaws don’t meet properly, patients experience a cascade of functional and health consequences — making orthognathic surgery both a quality-of-life and a medically significant intervention for many people in Albuquerque, NM and across New Mexico.

Who Needs Jaw Alignment Surgery?

Not every bite problem requires surgery. Mild-to-moderate discrepancies can often be addressed with braces or clear aligners alone. But when the underlying cause is skeletal — meaning the jaw bones themselves are positioned incorrectly — orthodontic treatment moves the teeth into a better position but cannot move the jaw. Surgery is required to correct the foundation.

Patients who benefit most from jaw alignment surgery in Albuquerque, NM typically present with one or more of the following:

• Underbite (Class III malocclusion) — the lower jaw protrudes forward relative to the upper jaw, causing the lower front teeth to sit ahead of the upper front teeth
• Overbite / overjet (Class II malocclusion) — the upper jaw or teeth extend significantly ahead of the lower, often associated with a recessed chin
• Open bite — the front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are closed; often creates difficulty biting into food and speech problems
• Crossbite — upper and lower teeth bite on the wrong side of each other; can affect one side or the entire arch
• Facial asymmetry — the left and right sides of the jaw have grown unequally, creating a visibly asymmetric face
• Obstructive sleep apnea — a recessed lower jaw or narrow airway contributes to airway collapse during sleep; jaw advancement surgery can significantly reduce apnea severity
• TMJ dysfunction and chronic jaw pain — skeletal misalignment creates uneven loading of the temporomandibular joints, causing pain, clicking, limited opening, or headaches
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing — a functional consequence of jaw misalignment that affects nutrition and quality of life

An evaluation at OMSA New Mexico — serving Albuquerque, NM and patients from Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Bernalillo, Corrales, and Santa Fe — will determine whether your specific jaw relationship is best addressed with surgery, orthodontics, or a combined approach.

The Jaw Alignment Surgery Process at OMSA New Mexico

Orthognathic surgery is a planned, coordinated process — not an emergency procedure. Most patients begin their journey months before surgery and work collaboratively with an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon throughout. Here is what the full process looks like:

Step 1: Evaluation and Diagnosis

Your first appointment at OMSA New Mexico involves a comprehensive clinical examination, a full review of your dental and medical history, and advanced imaging. Our in-house cone-beam CT (CBCT) system produces a precise 3D model of your jaw, teeth, sinuses, and airway — providing far more diagnostic detail than traditional X-rays. Cephalometric (side-profile skull) X-rays and dental study models are also taken to document your existing jaw relationship.

Step 2: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics

In most orthognathic cases, 12–18 months of orthodontic treatment precede surgery. This may seem counterintuitive — braces often make the bite look worse before surgery rather than better. That is intentional: the orthodontist aligns the teeth within each jaw individually, so that when the surgeon repositions the jaw bones, the teeth will fit together correctly in their new position. Attempting surgery without this preparatory phase leads to unstable outcomes.

Step 3: Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)

One of the most significant advances in orthognathic surgery in recent years is Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) — a technology OMSA New Mexico uses as standard for jaw alignment cases. Using your CBCT scan data, the surgical team creates a precise 3D digital model of your skull and simulates the exact movements your jaw will undergo during surgery, millimeter by millimeter. This digital rehearsal allows for:

• More precise surgical execution with custom-fabricated cutting guides and positioning splints
• Shorter operating time (the surgeon has already “performed” the case in 3D before entering the operating room)
• More predictable aesthetic and functional outcomes
• Clearer patient communication — you can see what the proposed jaw movement looks like before you consent

Step 4: The Surgery Itself

Jaw alignment surgery is performed under general anesthesia, either in our Albuquerque, NM surgical facility or at a hospital, depending on case complexity. Nearly all incisions are made inside the mouth — there are no external facial scars. Common surgical techniques include:

• Le Fort I osteotomy — repositions the upper jaw (maxilla) by cutting it free from the surrounding facial skeleton and moving it into the planned position, then securing it with small titanium plates and screws
• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) — the most common lower jaw procedure, splitting the mandible on both sides to advance, set back, or rotate the lower jaw
• Genioplasty (chin surgery) — repositions the chin bone to refine facial balance; often performed at the same time as jaw surgery for patients with chin projection concerns. Learn more about chin augmentation in Albuquerque, NM at OMSA New Mexico.

Operative time ranges from 1.5 to 4+ hours depending on whether one or both jaws are involved. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one overnight observation.

Step 5: Recovery and Post-Surgical Orthodontics

The first two weeks after jaw alignment surgery are the most intensive recovery phase. Patients follow a liquid-to-soft diet, manage swelling with ice and elevation, and take prescribed medications for pain and infection prevention. Most patients return to light activity within 2–3 weeks and to work or school within 2–4 weeks. Full skeletal healing takes 3–6 months, during which the jaw position is held stable by the titanium hardware and healing bone.

After swelling resolves (typically 6–8 weeks post-surgery), post-surgical orthodontic treatment resumes — fine-tuning the bite into its final, stable position. Total orthodontic treatment from start to finish typically spans 2–3 years including the surgical phase.

Benefits of Jaw Alignment Surgery

For patients who are good candidates, the benefits of orthognathic surgery extend far beyond appearance:

• Dramatically improved chewing function — patients often describe eating normally for the first time in their adult lives
• Reduced or eliminated jaw pain and TMJ symptoms — by correcting the skeletal cause of joint overloading
• Improved airway and sleep quality — particularly for patients with jaw-related obstructive sleep apnea
• Clearer speech — open bites and severe malocclusions frequently cause speech difficulties that resolve after correction
• Facial balance and symmetry — the aesthetic results of jaw alignment surgery are often striking, improving profile, chin projection, and overall facial harmony
• Long-term dental health — properly aligned jaws reduce abnormal tooth wear, gum recession, and the risk of future restorative work

Is Jaw Alignment Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Because orthognathic surgery corrects a functional skeletal problem — not simply a cosmetic one — it is frequently covered by medical insurance when properly documented. Functional indications such as difficulty chewing, obstructive sleep apnea, speech problems, or facial trauma are the most commonly accepted medical diagnoses for coverage. Many patients in Albuquerque, NM are surprised to learn that their medical plan covers a significant portion of the surgical cost.

The OMSA New Mexico billing team works with most major carriers and can assist with pre-authorization documentation. Visit our insurance information page for a full list of accepted plans. Financing options are also available for any out-of-pocket portion.

Jaw Alignment Surgery at OMSA New Mexico: Why Albuquerque Patients Choose Us

Orthognathic surgery is one of the most technically demanding procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery — requiring deep training, precise surgical planning, and experienced hands. Patients throughout Albuquerque, NM — and from Rio Rancho (~20 min northwest), Los Lunas (~25 min south), Bernalillo (~30 min north), and Santa Fe (~60 min north on I-25) — choose OMSA New Mexico for jaw alignment surgery because of:

• ABOMS board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive orthognathic case volume
• Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) technology — 3D digital simulation of your surgery before the OR
• In-house CBCT 3D imaging for same-appointment surgical planning without outside referrals
• Seamless orthodontist coordination — our team communicates directly with your orthodontist throughout your treatment
• Full-spectrum OMS care under one roof — from the initial evaluation through any associated procedures such as bone grafting in Albuquerque, NM or implant placement
• All anesthesia levels available in-office, administered by our own trained surgical team

For a broader understanding of the full scope of what our board-certified surgeons do, see our guide to maxillofacial surgery in Albuquerque, NM and our overview of oral maxillofacial surgery in Albuquerque.

Schedule a Jaw Alignment Surgery Consultation in Albuquerque, NM

If you’ve been living with jaw misalignment, chronic pain, bite problems, or sleep apnea, a consultation with an OMSA New Mexico surgeon is the right first step. We’ll evaluate your jaw relationship, review your imaging, and give you an honest, thorough explanation of your options — surgical and non-surgical — so you can make an informed decision.

No referral is required for most consultations. We welcome patients referred by orthodontists, dentists, and primary care physicians, as well as self-referred patients.

OMSA New Mexico
6800 Montgomery Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Phone: (505) 888-1929
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Request a consultation online

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Jaw alignment surgery is a complex, individualized procedure. Please consult with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine whether orthognathic surgery is appropriate for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Jaw Alignment Surgery in Albuquerque, NM

How do I know if I need jaw alignment surgery or just braces?

If your bite problem is primarily caused by tooth position, orthodontic treatment alone may be sufficient. If the jaws themselves are positioned incorrectly — due to different growth rates, trauma, or congenital factors — orthodontics can improve tooth alignment but cannot reposition the jaw bones. A consultation with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon at OMSA New Mexico, combined with CBCT imaging, will determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.

How long does recovery from jaw alignment surgery take?

Most patients return to light activity within 2–3 weeks and to work or school within 2–4 weeks. A liquid-to-soft diet is required for 4–6 weeks. Full skeletal healing occurs over 3–6 months. Post-surgical orthodontics typically continue for 6–12 months after surgery to finalize the bite. Your OMSA New Mexico surgeon will give you a detailed, individualized recovery timeline at your consultation.

Is jaw alignment surgery painful?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you feel nothing during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort — swelling, jaw soreness, and temporary numbness — is normal and managed with prescribed medications. Most patients describe the first week as uncomfortable but manageable. By week 2–3, most find their discomfort significantly reduced. Our clinical team is available by phone throughout your recovery.

Will jaw alignment surgery change my appearance?

Yes — often significantly and positively. Moving the jaw changes the soft tissue drape of the face: chin projection, lip position, and profile balance are all affected. Your OMSA New Mexico surgeon will review the anticipated aesthetic changes with you during the planning phase, and VSP technology lets you see a digital simulation of the planned jaw movements before consenting to surgery.

Does insurance cover jaw alignment surgery in New Mexico?

Many medical insurance plans — including some Medicaid plans — cover orthognathic surgery when it is medically necessary, meaning it corrects a documented functional problem such as difficulty chewing, obstructive sleep apnea, or facial trauma sequelae. Purely cosmetic indications are typically not covered. OMSA New Mexico’s billing team will assist with pre-authorization and documentation to maximize your coverage before surgery begins.