Orthognathic surgery

When does orthognathic surgery make sense?

Orthognathic surgery is an option for pronounced skeletal jaw misalignments, such as a clearly protruding or receding lower jaw relative to the upper jaw (often called “underbite” or “overbite”), an open bite in which the front or side teeth do not touch when biting, or asymmetrical jaw relationships that visibly throw the face off balance. Those affected often report problems chewing and speaking, difficulty breathing through the nose, one-sided strain on the jaw joints or considerable aesthetic distress. The indication and exact timing are never decided by me alone but always in an interdisciplinary team together with your orthodontist, as tooth position and jaw position are inseparable.

What does the treatment involve?

The operation itself is usually preceded by orthodontic treatment lasting several months, sometimes one to two years, in which the teeth within each jaw are aligned so that they fit together exactly after surgery. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia during an inpatient stay at University Hospital St. Pölten: the upper and/or lower jaw is divided along carefully planned bone cuts, moved into the new position planned in advance on the computer and fixed securely with small titanium plates and screws, which can usually remain in the bone permanently. Depending on its complexity, the procedure usually takes between two and five hours. This is followed by orthodontic fine-tuning until the bite is finally right.

How does healing go?

You spend the first days after the operation as an inpatient under medical observation, with facial swelling and a period of soft food only for several weeks, as the jaws must be spared at first. After about six to eight weeks, bone healing has progressed far enough for load and diet to be increased gradually. However, the final functional and aesthetic result only becomes apparent after a few months, once the concluding orthodontic treatment has also been completed and the bone has fully consolidated.

Who covers the costs?

If medically indicated, orthognathic surgery takes place at the public University Hospital St. Pölten. The operation and the inpatient stay are covered by statutory health insurance – you do not have to pay anything yourself. The orthodontic treatment before and after surgery is considered separately and has to be paid by you.

Personal consultation before every treatment

Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for jaw surgery?

If medically indicated, statutory health insurance covers the operation and the inpatient stay at University Hospital St. Pölten – you do not have to pay anything yourself. The orthodontic treatment before and after surgery has to be paid by you.

How long does the entire treatment take?

The treatment takes place in several phases: the orthodontic preparation lasts several months, sometimes one to two years. The operation itself usually takes between two and five hours. After about six to eight weeks, bone healing is well advanced; the final result becomes apparent after a few months, once the orthodontic fine-tuning has also been completed.

What can I eat after the operation?

Soft food for several weeks – no liquid diet. After about six to eight weeks, diet and load can be increased gradually.

Do the titanium plates stay in the jaw?

As a rule, yes. The small titanium plates and screws used to fix the jaws can remain in the bone permanently.