Can’t bite into an apple without pain?
Always wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep?
Your jaw might be the real issue.
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, we help people every day who don’t realize that their jaw alignment is behind their pain, sleep problems, or chewing difficulties.
So, who should get jaw surgery? Well, If braces alone can’t fix your bite, jaw surgery (also called orthognathic surgery) might be the solution.
What Is Jaw Surgery (orthognathic surgery)?
Jaw surgery repositions your upper and/or lower jaw bones to fix problems that braces alone can’t correct. While braces move your teeth, surgery moves the jaw itself — giving you a better bite, easier breathing, and a more balanced facial appearance.
People often choose orthognathic surgery in Calgary to:
- Improve their bite and chewing ability
- Reduce chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Improve breathing and sleep quality
- Balance facial proportions
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, your oral surgeon and orthodontist work together to design a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
When Braces Aren’t Enough
Braces are great for crooked teeth and mild bite problems, but they can’t change how your jaws are positioned.
You might be a candidate for surgery if you notice:
- A severe overbite (top teeth stick out more than 5 mm past bottom teeth)
- An underbite (lower jaw extends past your upper jaw)
- A gap between top and bottom teeth when you bite down (open bite)
- One side of your face looks different from the other
- Difficulty closing your mouth or lips comfortably
These problems often require more than braces to correct — and that’s where jaw surgery comes in.
Everyday Signs You Might Need Jaw Surgery
Jaw problems don’t just affect your teeth — they impact how you eat, breathe, sleep, and feel.
Here are a few daily struggles that might mean it’s time to see an oral surgeon in Calgary or Airdrie:
Eating and Chewing Problems
If you avoid certain foods because biting hurts or your teeth don’t meet properly, your bite may be off. Difficulty chewing can also lead to worn-down teeth or digestive issues over time.
Breathing and Sleep Issues
A jaw that sits too far back can narrow your airway, causing snoring or sleep apnea. If you wake up tired, breathe mostly through your mouth, or your partner says you snore loudly, jaw surgery might help you breathe easier.
Jaw Pain or TMJ Problems
Clicking, popping, or stiffness in your jaw can come from poor alignment. About 80% of patients who undergo jaw surgery report relief from chronic jaw pain afterward.
Speech or Confidence Issues
Misaligned jaws can affect how you pronounce words — or make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Many patients notice clearer speech and higher confidence after surgery.
Medical and Structural Reasons for Jaw Surgery
Some conditions make orthognathic surgery the best or only option for long-term correction:
- Severe underbite or overbite
- Open bite (a visible gap when teeth are closed)
- Facial asymmetry (chin or jaw shifts to one side)
- Jaw problems from injury or arthritis
- Cleft palate or developmental issues affecting jaw growth
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, we use advanced imaging to determine exactly how your jaws align and whether surgery is necessary.
Appearance and Confidence Matter Too
While the main goal is improving function, the appearance benefits are often life-changing.
Jaw surgery can help with:
- A gummy smile – when too much gum shows when you smile
- Chin imbalance – either too prominent or too small
- Long face or short face appearance – improving facial harmony
- Mouth that won’t close comfortably – helping you breathe through your nose instead of your mouth
Most patients say their self-confidence and overall happiness improve after recovery.
When function and aesthetics come together, the results are both healthy and beautiful.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not everyone needs or is ready for jaw surgery. You might be a good candidate if you’re:
- Finished growing (typically 16+ for girls, 18+ for boys)
- In good general health (conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure must be well controlled)
- Non-smoking (smoking delays healing and increases complications)
- Realistic about results — surgery will improve your bite and appearance, not make you look like a completely different person
- Ready for the process — treatment usually takes 2–3 years from braces to surgery to full recovery
Our team will walk you through every step so you know exactly what to expect.
When Jaw Surgery Might Not Be the Right Choice
In some cases, it’s best to wait or consider other treatments first:
- You still have active dental or gum infections
- Your medical conditions aren’t yet well managed
- You’re still growing and need more time
- You can’t commit to treatment time or quit smoking
- You’re only considering surgery for cosmetic reasons without functional problems
Your surgeon will always recommend the safest, most effective option for your health and goals.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
During your consultation at one of our Calgary Oral Surgery Group locations in Calgary or Airdrie, we’ll:
- Examine your bite and jaw movement
- Take detailed digital X-rays or scans
- Discuss your symptoms and concerns
- Explain your options and the full treatment process
- Answer all your questions about recovery, braces, and results
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of whether jaw surgery is right for you — no pressure, just information.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to live with jaw pain, sleep problems, or chewing difficulties. The right treatment can dramatically improve your comfort, health, and confidence.
Contact Calgary Oral Surgery Group today to schedule your consultation.
We proudly serve patients from Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding communities including Mahogany, Altadore, Sunridge, and Cedarbrae.
Your jaw problems won’t fix themselves — but with expert care, you can chew comfortably, breathe easily, and smile with confidence again.
