Jaw Surgery in Honolulu & Aiea, HI

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc. offers corrective jaw surgery for patients in Honolulu, Aiea and throughout Oahu. Our team works alongside your dentist or orthodontist to determine whether orthognathic surgery can help correct the underlying cause of a bite or jaw alignment concern. Every treatment plan reflects your individual anatomy and goals.

What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?

Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, repositions the jawbones to correct a skeletal bite problem. Orthodontics moves the teeth into better alignment, while jaw surgery addresses the underlying jaw structure when misalignment involves the bones rather than the teeth alone. Depending on your needs, surgery may involve the upper jaw, the lower jaw or both. Because every bite and facial structure is different, treatment is planned individually for each patient.

Who May Benefit From Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with certain jaw alignment or bite concerns, including:

• Significant overbite or underbite
• Open bite
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Difficulty speaking
• Facial or jaw asymmetry
• Jaws that appear significantly disproportionate
• Difficulty closing the lips comfortably
• Certain jaw-related breathing concerns

These concerns do not automatically mean surgery is necessary. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether orthodontics alone can address the issue or whether orthognathic surgery on Oahu is the right next step.

Functional & Facial Benefits of Jaw Surgery

Improving Jaw Function

• Better alignment between the upper and lower teeth
• Improved chewing and biting
• Improved jaw function
• Potential improvement in certain speech or oral function concerns
• A healthier relationship between the teeth and jaws

Improving Facial Balance

Because the jaws support the structure of the face, correcting their position can also improve facial balance, including:

• Correction of certain skeletal asymmetries
• Improved facial proportions
• Greater harmony between the jaws, teeth and facial features

correction of common dentofacial deformities

What to Expect From a Jaw Surgery Treatment?

Jaw surgery requires careful planning well before the day of the procedure. Our surgical team evaluates your teeth and bite, jaw position, facial structure, and the surrounding bone and soft tissue. Detailed imaging and digital treatment planning help the team determine the exact movements your jaw needs. When you are working with an orthodontist, we coordinate closely with their office throughout the process.

The Role of Orthodontics in Jaw Surgery

Orthodontic treatment is often part of the overall corrective jaw surgery process. Braces or clear aligners may be used before surgery to position the teeth properly within each jaw. Surgery then corrects the underlying jaw relationship, and additional orthodontic treatment afterward helps fine-tune the bite. Throughout treatment, close communication between your surgeon and orthodontist supports a coordinated plan.

Advanced Technology for Precise Jaw Surgery

We use focused imaging and planning technology to support precise, individualized jaw surgery:

• 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT): detailed three-dimensional views of the jaws and surrounding structures
• Digital treatment planning: helps visualize and plan jaw movements before surgery
• Digital imaging: supports diagnosis and communication throughout treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Surgery

Can braces fix a misaligned jaw?

Braces move teeth within the jawbone, but they cannot reposition the jawbone itself. When misalignment involves the underlying bone structure, orthognathic surgery is needed to correct it.

Is jaw surgery painful?

Jaw surgery is performed under anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Afterward, your surgical team manages any discomfort according to your individualized recovery plan.

How long does it take to recover from jaw surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery. Visit our recovery and surgical instructions page for detailed guidance on what to expect after your procedure.

Corrective Jaw Surgery on Oahu

If you are looking for experienced jaw surgeons near you in Honolulu, Aiea or elsewhere on Oahu, our team at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates, Inc., including Dr. David S. Haynes, Dr. Gregory Y.C. Lung, Dr. Michael J. Pampalon, and Dr. Hana T. Lim, is here to help. We would be glad to discuss whether corrective jaw surgery may be right for you and answer any questions along the way. To schedule a consultation, please contact our office at Honolulu Office Phone Number (808) 973-3747.