Jaw Surgery in Billerica, Westford & Worcester, MA
When the upper and lower jaws do not align correctly, it can lead to serious issues with chewing, breathing, speaking, and facial appearance. At New England Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we provide expert jaw surgery — also known as orthognathic surgery — to correct skeletal and dental irregularities, improve function, and enhance facial balance. With offices in Billerica, Westford, and Worcester, MA, our board-certified surgeons are trusted across Massachusetts for life-changing surgical care.
What Is Jaw Surgery?
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is a procedure that realigns the jaws to correct structural and functional problems. The surgery can involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. In many cases, jaw surgery is part of a comprehensive treatment plan coordinated with your orthodontist.
Conditions commonly treated with jaw surgery include:
- Open bite or crossbite
- Underbite or overbite
- Facial asymmetry
- Jaw growth abnormalities
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- TMJ pain caused by misalignment
- Breathing issues such as obstructive sleep apnea
If you're experiencing one or more of these issues, a surgical evaluation may be recommended.
How to Know if You Need Corrective Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery may be recommended if:
- You have had orthodontic treatment, but your bite is still misaligned
- Your upper and lower teeth do not come together properly
- You are unable to fully close your mouth or chew food comfortably
- Your facial features appear unbalanced or asymmetrical
- You suffer from chronic jaw pain, muscle tension, or joint clicking
- You have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and non-surgical treatments have failed
Using 3D Imaging, we carefully assess your jaw structure, bite, airway, and facial profile to create a personalized treatment plan.
Types of Jaw Surgery We Perform
Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained in all major jaw procedures, including:
- Lower jaw (mandibular) surgery: Repositions a lower jaw that is too far forward or backward.
- Upper jaw (maxillary) surgery: Realigns an upper jaw that is too high, low, narrow, or wide.
- Double jaw surgery: Corrects complex issues involving both jaws.
- Chin surgery (genioplasty): May be performed with jaw surgery to improve facial balance.
- Sleep apnea jaw surgery: Moves the jaw forward to open the airway and reduce obstruction during sleep.
Learn more about our approach to restoring jaw bone health on our Jaw Bone Health page.
The Surgical Process
Jaw surgery typically involves the following steps:
- Orthodontic preparation: Braces may be worn before and after surgery to align the teeth properly.
- Pre-surgical planning: We use advanced imaging to map out the exact surgical movements required.
- Surgical procedure: Performed under general anesthesia, the jawbones are repositioned, and small plates or screws are used to hold them in place.
- Recovery: Patients are usually back to school or work in two weeks, with full healing occurring over several months.
We provide clear pre- and post-operative instructions, and ongoing follow-up care to monitor healing and progress.
Visit our Anesthesia Options page to explore available sedation techniques for this procedure.
Pediatric and Adolescent Jaw Surgery
In some cases, jaw discrepancies are identified during childhood or adolescence. Early evaluation allows us to monitor jaw growth and intervene at the ideal time. Our team works with Pediatric Patients and orthodontists to manage complex cases in a supportive, child-friendly environment.
Expert Care Across Massachusetts
We perform corrective jaw surgery at our locations in Billerica, Westford, and Worcester, serving patients across the region. We frequently coordinate with orthodontists, sleep specialists, and prosthodontists to ensure seamless care.
We welcome referrals and new patients from Lowell, Wilmington, Bedford, Burlington, Andover, and Concord. Visit our Contact Us / Locations page to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is jaw surgery used for?
Jaw surgery corrects structural problems with the upper and lower jaws that cannot be resolved with orthodontics alone. It improves bite function, facial symmetry, and often helps with breathing and speech.
Is jaw surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Most patients experience swelling, soreness, and a liquid diet requirement after surgery, but pain is manageable with medication and rest.
How long is the recovery?
Initial recovery takes about two weeks, though full healing may take several months. Most patients wear braces before and after surgery for optimal results.
Can jaw surgery fix my bite?
Yes. Corrective jaw surgery is often the most effective way to resolve severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites that cannot be corrected with braces alone.
Is jaw surgery covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes — especially when performed for functional or medical reasons such as chewing problems or sleep apnea. Our team can assist with pre-authorization and documentation.
Still have questions?
Convenient Locations Near You
Schedule a Jaw Surgery Consultation
If you are struggling with a misaligned bite, jaw pain, or facial imbalance, corrective jaw surgery may be the solution. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons at New England Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery are here to provide detailed evaluation, surgical precision, and compassionate care.
Call us today to schedule your consultation:
- Billerica Office: 978-547-2015
- Westford Office: 978-547-2026
- Worcester Office: 978-547-2010
We proudly serve patients from Lowell, Bedford, Burlington, Andover, Concord, and surrounding communities.