Can Jaw Surgery Fix Your Breathing — and Your Self-Confidence? What Orthognathic Surgery Actually Changes

 

Introduction

If you've been told your jaw shape affects more than just your smile, you're not imagining things. For many people, jaw position influences chewing, speech, facial balance — and crucially, how well air moves through the upper airway. If conservative measures haven't eased pain, dysfunction, or breathing problems, a specialist-led surgical opinion may be the next step. For patients in Alaska exploring surgical solutions, TMJ Surgery Anchorage can be part of a broader evaluation that includes both temporomandibular (TMJ) concerns and corrective jaw (orthognathic) procedures.

Below I’ll walk through what the terms mean, what actually changes when an oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs orthognathic (jaw) surgery, how that can affect breathing and self-confidence, and when surgical TMJ treatments are considered — all based on information from All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery.

What is TMJ disorder, and why does it matter?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet. Because it’s one of the most-used joints in the body, it’s prone to wear, strain, and injury. When the joint or its soft tissues are impaired, people may experience pain, limited motion, clicking, or grinding — a constellation usually described as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

Common triggers and contributing factors include arthritis, traumatic injury to the jaw, chronic teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), and, in some cases, hereditary influences. Symptoms can be varied: jaw tenderness, ear pain, facial aching, difficulty chewing, joint clicking or locking, and limited ability to open or close the mouth. Because these signs are not unique to TMD, proper evaluation and imaging by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon are important to reach a correct diagnosis.

When is surgery considered for TMJ problems?

Most TMJ pain improves with conservative care: short-term anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, bite splints, and stress-management strategies. However, when these non-surgical approaches fail or there is clear joint damage, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may recommend procedural options ranging from minimally invasive to open joint surgery. The surgeon’s role is to thoroughly evaluate each patient and recommend the least invasive effective treatment.

TMJ procedures you should know about

All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery describes a continuum of TMJ interventions, including:

• Arthrocentesis — small cannulas are placed in the joint to flush out debris and inflammatory byproducts.
• Injections — corticosteroids (and in some cases botulinum toxin) can reduce inflammation or muscle-related facial pain.
• Arthroscopic surgery — a thin arthroscope and small instruments are used through tiny incisions in the joint space; healing time and risks tend to be less than with open surgery.
• Modified condylotomy — surgical work on the mandible (lower jaw) without directly operating on the TMJ; useful for certain clicking/locking problems.
• Open joint surgery — reserved for structural problems that cannot be treated less invasively; it carries greater risk but can repair or replace joint components when needed.

Each option has tradeoffs in invasiveness, risk, and recovery. A careful exam and appropriate imaging guide the recommendation.

What is orthognathic (jaw) surgery and what does it actually change?

Orthognathic surgery — also called corrective jaw surgery — is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to realign the jaws and teeth. It’s not primarily cosmetic: the procedure addresses functional problems such as underbite (protruding lower jaw), overbite or receding lower jaw (a weak chin), facial asymmetry, speech or swallowing difficulties, and importantly, sleep apnea and other airway-related issues. The goal is to improve orofacial functions like breathing, chewing, and speaking.

Key things orthognathic surgery changes:

• Skeletal alignment — surgeons make precise cuts in the jawbones, reposition bones into more functional alignment, and secure them with titanium plates and screws. Over weeks the bone heals into its new position.
• Bite and dental function — when teeth don’t meet properly because of jaw position, surgery (usually coordinated with orthodontics) helps jaws and teeth come together correctly so chewing and dental health improve.
• Airway space — moving the upper and/or lower jaw forward can enlarge the upper airway and relieve obstructive anatomy contributing to sleep-disordered breathing. That’s why orthognathic surgery is sometimes recommended when obstructive sleep apnea is related to jaw position.
• Facial balance and soft-tissue changes — because the skeletal foundation changes, soft tissues (lips, chin, midface) shift as well, often improving facial symmetry and proportions — outcomes that frequently raise patients’ self-confidence.

How surgery is planned and staged (what to expect before the OR)

Orthognathic surgery is a team process. Usually, orthodontic treatment (braces) starts well before surgery — often 12–18 months — to align the teeth into a position that will fit together after the jaws are repositioned. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to design the timing and specifics of the plan. Surgeons at All Alaska use detailed facial and dental evaluations, 3D CT imaging, and computer modeling to plan precise bone movements before any operating room time. Typically, growth should be complete (roughly ages 14–16 for females and 17–21 for males) before corrective jaw surgery is undertaken, so the results are stable.

The procedure, hardware, and recovery in brief

Most jaw corrections are performed from inside the mouth, meaning external facial incisions are often unnecessary. During surgery the surgeon makes controlled cuts in the jawbones, repositions them, and fixes them with titanium plates and screws intended to remain permanently. Bone healing over approximately six weeks secures the new alignment. Early post-op expectations include swelling, pain that is managed with medication, temporary bleeding, and a period of dietary restriction (liquid/soft diet) while healing occurs. Many patients can return home the day of surgery, though individual circumstances determine the length of stay and recovery course.

Risks, outcomes, and the payoff for function and confidence

All surgical procedures carry risks, and orthognathic surgery is no exception. Potential complications include jaw fracture, relapse to the original position, failure of bone healing, hardware issues (plate or screw failure), heavy blood loss, nerve injury, infection, possible need for root canal on certain teeth, jaw joint pain, and—in rare cases—further surgery. Despite these risks, the benefits often outweigh them: improved jaw function, better facial appearance, relief of TMJ-related pain, reduced wear on teeth, and relief from airway obstruction can all contribute to significantly increased self-confidence and quality of life.

How jaw surgery and TMJ care overlap

There is important overlap between TMJ care and orthognathic surgery. In some patients, jaw position contributes to TMJ pain or dysfunction; in others, TMJ pathology worsens functional problems. All Alaska’s approach emphasizes careful diagnosis — imaging and specialist evaluation — and prefers the least invasive treatment that will help. When TMJ symptoms are severe and conservative options fail, joint procedures (from arthrocentesis to open joint repair) are considered; when the core problem is skeletal alignment, orthognathic surgery can both restore jaw function and relieve TMJ pain. Working together with your dentist and orthodontist, the surgeon determines the best pathway.

Practical note: if you’re deciding between more conservative TMJ care and planning for jaw surgery, expect a multi-visit evaluation with records, imaging (including 3D CT scans), and cross-discipline planning with your orthodontist and surgeon.

Choosing a provider — what to look for

When your airway, bite, or jaw comfort is on the line, choose a team experienced in both functional surgery and the diagnostic steps that precede it. Look for providers who emphasize careful imaging and computer-assisted surgical planning, coordinate closely with orthodontists, and clearly explain when jaw surgery is indicated versus when less invasive TMJ procedures may succeed. For people searching locally, establishing care with an oral and maxillofacial surgery practice that manages both TMJ conditions and orthognathic cases ensures continuity and appropriate multidisciplinary coordination. If you’re researching services in Anchorage, note that All Alaska’s practice outlines both TMJ procedures and orthognathic planning on its site, reflecting that integrated approach.

If you’re comparing local options for complex jaw and airway care, think of an integrated surgical practice that partners with referring dentists and orthodontists to deliver coordinated treatment. For patients wanting surgical solutions that improve function and facial form, Anchorage Dental Surgery collaborations—where orthodontics and oral surgery are aligned—are often the most efficient path to predictable results and a smoother recovery.

Realistic expectations: function first, appearance often follows

Many patients come for relief from pain, difficulty chewing, or sleep problems — and leave with a surprise bonus: improved facial balance and self-confidence. The primary indications for orthognathic surgery are functional — breathing, chewing, speech, proper lip closure, and reduction of tooth wear — but the aesthetic improvements are real and frequently contribute to enhanced self-image. Most patients are delighted with improved function and appearance after healing.

Next steps if you think jaw surgery might help

1. Start with your dentist or orthodontist. They’ll determine whether braces or dental approaches might correct the problem alone.
2. Get a specialist evaluation. If your results are incomplete with conservative care, or if imaging shows structural problems, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will evaluate and recommend options — from TMJ-directed procedures to orthognathic surgery — based on the least invasive effective approach.
3. Plan thoroughly. Expect 3D imaging, surgical planning with computer modeling, and clear discussion of risks, recovery, and realistic outcomes before committing to surgery.

Final thoughts — breathing, function, and confidence

Jaw surgery can do more than change your profile: when skeletal position is the cause of chewing difficulty, joint pain, speech problems, or airway obstruction, corrective jaw surgery realigns the anatomic foundations that determine function. For those whose sleep apnea or airway obstruction is related to jaw position, moving the jaws to a more favorable alignment can open the airway and improve breathing. For many patients, the functional gains translate into tangible improvements in daily life and self-confidence.

If you live in Alaska and want to explore whether surgical options are right for you — from minimally invasive TMJ procedures to full orthognathic correction — TMJ Surgery Anchorage evaluations at All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery begin with a careful, specialist-led assessment and imaging so you understand the least invasive, safest option for your condition. We (All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery) can help guide you through diagnosis, planning, and treatment — coordinating closely with your dentist and orthodontist to improve breathing, jaw function, and quality of life. Contact All Alaska Oral & Craniofacial Surgery at their Anchorage office to request an appointment and start the process.