How long does it take to recover from orthodontic surgery?

Initial jaw healing typically takes about six weeks after surgery, but complete healing can take up to 12 weeks. After initial jaw healing — at about six weeks — your orthodontist finishes aligning your teeth with braces. The entire orthodontic process, including surgery and braces, may take several years.

How painful is orthodontic surgery?

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so there is no pain during surgery. Patients usually experience pain after the anesthesia wears off, which can last for a few days. This can be managed with painkillers.

How long after jaw surgery do braces come off?

The initial phase of treatment might require the active use of braces for approximately 18 months, followed by orthognathic surgery. After the surgery, the second phase of orthodontic treatment could last for 6 to 9 months.

Do screws stay in after jaw surgery?

Incisions are generally made inside the mouth so as to avoid any scarring to the face. If the surgeon needs to make an external incision, care is taken to make it in natural skin creases. Once the jaws are placed in the desired position, they are fixed permanently with small bone plates and screws.

Do you lose weight after jaw surgery?

Following your surgery and throughout the post-operative recovery period, especially if your jaw is wired shut, you could lose as much as 10 percent of your body weight.

Does your face change after jaw surgery?

The amount of change in your facial appearance will depend on whether your surgery was planned to have minimal or a more noticeable effect on your appearance. It is not unusual for patients to feel down after the surgery. It can take time for patients to get use to their new bite and facial appearance.

How much weight do you lose after jaw surgery?

What is jaw surgery recovery like?

Recovery time for orthognathic surgery is six weeks. Most doctors recommend patients take two weeks off of work or school following their surgery. Complete jaw healing takes up to three months. Immediately after the surgery, you may experience postoperative symptoms such as bleeding, nausea, and swelling.

Is jaw surgery very painful?

Jaw surgery is usually not painful. This misconception makes the whole procedure seem utterly invasive and is supported by thousands of photos of bruised and swollen people after undergoing orthognathic surgery, so it may be difficult to believe that very few patients report actual pain.

How long is liquid diet after jaw surgery?

Chewing food after surgery can be painful and slow down your healing. After surgery, it is very important to eat and drink enough to help you heal. You will need to follow a liquid or pureed diet until your jaw has healed. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.