Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective Jaw Surgery: A Solution for Complex Bite and Jaw Problems

When your teeth don’t line up properly—or your jaws grow out of sync—it can cause more than just cosmetic concerns. You might experience difficulty chewing, breathing, speaking, or even sleeping.

At Airdrie Oral Surgery, we provide orthognathic surgery (also called corrective jaw surgery) to help realign the jaws, improve function, and create better facial balance. We work closely with your orthodontist to make sure every phase of your care is well-coordinated and successful.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct structural issues that can’t be resolved with braces alone. It’s often recommended when there’s a skeletal misalignment that affects your bite, jaw movement, or appearance.

Jaw surgery is a powerful treatment that can lead to major improvements in function, comfort, and confidence.

You May Be a Candidate If You Have:

Trouble chewing, biting, or swallowing
Jaw pain or chronic TMJ issues
A noticeably protruding or receding jaw
An open bite or crossbite
Facial imbalance or asymmetry
Breathing problems (such as sleep apnea or chronic mouth breathing)

What to Expect From the Process

1. Consultation & Planning

We start with a full evaluation, 3D imaging, and careful measurements. Our team will explain how surgery can improve your jaw position and bite—and even give you a digital preview of what your results may look like.

2. Orthodontic Phase

Before surgery, your orthodontist will use braces to straighten and position your teeth so they’re ready for the new jaw alignment.

3. Surgery Phase

Jaw surgery is done in the hospital under general anesthesia.

The procedure is performed from inside the mouth—no visible scars
Plates and screws are used to hold your jaw in place
Most patients stay in hospital for 1–2 days

4. Recovery & Follow-Up

We’ll guide you through a detailed recovery plan, monitor healing, and coordinate with your orthodontist to finish your treatment.

Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery

A healthier, more functional bite
Relief from jaw pain and tension
Better breathing and sleep quality
Improved facial balance and confidence
Protection for teeth, gums, and joints over time

Want More Details?

Check out the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Jaw Surgery Page for additional information on procedures, timelines, and recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been referred for jaw surgery—or want to explore your options—call Airdrie Oral Surgery today. We’re here to walk you through the process and help you get the results you need.

Pre-Operative Instructions

This information is intended to provide an overview related to your surgical experience. No two surgeries or patients are the exact same, you may find you will be given additional instructions by your doctor and his staff at your consultation. We encourage any questions related to your procedure after you have read the following information.

Preparation For Surgery

Prior to scheduling your operation, your doctor will carefully review your medical history. At this time it is important to disclose any information related to past, and present medical problems, illnesses, operations, medications you are currently taking (prescribed or over the counter), allergies or any adverse reactions to medications or previous general anaesthesia.

You may be advised to stop taking certain medications (i.e. blood thinners) for a few days or weeks prior to your surgery. Your doctor will provide you with this information at you consult.

Mindset

Having a strong positive attitude towards the procedure and outcome will serve to make the whole experience a more positive one. If you are feeling negative and skeptical about the procedure take some time before booking the procedure to make sure this is something you are wanting and able to cope with. Having a support system such as family or friends to be with you for the first two to three days after surgery is important.

Physical Preparation

Prior to surgery we encourage you to get adequate sleep and physical exercise. Allow yourself time to rest as this allows your body to heal. Two weeks prior to surgery, be mindful of your diet. Reduce the sodium (salt) intake in your diet, as this will decrease facial swelling after surgery. A majority of sodium comes from processed and prepared (fast) food. Examples include: prepared (frozen) dinners, cold cuts, bacon, cheese, canned soups/ foods, dairy.
Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, rice and oatmeal are just some examples of low sodium foods.
If you are a cigarette smoker, it is best to minimize if not eliminate the amount you smoke before and after surgery. Stopping cigarette smoking before surgery will help your body cope better with the anesthesia. Smoking after your procedure can increase your chances of post-operative complications including delayed healing, wound breakdown, and infection.

Admission To Hospital

This type of procedure will be performed at the hospital. Waiting lists are currently long due to reduced hospital availability. You will receive notification indicating your surgery date. Before your surgery date, you may also be seen at the hospitals pre-admission clinic. At this clinic any of the following may happen:

A nursing assessment of your health will be done.
You will be told about your operation or procedure and what will happen to you,
You may have blood work and a heart tracing (ECG) done.
You may see a medical specialist from anesthesia or Internal Medicine (sometimes both) and have a medical history and physical examination.
You may meet with a physiotherapist, specialized nurse, social worker or other members of your healthcare team.
You may be given instructions for fasting before surgery. You must follow these instructions carefully—it is very important that your stomach is empty before your operation.
Stop smoking and do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before surgery.
Shower with an antibacterial soap and shampoo your hair the night before or the morning of your surgery.
Shave any facial hair (beards and moustaches) if possible for the surgery.
Remove all makeup and dark purple or black nail polish before coming to the hospital.

Day of Surgery And Anesthesia

You may receive medications in preparation for the general anesthesia and to reduce any pre- surgical anxiety. An intravenous (IV) will be placed in your arm; providing the means to deliver both fluids and medications, eliminating the need for repeated injections. It will be necessary for the anesthesiologist to pass a breathing tube (endotracheal tube) from the nose into the trachea (wind pipe). This will be done when you are asleep. When the surgery is complete this tube will be removed as soon as possible. Operations of this type are generally between 2-6hrs in length depending on the exact nature of the procedure.

Post-Operative Instructions

Jaw Surgery Instructions

Testimonials

I came to the clinic for surgery for a cyst growing above my upper teeth. Dr Fischer was amazing as well as my nurse, the anesthetist and the front desk staff. Follow up care was well explained. This is a fabulous clinic and state of the art surgical facility. I highly recommend!

Sheila Adkins

Wow, great experience having my wisdom teeth removed which I never thought I’d ever say. Clinic was very organized, all the staff I dealt with was very friendly and helpful, and the extraction and aftercare was excellent. I’d get my teeth removed there again if I could! Very happy!

Shawn Hull

I had a great experience, the staff are super nice and very informative. They made sure i was fine and asked if i had any questions, the surgery itself went perfectly smooth. I would recommend them to anyone needing oral surgery. Definitely had a positive experience.

Dallas MacDonald