When a bite problem is driven by jaw position—not just tooth position, jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) can be the most predictable path to comfort, function, and facial balance. At The OrthoSpaceship in Los Angeles, we look at the whole picture first: CBCT imaging, TMJ health, airway and breathing, and how your teeth fit within your face. If surgery makes sense, we coordinate with top oral and maxillofacial surgeons across LA and keep every step clear – diagnosis, timing, and budget.
Start with a free orthodontic consultation so you know exactly where you stand, including CBCT imaging, airway and TMJ review, and a realistic cost outline.
When Jaw Surgery Is Recommended
Think of this as a “function-first” decision. We talk about jaw surgery when orthodontics alone can’t correct the underlying jaw misalignment. Typical signs include an underbite, overbite, or open bite that never quite settles, chewing that feels inefficient, TMJ discomfort or muscle fatigue, airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnea linked to jaw position, and facial asymmetry that affects balance and comfort. If your main concern is an underbite or open bite, we’ll explain when orthodontics alone can help – and when the cost to fix an underbite involves jaw surgery because bone position is the driver.
Our promise: we’re conservative. We try less-invasive options first. We only recommend surgical correction when it’s the most stable, healthy way to get you breathing, biting, and feeling better long-term.
Jaw Surgery Cost in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, jaw surgery cost usually starts around $20,000 and can exceed $50,000. As a ballpark, single jaw surgery often falls toward the lower end of the range, while double jaw surgery trends higher due to additional planning, surgical time, and facility costs; your average cost of jaw surgery depends on these specifics. The total depends on the type of procedure (single jaw surgery on the upper jaw or lower jaw, double jaw surgery when both jaws need movement, or a focused mandibular osteotomy), your surgeon’s fees and experience, facility and anesthesia costs, the scope of orthodontic treatment before and after surgery, and the level of digital planning (CBCT, models, surgical splints). Geographic location within the Los Angeles market also plays a role. For patients comparing medical phrasing, orthognathic surgery cost follows the same factors and ranges. If you’re comparing jaw surgery Los Angeles cost across providers, ask for itemized estimates that separate surgeon’s fees, facility/anesthesia, and the orthodontic portion.
One important note: the orthodontic and surgical portions are billed separately. We’ll show you the total cost line by line so you can see what health insurance may contribute and what you might pay out of pocket. This clarity helps most patients decide what to handle with insurance coverage and what to manage through payment plans. Most plans include several months of pre-surgical orthodontics; total treatment often spans 12–24 months depending on movement and healing.
Corrective jaw surgery and orthodontics: how the plan comes together
Here’s what the real process looks like…
First, we diagnose the full picture – jaw relationships, tooth position, airway dimensions, TMJ function, and facial harmony – using CBCT and digital models. Next, we sit down with the surgeon and digitally simulate the movements that will deliver the destination bite and profile. Orthodontic treatment positions the teeth for surgery; surgery corrects the jaw base; then a shorter phase of post-surgery orthodontics refines the bite for long-term stability. Recovery timing varies, but most people are back to work or school within weeks while bone healing continues. During your initial consultation, we outline your timeline and expected follow up visits so planning work, school, and caregiving is straightforward.
If you’re deciding between treatment options, see what orthodontic treatment options are available at our office in Los Angeles.
Double Jaw Surgery vs Single Jaw Surgery
Single jaw surgery is often enough for focused corrections. Double jaw surgery is recommended when both jaws need to move to improve function, airway support, and facial balance. A mandibular osteotomy is the term for repositioning the lower jaw – just one of the orthognathic procedures we may use as part of your plan. The choice comes from your measurements, not a preference for “more” surgery.
Insurance Coverage, Health Insurance, and Payment Plans
Will insurance cover jaw surgery? Sometimes, yes. Many plans contribute when jaw surgery is medically necessary – think airway obstruction, speech or chewing impairment, or a documented skeletal discrepancy. Insurers typically define medically necessary orthognathic surgery as treatment for documented skeletal discrepancies affecting function – such as airway obstruction, chewing or speech impairment, or failure of tooth-only treatment to correct the bite. Coverage depends on the insurance provider, plan language, documentation, and pre-authorization. We prepare the diagnostics and narratives insurers expect and explain the parts they typically consider.
If a plan doesn’t participate or only covers a portion, we’ll outline what you may pay out of pocket and offer 0% interest payment plans on the orthodontic portion. If your timeline needs to coordinate with other treatments (for example, planning around dental implants), we’ll build that into both the clinical plan and the budget. Either way, you’ll know your estimated total cost up front – no surprises. We’ll also outline third-party financing options if you prefer predictable monthly payments.
Benefits You Can Feel
The goal isn’t just straighter teeth – it’s a bite that works with your jaws, muscles, and airway. Patients commonly report easier chewing and clearer speech, relief from jaw or muscle strain and some TMJ-related symptoms, improved facial symmetry, and better airway support that can help certain sleep apnea patterns. Many also notice a quiet, day-to-day confidence that comes from feeling comfortable again.
The Commitment and Recovery (Realistic – Not Scary)
Jaw surgery asks for time, healing, and financial planning. We make it predictable: clear timelines, coordinated surgeon and orthodontic visits, and honest estimates. You’ll know what to expect week by week, from pre-auth and pre-surgical orthodontics to post-surgery recovery and follow-up visits, so you can plan life around it without guessing.
Jaw Surgery Los Angeles: Why Patients Choose The OrthoSpaceship
Our CBCT-led, whole-health diagnostic approach looks beyond teeth to the airway, jaw joints, and facial balance. We partner with trusted LA surgeons and use advanced technology to simulate outcomes before you commit. You’ll get transparent estimates for the orthodontic and surgical portions, guidance on insurance coverage, and payment plans designed for real households. And because we’re conservative by design, we only recommend surgery when it’s the most stable path to long-term health.
That balance – whole-health diagnostics, coordinated planning, and clear pricing – is why so many Los Angeles patients choose our team for corrective jaw surgery.
FAQs
How much does jaw surgery cost in Los Angeles?
Most cases begin near $20,000 and can exceed $50,000. The range depends on whether you need single jaw or double jaw surgery, the surgeon’s fees, facility and anesthesia costs, and the scope of orthodontic treatment and planning.
Is orthognathic surgery covered by insurance?
Often, when medically necessary. We help you navigate health insurance criteria, pre-authorization, and documentation to reduce your overall cost. If you’re simply asking how much does jaw surgery cost for your situation, we’ll give you a personalized estimate and insurance roadmap.
What is a mandibular osteotomy?
It’s a procedure that repositions the lower jaw to improve bite function, facial balance, and, for some patients, airway support. It’s one of several procedures used within corrective jaw surgery.
Is jaw surgery worth it?
For the right diagnosis, the functional and quality-of-life improvements generally outweigh the recovery period and investment.
Ready to know if surgery is truly necessary for you?
Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with Dr. Isaac and Dr. Chantal Hakim. We’ll review your airway, TMJ, and bite, map jaw surgery cost and insurance options, and recommend the right path – aligners, braces, or a coordinated orthognathic plan with a trusted Los Angeles surgeon.