Jaw Surgery Cost

There are people in this world who are unable to speak or chew properly due to asymmetrical or misalignment of jaws. The upper or lower jaw shows excess growth which can considerably damage facial appearance. Jaws, characterized by asymmetry is the result of faulty bony structure. A protruding jaw or a receding chin is a perfect example of incorrect positioning of jaw. However, with the advent of jaw surgery, all these jaw and facial irregularities can be successfully corrected.

Jaw Surgery
A jaw surgery, be it corrective, underbite or orthodontic, is a procedure in which one or both the jaws are placed in their proper position. Abnormal alignment of jaws occur when the lower and upper jaws develop gradually at different rates. To correct this asymmetry, the jaws are repositioned. This procedure can remove functional problems like improper bite (under or overbites) and improve overall oral health. Read more about dental care.

The procedure generally involves moving the upper or lower jaw. In case the problem is with the lower jaw, then the jaw bone is precisely cut and separated to move it in backward or forward direction as required. Surgery that involves the upper jaw is performed by raising or lowering it. Sometimes the upper jaw is repositioned backward or forward to correct the misaligned jaw. Patients do experience some pain after surgery which can be managed by taking certain medications. Read more about jaw pain causes.

How Much Does a Jaw Surgery Cost?
This procedure is a bit complicated and is performed by experienced oral maxillofacial surgeons. In this surgical procedure, the teeth may also have to be repositioned for better facial profile. A person undergoing a jaw surgery will have to pay anywhere between $20000 and $30000. Following are the factors that determine jaw surgery cost.

• Doctor's Fee
• Location
• Complications
• Orthodontic Treatment

Doctor's Fee: Surgeons having an extensive experience in executing this jaw surgery charge exorbitant fees, thus increasing the overall cost of jaw surgery.

Location: The jaw surgery cost will also depend on where it is performed. It is believed that operation charges in California state are quite high as compared to other locations in United States. However, in countries like Costa Rica, the corrective jaw surgery cost or the underbite jaw surgery cost is significantly less and quite affordable. On the whole, the jaw surgery cost outside United States is not high and may vary from $8000 to $12000.

Orthodontics Treatment: An orthodontist who specializes in correcting the irregularities of the teeth, is also consulted before performing a corrective or underbite jaw surgery. The doctor ascertains whether the teeth should be moved (repositioned ) so that they align correctly, once the jaw is relocated. If there is a need, the orthodontist will ask the patient to wear braces to shift the teeth to the desired position. This is a pre-surgical treatment that will last for more than 1 year. The patient will have to shell out $2000-5000 during treatment.

Complications: Surgery that involves repositioning both the the jaws will certainly cost more than the expenditure incurred by performing a surgical procedure in which one of the jaws are moved.

Anesthesia Fees: The jaw surgery will be carried out by giving the patient general anesthesia. The hospital authorities many have to specifically call an anesthesiologist to administer anesthesia. Their service charge will vary from $1000 to $2000.

There are very few medical insurance companies willing to cover jaw surgery cost. In majority of the cases, the patient has to bear the expenses. However, one cannot deny that with the advancement in technology, the procedure has become safe and cost effective with minimal risk involved in it.