What Is Corrective Jaw Surgery?
At Tri-State Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Michael D. Couchot performs corrective jaw surgery — also known as orthognathic surgery — to realign the upper and lower jaws for improved function and facial balance. This procedure is often recommended to address problems such as difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing, as well as jaw misalignment, bite issues, and facial asymmetry. By repositioning the jaws into a more natural alignment, corrective jaw surgery can relieve discomfort, enhance oral health, and dramatically improve overall facial harmony. To learn more about jaw surgery or how Dr. Couchot works with orthodontists to ensure a seamless, customized treatment plan, contact our office in Ashland, KY to schedule a consultation.
How Is Jaw Surgery Performed?
Corrective jaw surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Couchot, who uses detailed imaging and digital planning to evaluate jaw alignment, bite, and facial structure. Once the surgical plan is finalized, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 – 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. During the surgery, Dr. Couchot carefully repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both, using small plates and screws to stabilize the new alignment. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth to avoid visible scarring, and patients may stay overnight for monitoring. Recovery involves an initial healing period of 2 – 3 weeks, with full jaw function typically returning over several months. Orthodontic treatment is often part of the overall plan to ensure proper alignment before and after surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Corrective Jaw Surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery offers both functional and aesthetic benefits that can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life, including:
- Improves the ability to chew, bite, and speak
- Corrects jaw misalignment and bite issues
- Enhances facial balance and symmetry
- Relieves jaw pain and TMJ discomfort
- Treats breathing problems like sleep apnea
- Supports long-term dental health
- Boosts self-confidence and appearance
- Reduces wear on teeth from an improper bite
- Improves lip closure and overall comfort
- Helps stabilize orthodontic treatment results
Tri-State Oral & Facial Surgery Reviews
I highly recommend if you need a tooth extracted. I have Trigeminal neuralgia ‘a chronic facial pain within the nerves’ they reacted with care. The staff are friendly. The environment is clean and comfortable.
Went for wisdom tooth removal, went very smoothly. Professional, quick, easy.
Ihad a tooth pulled from him his staff was amazing he was to I was there maybe a hour if that and I was first time patient and that's with paper work and all I would highly recommend If I ever need anything else done he is my go to for sure
I can’t say enough great things about Dr. Couchot and his staff! They make you feel at ease, professional top notch from beginning to end. So highly recommended! I would not go anywhere else. I have been going there since 2022.
I had a surgical extraction today. This is the best experience I have had at a dental office. All of the staff were professional and nice and answered all of my questions and concerns. After reading other reviews, I did not experience the "no bedside manner" reported of Dr. Couchot, but he IS an excellent surgeon. There is no aspect of the care I received that I could say anything negative about. Highly recommend!
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Am I A Candidate For Jaw Surgery?
Candidates for corrective jaw surgery are typically individuals who experience jaw issues that cannot be fully resolved with orthodontic treatment alone. This includes patients with significant bite imbalances, such as severe underbites, overbites, or crossbites, which cause chronic difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing. Others may seek treatment to address sleep apnea, chronic jaw joint pain, or noticeable facial asymmetry. Ideally, candidates should have completed their skeletal growth, which generally occurs in the late teens. Dr. Couchot evaluates each patient's unique anatomy to determine if surgical intervention is the safest and most effective path toward achieving a functional, balanced smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does jaw surgery take to perform?
The length of jaw surgery in Ashland, KY depends on the complexity of the case and whether one or both jaws are being treated. On average, orthognathic surgery may take several hours to complete. Procedures addressing conditions such as a misaligned bite, facial asymmetry, or obstructive sleep apnea related to jaw structure may require more detailed surgical adjustments. At Tri-State Oral & Facial Surgery, our team carefully plans each step in advance to maximize efficiency and precision during treatment while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and surgical accuracy.
Will my bite be adjusted during treatment?
Improving bite alignment is one of the primary goals of corrective jaw surgery. During treatment, the surgeon repositions the jawbones to correct functional concerns such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. These adjustments help create better contact between the upper and lower teeth, which can improve chewing, speaking, and overall oral function. Our team collaborates closely with orthodontic providers when necessary to ensure that jaw positioning and tooth alignment work together seamlessly during the surgical process.
Can jaw surgery address breathing concerns?
In certain cases, corrective jaw surgery may be performed to improve airway space during treatment, particularly for patients with structural jaw issues contributing to obstructive sleep apnea. By repositioning the jaws forward or adjusting their alignment, the airway behind the tongue and soft tissues can be expanded. During orthognathic surgery, these structural modifications are carefully planned to balance both functional and aesthetic goals.
Improve Chewing and Speaking
If jaw pain, bite issues, or facial imbalance are affecting your daily life, corrective jaw surgery may be the solution. At Tri-State Oral & Facial Surgery, board-certified oral surgeon Dr. Michael D. Couchot provides advanced surgical care to realign the jaws, improve function, and restore facial harmony. With expert planning, precise techniques, and compassionate follow-up care, Dr. Couchot helps patients achieve lasting comfort and renewed confidence. Schedule your consultation at our Ashland, KY office today to learn how jaw surgery can transform your health and quality of life.