Business

Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery Melbourne: Who Needs It, What It Corrects & What to Expect product guide

AI Summary

Product: Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery Consultation and Treatment Brand: Smile Solutions Category: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Multidisciplinary Dental Care Primary Use: Surgical repositioning of the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both to correct skeletal discrepancies that cannot be resolved by orthodontic treatment alone

Quick Facts

  • Best For: Patients with skeletal jaw discrepancies exceeding two standard deviations from published norms, including underbite, overbite, open bite, crossbite, facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnoea with skeletal contributors, or TMJ dysfunction linked to skeletal imbalance
  • Key Benefit: Restores jaw function, improves airway health, resolves associated pain, and produces lasting facial balance with consistently high patient satisfaction and measurable quality-of-life improvements
  • Form Factor: Integrated multidisciplinary clinical service; located at Level 12 and Tower, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD, operating since 1993
  • Application Method: No referral required; call 13 13 96 to book a specialist consultation with co-located orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Common Questions This Guide Answers

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and how does it differ from orthodontics? → Orthodontics moves teeth within bone; orthognathic surgery moves the bone itself — it is indicated when skeletal discrepancies are too severe for braces or aligners to resolve
  2. What conditions qualify a patient for orthognathic surgery? → Overjet ≥ 5 mm or negative overjet, molar differences ≥ 4 mm, open bite > 2 mm, transverse discrepancy ≥ 4 mm bilaterally or ≥ 3 mm unilaterally, severe facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnoea with skeletal contributors, and TMJ dysfunction linked to skeletal imbalance
  3. What does the treatment timeline look like? → Pre-surgical orthodontics takes 6–18 months, surgery follows, then post-surgical orthodontic finishing — mean total treatment time is up to 36 months; most relapses occur within six months of surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthognathic surgery: Surgical repositioning of the jaw bones to correct skeletal discrepancies

What does "orthognathic" mean: From Greek "orthos" (straight) and "gnathos" (jaw)

Which jaw can orthognathic surgery correct: Upper jaw, lower jaw, or both simultaneously

Is orthognathic surgery the same as orthodontics: No, they are clinically distinct treatments

What does orthodontics move: Teeth within the bone

What does orthognathic surgery move: The bone itself

Is orthognathic surgery considered cosmetic: No, it is medically necessary in the majority of cases

Where is Smile Solutions located: Level 12 and Tower, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD

How long has Smile Solutions been operating: Since 1993

How many clinicians does Smile Solutions have: 60 or more clinicians

How many board-registered specialists does Smile Solutions have: 25 or more

How many patients has Smile Solutions treated: Over 250,000 patients

Do I need a referral to book at Smile Solutions: No referral required

What is the phone number for Smile Solutions: 13 13 96

What is the primary surgical technique for the upper jaw: Le Fort I osteotomy

What is the primary surgical technique for the lower jaw: Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)

What is the most common indication for orthognathic surgery: Significant mismatch between upper and lower jaws

What is a Class III malocclusion: Prognathic mandible or retrognathic maxilla causing underbite

What is a Class II malocclusion: Retrognathic mandible causing excessive overjet

What percentage of the population is affected by Class III malocclusion: 7.04 percent

What percentage of Class III malocclusions are skeletal in nature: 63 to 73 percent

What overjet qualifies for orthognathic surgery: Overjet of 5 mm or greater, or negative overjet

What molar relationship difference indicates surgical need: Differences of 4 mm or greater

What open bite measurement indicates surgical need: Anterior or posterior open bite greater than 2 mm

What transverse discrepancy indicates surgical need: 4 mm or greater bilaterally, or 3 mm unilaterally

What is anterior open bite: Upper and lower front teeth don't contact when back teeth are closed

What is the prevalence of anterior open bite: Ranges from 2.9% to 17%

What percentage of orthognathic patients had anterior open bite in one study: 11.5% of 1,095 patients

What causes posterior crossbite: Upper jaw being narrower than the lower jaw

Can orthodontic expansion alone fix crossbite in adults: No, the midpalatal suture has fused in adults

What surgical option treats narrow maxilla in adults: Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE)

What is the prevalence of facial asymmetry in the general population: Ranges from 11% to 37%

What is the prevalence of facial asymmetry in patients with malocclusions: Ranges from 21% to 67%

Can mild facial asymmetry be managed orthodontically: Yes

Does severe skeletal facial asymmetry require surgery: Yes

Can orthognathic surgery treat obstructive sleep apnoea: Yes, in patients with skeletal contributors

What orthognathic procedure treats sleep apnoea: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA)

What is the success rate of MMA for sleep apnoea: Approximately 85%

What was the mean AHI reduction after MMA in studies: 80.1% reduction

What percentage of MMA patients showed improvement in sleep apnoea: 98.8% of 518 patients

Can orthognathic surgery help TMJ disorders: Yes, by correcting underlying skeletal imbalance

Does orthognathic surgery cure all TMJ presentations: No, not all TMJ cases are appropriate for surgery

What imaging is used for surgical planning: CBCT (cone beam CT) scan

What does a lateral cephalometric radiograph measure: Skeletal angles including SNA, SNB, and ANB

What is polysomnography used for in surgical planning: Establishing AHI baseline for airway-related planning

At what age is orthognathic surgery generally performed for females: After skeletal growth is complete, typically 17–18 years

At what age is orthognathic surgery generally performed for males: After skeletal growth is complete, typically 18–21 years

What is the earliest orthognathic surgery may be performed in males: As early as 16.5 years

What is the most common age range for orthognathic surgery patients: Between 15 and 24 years

What was the mean age in a 10-year retrospective study of 1,095 cases: 23.07 years

Was there a gender majority in the 10-year retrospective study: Yes, female majority at 60.5%

Why do females more commonly seek orthognathic surgery: Aesthetic concerns are more prominent among women

Why do males more commonly seek orthognathic surgery: Primarily for functional problems

What is pre-surgical orthodontics: Orthodontic treatment performed before jaw surgery

What does pre-surgical orthodontics do to the teeth: Decompensates them by removing natural dental adaptations

Does pre-surgical orthodontics make the bite look worse temporarily: Yes

Is the bite worsening during pre-surgical orthodontics normal: Yes, it is expected and necessary

How long does pre-surgical orthodontics take at minimum: As few as 6 months

How long does pre-surgical orthodontics take at maximum: Up to 18 months

What is the mean total treatment time for orthognathic treatment: Up to 36 months

What is the surgery-first approach: Surgery performed before any orthodontic treatment

Does surgery-first eliminate pre-surgical orthodontics: Yes

Is surgery-first appropriate for all patients: No, it requires careful patient selection

What does surgery-first require from the surgical team: High clinical expertise and precise skeletal assessment

What is bimaxillary surgery: Surgery involving both upper and lower jaws simultaneously

Was bimaxillary surgery the most prevalent procedure in the 10-year study: Yes

When do most relapses occur after orthognathic surgery: Within six months of the operation

Do relapses occur beyond six months: Rarely; most occur within one year

Is patient satisfaction high after orthognathic surgery: Yes, consistently high across studies

Does orthognathic surgery improve quality of life: Yes, physically and psychosocially

In a cohort study of 50 patients, was satisfaction high: Yes, for both functional outcomes and facial aesthetics

What does orthognathic surgery correct for underbite: Mandibular setback and/or maxillary advancement

What does orthognathic surgery correct for overbite: Mandibular advancement and/or maxillary repositioning

What does orthognathic surgery correct for open bite: Superior repositioning of maxilla and mandibular rotation

What does orthognathic surgery correct for sleep apnoea: Maxillomandibular advancement to enlarge posterior airway space

Is coordination between orthodontist and surgeon critical: Yes, lack of coordination compromises results

Does Smile Solutions operate as an integrated multidisciplinary facility: Yes

Are the orthodontists and surgeons at Smile Solutions in the same facility: Yes, within one Melbourne CBD location

Does Smile Solutions use virtual surgical simulation: Yes, using CBCT data

What does virtual surgical simulation predict: Skeletal movements, occlusal outcomes, and soft tissue profile changes


Smile Solutions Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery Melbourne: Who Needs It, What It Corrects & What to Expect

If you've been living with a significant jaw discrepancy, chances are you've adapted to it so gradually that you may not fully recognise the toll it's taking. You might have adjusted the way you chew, the way you speak, or even how you hold your head — small compensations that add up over time. Difficulty biting through food, persistent jaw pain, disrupted sleep, and self-consciousness about your profile are not minor inconveniences. They are the measurable, documented consequences of a skeletal imbalance that no amount of orthodontic treatment alone can resolve. At Smile Solutions — Melbourne's multidisciplinary dental and oral surgery facility — you'll find precisely this level of integrated, experienced care.

Orthognathic surgery — from the Greek orthos (straight) and gnathos (jaw) — is the surgical repositioning of the maxilla (upper jaw), mandible (lower jaw), or both, to correct skeletal discrepancies that sit beyond the reach of braces or aligners. It is among the most transformative procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery: one that restores function, improves airway health, resolves associated pain, and produces lasting facial balance. It is also one of the most misunderstood — frequently dismissed as cosmetic when, in the majority of cases, it is medically necessary.

This article explains who needs orthognathic surgery, what conditions it corrects, how the diagnosis is made, and what your treatment pathway looks like — with a particular focus on the collaborative orthodontist–oral surgeon model that sets Smile Solutions Melbourne apart.


What is orthognathic surgery and why is it distinct from orthodontics?

Combining orthognathic surgery with orthodontic therapy is a crucial approach for correcting severe dentofacial deformities that orthodontics alone cannot address. This distinction is clinically precise, not a matter of preference. Braces and aligners move teeth within the bone. Orthognathic surgery moves the bone itself.

Among available treatment options, orthognathic surgery is often considered the last resort — typically reserved for cases where the skeletal discrepancy is too severe to be corrected by orthodontics alone, or when the patient is no longer growing and cannot undergo growth modification.

Orthognathic surgery allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to resolve jaw asymmetry issues and restore function, aesthetics, and balance. The two primary surgical techniques are the Le Fort I osteotomy for repositioning the maxilla and the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) for the mandible.

Certain skeletal discrepancies may persist despite routine growth modification and camouflage treatment, or they may not qualify for these treatments at all. These are addressed through procedures such as the Le Fort I osteotomy and the BSSO.

For a detailed comparison of which conditions can be managed with orthodontics alone versus which require surgery, see our guide on Jaw Surgery vs. Orthodontics Alone: How to Know Which Treatment Your Bite Actually Needs.


Who needs orthognathic surgery? The four core skeletal conditions

1. Anteroposterior discrepancies: overbite, underbite and overjet

The most common indication for orthognathic surgery is a significant front-to-back mismatch between the upper and lower jaws. This shows up as either a Class II malocclusion (retrognathic mandible, excessive overjet) or a Class III malocclusion (prognathic mandible or retrognathic maxilla, negative overjet or underbite).

Class III malocclusions — which can involve mandibular prognathism, maxillary retrognathism, or both — are among the most difficult maxillofacial deformities to correct because of unfavourable mandibular skeletal growth. The condition affects 7.04% of the population overall, and research shows that 63–73% of Class III cases are skeletal in origin. The resulting concave facial profile reflects an imbalance in mandibular and maxillary growth rather than a dental problem that braces can fix.

The clinical threshold for surgical intervention is well established. Patients are indicated for orthognathic surgery when skeletal discrepancies exceed two standard deviations from normal values — typically: overjet ≥ +5 mm or negative overjet; molar relationship differences ≥ 4 mm; anterior or posterior open bite > 2 mm or deep overbite with soft-tissue impingement; transverse discrepancies ≥ 4 mm bilaterally or ≥ 3 mm unilaterally; and facial asymmetries beyond normative thresholds.

2. Vertical discrepancies: open bite and deep bite

Anterior open bite — where the upper and lower front teeth don't make contact when the back teeth are closed — is a complex skeletal condition with real functional consequences, including difficulty biting food and altered speech.

Its aetiology involves skeletal, dentoalveolar, and functional components, and its prevalence has been reported anywhere from 2.9% to 17%. In one retrospective series of 1,095 orthognathic patients, anterior open bite was diagnosed in 11.5% of cases, consistent with the upper range of previous reports.

3. Transverse discrepancies: crossbite and narrow maxilla

When the upper jaw is narrower than the lower jaw, a posterior crossbite results — teeth on one or both sides bite inside rather than outside the lower teeth. In skeletally mature adults, the midpalatal suture has fused, so orthodontic expansion alone is insufficient. At skeletal maturity, a maxillary transverse discrepancy can be corrected through surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE), orthodontic dental compensation, or a multipiece Le Fort osteotomy.

4. Facial asymmetries

Asymmetries involving jaw deviation, chin point displacement, or unequal vertical facial heights are among the most functionally and psychosocially significant presentations. The causes are multifactorial — genetic, functional, and environmental factors during growth all play a role — and reported prevalence ranges from 11% to 37% in the general population, rising to 21–67% in people with malocclusions, particularly Class III.

Mild asymmetry can often be managed orthodontically. Severe skeletal deviations generally require surgery.


Beyond the bite: additional medical indications for jaw surgery

Orthognathic surgery isn't solely about occlusion. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS, 2023 edition) explicitly recognises that surgery may also be indicated where there is documented airway dysfunction such as sleep apnoea, temporomandibular joint disorders, psychosocial disorders, or speech impairments.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) — an orthognathic procedure that advances both jaws simultaneously — is among the most effective surgical interventions for moderate-to-severe OSA, particularly in patients with identifiable skeletal contributors to airway collapse. MMA carries a success rate of approximately 85% and is especially indicated in patients with craniofacial anomalies such as mandibular retrognathia or maxillary hypoplasia who are intolerant of or non-adherent to CPAP therapy.

The outcomes data are compelling. Mean postoperative changes in the apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) after MMA were −47.8 events/hour, a mean reduction of 80.1%, and 512 of 518 patients (98.8%) showed improvement.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Severe skeletal malocclusion is associated with elevated TMD prevalence. Patients with skeletal Class II dentofacial deformity referred for orthognathic surgery show higher rates of TMD, with muscular and degenerative disorders being the most common diagnoses. Correcting the underlying skeletal imbalance can meaningfully reduce TMJ symptom burden — though the relationship is complex and not all TMJ presentations are appropriate for orthognathic surgery. See our guide on TMJ Disorder & Jaw Surgery: When Conservative Treatment Fails and Surgery Becomes the Answer for a detailed discussion of this distinction.


How jaw growth imbalances are diagnosed

Orthognathic surgery planning integrates clinical examination, three-dimensional imaging, and digital surgical simulation. A diagnosis of surgical-level skeletal discrepancy is not made on appearance alone — your specialists at Smile Solutions will work through a comprehensive diagnostic process to build a complete picture of your individual needs.

Diagnostic records required for surgical planning

Record Type Purpose
Lateral cephalometric radiograph Measures skeletal angles (SNA, SNB, ANB) and incisor inclinations
CBCT (cone beam CT) scan Three-dimensional bone mapping; airway assessment; surgical simulation
Panoramic radiograph Dental and condylar assessment
Study models / intraoral scans Occlusal analysis; surgical wafer fabrication
Clinical photographs Facial proportion analysis; soft tissue prediction
Polysomnography (if OSA is suspected) AHI baseline for airway-related surgical planning

Patients are eligible for orthognathic surgery if they present with a dento-maxillofacial deformity requiring surgical correction — including skeletal Class II or Class III malocclusion, vertical maxillary excess or deficiency, or transverse discrepancies not manageable with orthodontics alone — have completed or are scheduled to complete presurgical orthodontic treatment, and are in good general health with no systemic contraindications to general anaesthesia.

The AAOMS (2023) also notes that these indications establish the clinical basis for surgery rather than functioning as absolute criteria. Patients who don't fall two or more standard deviations outside published norms may still legitimately require surgery when functional impairment is documented.


Age and timing: when is the right time for jaw surgery?

Orthognathic surgery is generally deferred until skeletal growth is complete — typically 17–18 years for females and 18–21 years for males — to prevent relapse from ongoing jaw development. Children with atypical growth patterns can undergo growth modification early; adults don't have that option and frequently need surgery instead.

Limited research suggests surgery may be performed as early as 16.5 years in males, where circumpubertal growth is complete or nearly so, though continued mandibular growth remains possible until age 20.

The most common age range for orthognathic surgery patients is 15–24 years. A 10-year retrospective analysis of 1,095 cases found the most prevalent age range to be 16–24 years, with a female majority (60.5%) and a mean age of 23.07 ± 5.6 years.

The literature indicates that aesthetic concerns drive more women and younger patients to seek surgery, while men tend to present primarily for functional reasons. Older patients are often more hesitant due to concerns about surgical risk. Whatever your age or motivation, your Smile Solutions team will take the time to understand your specific circumstances and guide you toward the most appropriate timing for your treatment.


The role of pre-surgical orthodontics: why your bite gets worse before surgery

One of the most counterintuitive aspects of orthognathic treatment is the pre-surgical orthodontic phase — and it's something your care team will explain thoroughly so you know exactly what to expect. Before surgery, your orthodontist must "decompensate" your teeth, removing the natural adaptations they've made over years to accommodate the skeletal discrepancy. This temporarily makes your bite look and feel worse. It's a completely normal and necessary part of the process.

In patients with skeletal discrepancies, teeth naturally compensate to allow for a functional occlusion, meaning their inclination and position don't directly reflect the degree of the underlying deformity. Traditional orthognathic planning involves a period of presurgical orthodontic treatment to synchronise the dental deformity with the skeletal deformity by decompensating the teeth. This allows for a planned final occlusion where balanced forces are transmitted across the teeth based on their location within the arch, with the teeth centred correctly within the alveolar housing.

Pre-surgical orthodontics may take as few as 6 months or as many as 18 months, depending on your individual needs. Your orthodontist will typically place braces to align crowded teeth and position them favourably in the jaw.

Once the dental deformity matches the skeletal deformity, surgery is performed, followed by post-surgical orthodontic finishing. Total treatment times — from the start of pre-surgical orthodontics to the end of post-surgical orthodontics — have a mean of up to 36 months.

The surgery-first approach: an emerging alternative

For carefully selected patients, a surgery-first approach eliminates the pre-surgical orthodontic phase entirely, proceeding directly to surgery followed by post-surgical orthodontics. Recent advances in tooth movement mechanics, stability of specific skeletal movements with rigid fixation, and a better understanding of surgery's effects on tooth movement have made this possible, along with surgery-only approaches and the use of clear aligners. In appropriate patients, these protocols can reduce total treatment time, improve quality of life during treatment, and increase patient satisfaction.

Because the baseline occlusion can't guide treatment goals in a surgery-first approach, clinical expertise, accurate prediction of postoperative tooth movements, and precise skeletal assessment are essential. This approach requires a highly experienced surgical team and isn't suitable for everyone — your Smile Solutions specialists will advise you on whether it's a viable pathway for your situation.


The orthodontist–oral surgeon collaboration at Smile Solutions

Orthognathic surgery is, by definition, an interdisciplinary undertaking. The orthodontist's role spans the initial evaluation, presurgical orthodontics, surgical planning, and postsurgical orthodontics — and at each phase, collaboration between orthodontist and surgeon is critical. As the literature puts it plainly: lack of coordination between the orthodontist and the surgeon will lead to a compromised result.

At Smile Solutions, this collaboration isn't a referral arrangement between separate practices. It's a genuinely integrated model where orthodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and prosthodontists work together within the same multidisciplinary facility in Melbourne's CBD. That means shared treatment planning, coordinated imaging, and consistent communication across a journey that commonly spans two to three years. For patients, this translates into a seamless, personalised experience backed by genuine clinical depth.

The surgical planning phase at Smile Solutions includes virtual surgical simulation using CBCT data, allowing the surgical team to predict skeletal movements, occlusal outcomes, and soft tissue profile changes before a single incision is made. Specific advances over the past twenty years include increasing fidelity with computer-assisted planning, patient-specific fixation, expanding indications for managing upper airway obstruction, and shifts in orthodontic-surgical paradigms.

For a step-by-step account of what happens on surgical day and through the recovery period, see our companion guide: The Jaw Surgery Journey: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics, Hospital Procedure & Multi-Month Recovery Timeline.


What does orthognathic surgery actually correct? A clinical summary

Osteotomies of the midface and mandible are used in contemporary craniomaxillofacial practice to address three-dimensional dysmorphology of the maxillomandibular complex, with positive effects on occlusion, facial aesthetics, and airway management.

In practical terms, orthognathic surgery at Smile Solutions can correct:

  • Underbite (Class III): Mandibular setback and/or maxillary advancement
  • Overbite / excessive overjet (Class II): Mandibular advancement and/or maxillary repositioning
  • Anterior open bite: Superior repositioning of the maxilla, counterclockwise mandibular rotation
  • Posterior open bite / deep bite: Vertical dimension adjustment via Le Fort I impaction or advancement
  • Crossbite / narrow maxilla: Multi-piece Le Fort I osteotomy or SARPE
  • Facial asymmetry: Differential jaw repositioning to equalise vertical and transverse facial dimensions
  • Obstructive sleep apnoea (skeletal contributors): Maxillomandibular advancement to enlarge the posterior airway space

Bimaxillary surgery — involving both jaws simultaneously — was the most prevalent procedure in a 10-year retrospective analysis of 1,095 cases, reflecting how often combined maxillary and mandibular discrepancies require coordinated correction.


Outcomes: what the evidence says about results and quality of life

The outcomes literature for orthognathic surgery is extensive and consistently positive — and at Smile Solutions, staying current with the best available evidence is central to how your care team builds your personalised treatment plan.

Orthognathic surgery produces improvements in quality of life both physically and psychosocially, and is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction. It corrects skeletal and dental misalignments, enhancing function and appearance across multiple dimensions in patients with significant dentofacial deformities that orthodontics alone cannot address.

A cohort study of 50 orthognathic patients found high levels of satisfaction with both functional outcomes and facial aesthetics, with objective measurements also showing significant improvements in occlusion and facial balance.

Long-term stability is a key consideration in treatment planning. Recurrence is a recognised feature of the post-surgical course, occurring most frequently within six months of the operation and almost always within a year. This makes committed post-surgical orthodontic follow-through — and experienced surgical technique — essential to durable results.


Key takeaways

  • Orthognathic surgery corrects skeletal jaw discrepancies, not dental ones. It is indicated when the underlying bone relationship is too severe for orthodontics to manage, typically when discrepancies exceed two standard deviations from published skeletal norms.
  • The four primary indications are anteroposterior discrepancies (overbite/underbite), vertical discrepancies (open bite/deep bite), transverse discrepancies (crossbite), and facial asymmetry, with additional indications including obstructive sleep apnoea and TMJ dysfunction.
  • Pre-surgical orthodontics (6–18 months) is a standard component of the conventional treatment pathway. It decompensates the teeth before surgery and temporarily worsens the bite appearance — a normal and expected part of the process.
  • Treatment is a collaboration between orthodontist and oral surgeon across multiple phases: initial evaluation, presurgical orthodontics, surgical planning, surgery, and post-surgical orthodontic finishing. Lack of coordination between these roles compromises outcomes.
  • Evidence consistently shows high patient satisfaction and measurable quality-of-life improvements across physical, functional, and psychosocial domains following orthognathic surgery.

Conclusion

Orthognathic surgery occupies a precise and irreplaceable position in treating dentofacial deformity. It isn't a cosmetic shortcut, nor is it an extreme last resort for unusual cases — it is the appropriate, evidence-based treatment for skeletal jaw discrepancies that cannot be resolved by moving teeth alone. For patients who have spent years adapting to a jaw relationship that impairs their chewing, their sleep, their speech, or their sense of self, it can be genuinely life-changing.

The complexity of the treatment — spanning years, multiple disciplines, and a hospital-based surgical procedure — makes the choice of provider as important as the decision to proceed. At Smile Solutions Melbourne, the integration of board-registered oral and maxillofacial surgeons with specialist orthodontists under one roof is not incidental. It is the clinical architecture that makes safe, coordinated, and predictable outcomes possible.

If you're ready to take the next step, no referral is required — simply call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your personalised oral surgery consultation.

To understand the full surgical journey in detail, read The Jaw Surgery Journey: Pre-Surgical Orthodontics, Hospital Procedure & Multi-Month Recovery Timeline. To see how surgical and orthodontic-only pathways are compared clinically, see Jaw Surgery vs. Orthodontics Alone: How to Know Which Treatment Your Bite Actually Needs. For information on anaesthesia options for your procedure, see Anaesthesia Options for Oral Surgery: Local, IV Sedation & General Anaesthetic Compared.


Smile Solutions has been providing oral and maxillofacial surgery care from Melbourne's CBD since 1993. Located at the Manchester Unity Building, Level 12 and Tower, 220 Collins Street, Smile Solutions brings together 60+ clinicians — including 25+ board-registered specialists — who have cared for over 250,000 patients. No referral is required to book a specialist appointment. Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your oral surgery consultation.


References

  • American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). "Indications for Orthognathic Surgery." AAOMS Clinical Resources, 2023 Edition. https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ortho_indications.pdf

  • Kaya M, et al. "Skeletal Deformities and Surgical Procedures in Orthognathic Surgery Patients: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of 1095 Cases." BMC Oral Health, 2025. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-025-07265-8

  • Mulier D, et al. "Evaluating Post-surgical Stability and Relapse in Orthognathic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review." PMC / National Library of Medicine, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11582089/

  • Alam MK, et al. "Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcomes in Orthognathic Surgery." Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38595408/

  • Zaghi S, Holty JE, Certal V, et al. "Maxillomandibular Advancement for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-analysis." JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 2016;142(1):58–66. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26606321/

  • Almasri AMH, et al. "Evaluation of Satisfaction Levels Following Orthognathic Treatment in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review." Cureus, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11569791/

  • Moura LB, et al. "Orthognathic Surgery and Relapse: A Systematic Review." PMC / National Library of Medicine, 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10525849/

  • Peiró-Guijarro MA, et al. "Current Trends in Orthognathic Surgery." Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/20/7336

  • Proffit WR, et al. "Orthodontist's Role in Orthognathic Surgery." PMC / National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3805727/

  • Hernández-Alfaro F, Guijarro-Martínez R. "On a Definition of the Appropriate Timing for Surgical Intervention in Orthognathic Surgery." International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2014. https://www.institutomaxilofacial.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/On-a-definition-of-the-appropriate.pdf

  • Ali SA, et al. "Efficacy of Orthognathic Surgery in OSAS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2025;52(4):554–565. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joor.13936


Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

No data provided — The product specification data section was empty. No Product Facts table, packaging data, or manufacturer label information was available from which to extract verifiable label facts.

General product claims

The following factual and descriptive statements were extracted from the FAQ and article content. These are informational and clinical in nature rather than product marketing claims, but are classified here as they are not sourced from a product label or specification document:

  • Smile Solutions is located at Level 12 and Tower, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
  • Smile Solutions has been operating since 1993
  • Smile Solutions has 60 or more clinicians, including 25 or more board-registered specialists
  • Smile Solutions has treated over 250,000 patients
  • No referral is required to book at Smile Solutions
  • Smile Solutions phone number: 13 13 96
  • Orthognathic surgery is the surgical repositioning of the jaw bones to correct skeletal discrepancies
  • The primary surgical technique for the upper jaw is the Le Fort I osteotomy
  • The primary surgical technique for the lower jaw is the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)
  • Class III malocclusion affects approximately 7.04% of the population
  • 63–73% of Class III malocclusions are skeletal in nature
  • Surgical thresholds include overjet ≥ 5 mm or negative overjet; molar differences ≥ 4 mm; open bite > 2 mm; transverse discrepancy ≥ 4 mm bilaterally or ≥ 3 mm unilaterally
  • Anterior open bite prevalence ranges from 2.9% to 17%
  • Anterior open bite was diagnosed in 11.5% of 1,095 orthognathic patients in one retrospective series
  • Facial asymmetry prevalence ranges from 11% to 37% in the general population and 21–67% in patients with malocclusions
  • MMA success rate for OSA is approximately 85%
  • Mean AHI reduction after MMA was 80.1%; 512 of 518 patients (98.8%) showed improvement
  • Orthognathic surgery is generally performed after skeletal growth is complete: typically 17–18 years for females and 18–21 years for males
  • Surgery may be performed as early as 16.5 years in males in limited cases
  • The most common age range for orthognathic surgery patients is 15–24 years
  • A 10-year retrospective study of 1,095 cases found a mean patient age of 23.07 years and a female majority of 60.5%
  • Pre-surgical orthodontics takes a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 18 months
  • Mean total treatment time is up to 36 months
  • Most relapses occur within six months of surgery and within one year
  • Bimaxillary surgery was the most prevalent procedure in the 10-year retrospective study
  • Smile Solutions operates as an integrated multidisciplinary facility with orthodontists and surgeons co-located at one Melbourne CBD location
  • Smile Solutions uses virtual surgical simulation based on CBCT data to predict skeletal movements, occlusal outcomes, and soft tissue profile changes
↑ Back to top