Jaw Surgery Assessment in North London

Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, corrects issues that orthodontics alone cannot fix. You might be a candidate if you have significant functional problems like difficulty chewing, biting, or swallowing, or chronic jaw pain. It also addresses sleep apnea when jaw position restricts the airway. Aesthetic concerns include a protruding lower jaw, a receding chin, or facial asymmetry. Many of our patients from across North London seek an assessment to find a lasting solution to bite and facial balance issues that affect daily life.

Your journey starts with a comprehensive 90-minute consultation at our Finchley clinic. First we discuss your concerns and goals. Next we use our in-house 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography CBCT scanner to create a precise digital model of your facial structure, teeth, and jawbones. This scan is essential for accurate diagnosis. Then our team analyzes this data to craft a detailed treatment plan. The plan often includes a phase of orthodontic treatment to align your teeth before surgery. Finally we coordinate your referral to a trusted oral and maxillofacial surgeon at a private hospital who will perform the procedure. We manage the entire pre-operative phase, ensuring you are fully prepared. For example, a Barnet patient with a severe underbite recently completed our assessment; his plan involves 12 months of braces followed by surgery, all coordinated through our practice.

Recovery requires patience and careful aftercare. You typically stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights. The initial recovery period at home lasts about 6-8 weeks. During the first few weeks, you'll have significant swelling and will be on a liquid-only diet, gradually progressing to soft foods. Pain is managed with prescribed medication. Most patients take 2-4 weeks off work. It's important to follow your surgeon's instructions precisely, especially regarding oral hygiene and diet. A common scenario is for a patient to feel much better after 2 weeks, but the jawbones take a full 3 months to heal solidly. Red flags requiring immediate contact with your surgeon include fever above 38 C, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of infection. For routine post-operative orthodontic check-ups with us, call during our office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7).

For less severe jaw discrepancies, braces alone may work. This option, known as orthodontic camouflage, uses braces such as Invisalign to shift teeth and improve bite and smile, masking the underlying skeletal issue. It is less invasive with a shorter recovery but does not correct jaw position, so it suits only limited functional problems or minor aesthetic concerns. We discuss this option during your assessment.

If the main concern is chin position rather than the entire jaw, genioplasty might be a more targeted option. This procedure repositions the chin bone to improve facial profile and balance. It is less complex than full jaw surgery but still requires a referral. During your consultation, our 3D scans help determine whether the issue lies with your chin, your jaw, or both.

To choose what fits you, ask detailed questions whether you work with us or another practice in North London. Start with the assessment process: 'Does the fee include the 3D CBCT scan?' and 'What is your experience diagnosing and planning jaw surgery?'. For the surgery itself, ask the referred surgeon: 'How many jaw surgeries do you perform each year?', 'Which hospital will host the procedure?', 'What are the specific risks in my case?', and 'What is the total estimated cost, including anaesthetist and hospital fees?'.

The jaw surgery assessment at our Finchley practice, including the 3D CBCT scan and a personalised treatment plan, has a fixed fee provided during your initial enquiry. This fee covers the entire diagnostic and planning stage. The cost of the surgery itself, along with hospital and anaesthetist fees, is separate and quoted by the specialist surgeon's office. We ensure there are no hidden fees in our assessment process. While the surgical procedure is covered by some high-level private medical insurance policies, our assessment fee is typically paid directly. We accept Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna dental plans for other aspects of your care, and we can discuss how your plan applies.