Orthognathic Surgery for Underbite Correction: A Complete Guide with Real Patient Results

Understanding Underbites and Jaw Misalignment

An underbite, also known as a Class III malocclusion, occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) extends beyond the upper jaw (maxilla), creating a reversed bite relationship. This can lead to difficulty chewing, speech issues, and a concave facial profile that affects overall balance and appearance.

Underbites can be caused by genetic factors, abnormal jaw growth, or early childhood habits. In moderate to severe cases, traditional braces alone cannot reposition the jaw. That’s where orthognathic surgery, also known as corrective jaw surgery, becomes the key to long-term success.

Meet Jonah: Real Results Through Orthognathic Surgery

Jonah came to our office with a significant underbite and concave facial profile. His goal was simple — achieve a healthy, natural-looking smile and facial harmony. Through a coordinated orthodontic and surgical treatment plan, we guided Jonah from diagnosis to transformation with precision and care.

Step 1: Comprehensive Orthodontic Consultation

Every successful jaw surgery case begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. During Jonah’s consultation, our team performed a digital orthodontic assessment using high-resolution X-rays, photographs, and 3D models.

This data allowed us to carefully analyze Jonah’s jaw relationship, facial symmetry, and dental alignment. By creating a detailed treatment roadmap, we ensured his case would progress seamlessly from braces to surgery and beyond.

 Keywords: orthodontic consultation, 3D digital imaging, jaw alignment evaluation, underbite diagnosis, Class III malocclusion treatment.

Step 2: Collaborative Planning with a Maxillofacial Surgeon

One of the defining aspects of orthognathic surgery success is collaboration. We worked closely with a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to design Jonah’s surgical plan.

Together, we mapped out the precise jaw movements needed to correct the underbite and achieve ideal facial proportions. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment played a critical role — Jonah’s braces were used to decompensate his teeth, ensuring they were aligned properly before surgery.

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Step 3: Corrective Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Procedure)

During Jonah’s orthognathic surgery, both jaws were repositioned using advanced surgical molds and digital surgical guides.

• Lower Jaw (Mandible): Repositioned backward using Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) to reduce the underbite.
• Upper Jaw (Maxilla): Moved forward through a Maxillary Advancement to restore harmony between upper and lower jaws.

These changes improved Jonah’s facial symmetry, airway function, and bite alignment, producing not only a functional improvement but also a natural, balanced facial profile.

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Step 4: Post-Surgical Orthodontic Refinement

After surgery, Jonah continued with post-surgical orthodontic care. This phase focused on fine-tuning his bite, closing any small gaps, and ensuring perfect occlusion (a stable, healthy bite).

Minor adjustments were made using precise orthodontic mechanics, leading to a harmonious bite relationship and improved long-term stability.

 Keywords: post-surgical orthodontics, braces after jaw surgery, bite refinement, occlusion correction, underbite correction recovery.

Step 5: The Final Result — Function and Aesthetics in Balance

Jonah’s final results showcase the power of a comprehensive orthodontic and surgical approach. His facial balance, jaw function, and smile aesthetics have all dramatically improved.

The once concave profile is now replaced by a proportionate, confident appearance — proof that when orthodontics and surgery work hand-in-hand, patients experience both functional and emotional transformation.

 Keywords: underbite correction results, orthognathic surgery before and after, jaw surgery transformation, facial profile improvement, bite correction success story.

Why Choose Orthognathic Surgery for Underbite Correction?

While braces and aligners can correct many bite issues, orthognathic surgery is the gold standard for patients with significant skeletal discrepancies. It allows orthodontists and surgeons to:

• Correct severe jaw misalignment
• Improve speech, chewing, and breathing function
• Enhance facial symmetry and proportions
• Provide long-lasting stability and natural results

When paired with advanced digital orthodontic technology, this approach delivers predictable and transformative outcomes like Jonah’s.

 Keywords: underbite surgery benefits, orthognathic surgery recovery, jaw realignment procedure, orthodontic-surgical treatment, long-term underbite correction.

Final Thoughts

Jonah’s journey illustrates how precision orthodontics and orthognathic surgery can completely redefine a patient’s facial balance and confidence.

If you or someone you know struggles with an underbite, overbite, or jaw asymmetry, a consultation with an experienced orthodontic and surgical team is the first step toward a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.