Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is used to correct jaw misalignment that may affect bite function, facial balance, speech, chewing, breathing, or long-term oral health. At TES Clinic in Singapore, treatment planning is carried out by Dr Seah Tian Ee, an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, based on each patient’s facial structure, dental condition, functional and aesthetic concerns.
BDS, MDS (OMS), FRACDS (Aus), FAMS
Dr Seah Tian Ee is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon whose clinical interests include rhinoplasty, orthognathic surgery, surgical and non-surgical facial aesthetic procedures, the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders, and oral and maxillofacial pathology. He also performs routine oral surgical procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal and dental implant placement.
Orthognathic surgery refers to jaw surgery. The word Orthognathic comes from a combination of two words. “Ortho” comes from the Greek word which means to straighten, while “gnathia” means jaws. Hence, Orthognathic surgery is a corrective jaw surgery procedure maxillofacial surgeons use to align your upper and lower jaws to its correct dental functional and aesthetic relationship.
Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment may involve corrective jaw surgery together with orthodontic treatment and other procedures considered necessary as part of the overall treatment plan. The aim is to improve jaw function, bite alignment, and facial balance.
Double jaw surgery is a procedure designed to correct the alignment of the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible). Unlike soft tissue cosmetic procedures that solely correct the soft tissue in the face, double jaw surgery addresses structural and functional issues by ensuring your jaws and teeth align, as well as enhancing your facial symmetry. It aims to:
Upper jaw surgery involves adjusting the upper jaw to improve alignment with the lower jaw. It is suitable for individuals experiencing conditions such as retrusion of the upper jaw,asymmetry caused by a canted jaw, open bite, crossbite, or upper jaw deformities affecting facial proportions.
The surgery involves repositioning the lower jaw to improve bite alignment when the lower jaw is positioned too far forward or backward or is deviated. It may help individuals experiencing issues with swallowing or speaking, lip closure, or TMJ disorders.
Genioplasty refers to a surgical procedure carried out on the chin by augmenting or reducing its size. Its objective is to improve the contouring of the face. Depending on a person’s preferences and features, the jaw bone may be narrowed, widened, and moved forward or backward, up or down.
• Jaw deformities caused by trauma, disease, or developmental issues
• Long lower jaw or short lower jaw
• Underbite or overbite caused by jaw position
• Facial asymmetry or jaw deviation
• Difficulty chewing or biting properly
• Speech difficulties caused by jaw alignment
• Obstructive sleep apnoea related to jaw structure
The cost of jaw surgery in Singapore may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the type of surgery required, and whether it involves one or both jaws. Additionally, the overall cost depends on diagnostic scans, consultation fees, dental impressions, surgical planning, and any orthodontic treatment needed before or after the surgery.
Schedule a jaw surgery consultation with Dr Seah to better understand your condition!
People who have jaw deformities. The patient may suffer from facial skeletal anomalies due to:
Class 3 skeletal issue when the lower jaw is excessively long.
Class 2 skeletal issue when the upper and lower jaws are not proportionately aligned.
People with jaw deformities may be predisposed to:
At TES Clinic, we start preoperative jaw surgery planning with a clinical examination by our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Seah. The surgeon will spend time taking measurements of your face and taking note of your unique facial characteristics. We then take moulds of your teeth to see how the teeth currently fit together.
Not all cases will require corrective jaw surgery, the dental specialist may then suggest a braces treatment plan to correct crooked teeth or dental implant(s) or a combination of both to correct your current jaw(s) problems. Should surgery be required, a treatment involving the combination of oral and maxillofacial surgery may be recommended.
Necessary radiographic investigations will be carried out on your teeth, jaw bones and jaw joint, all information incorporated, and the final, most functional and aesthetic position of your jaws will be planned with the latest digital software. Other blood tests, heart monitoring tests like ECG and chest x rays will be taken by our maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that you are suitable for and require oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Corrective jaw surgery in Singapore is performed under general anaesthesia. During oral maxillofacial surgery, planned bone cuts are placed in the maxilla or mandible. Once that is done, the mobilized segments of your jaw can be placed into the optimum relationship. These segments are secured in its new position by titanium plates and screws. These plates and screws usually do not need to be removed.
Yes, orthognathic surgery is typically eligible for Medisave coverage in Singapore, as it is an approved surgical dental procedure. Keep in mind that coverage amounts and specific requirements may vary.
Orthognathic surgery will not leave visible scars, as the incisions are made inside the mouth. Scars are usually inside the mouth and hidden.
Genioplasty will not leave visible scars, as the incisions are made inside the mouth. Scars are usually inside the mouth and hidden.
Orthognathic surgery may be covered by certain insurance policies when it is medically indicated. Coverage depends on your policy terms, medical necessity, insurer approval and other eligibility requirements. Patients should confirm directly with their insurer before treatment.
The time it takes for an orthognathic surgery depends on whether one or two jaws are being operated on. A single-jaw surgery is generally quicker, around two to three hours. If both the upper and lower jaw need adjustment, the surgery may need four or more hours.
The recovery time after an orthognathic surgery varies depending on the patient’s conditions. During the first few weeks, most patients may experience swelling. The majority of the swelling will gradually decrease over the first 4 weeks. During this stage, patients will most likely be on liquid diet for the first two weeks and non chewing soft diet in the second two weeks as their jaw heals. After four to six weeks, they are able to return to their normal activities. Within six to twelve months, most patients may have fully recovered, with complete healing of bones and tissues.
Dr Seah Tian Ee is an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with a special interest in facial aesthetic procedures and the correction of jaw anomalies.
He was the scholarship recipient of the Health Manpower Development Programme in 2009 and trained in the United Kingdom for facial aesthetic surgery.
Dr Seah is the course director for the “Botulinum Toxin Injection Workshop” for the Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Singapore; and is a lecturer and instructor at the annual “International Cadaver Workshop on Facial Contouring & Maxillofacial Aesthetic Surgery” in Korea.
His clinical interests are in the areas of combined rhinoplasty and orthognathic surgery, non-surgical and surgical facial aesthetic procedures, treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders and oral-maxillofacial pathology. He also does routine oral surgery such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants etc.
Rhinoplasty and jaw surgery can be performed in a single visit for enhanced convenience and efficiency.
Wisdom teeth removal and dental implant procedures can be planned with jaw surgery.
Able to tailor treatment to individual features.
We work closely with leading dental teams and orthodontists to ensure a balanced, functional, and beautiful bite.
A misaligned jaw can cause issues with breathing, chewing, speaking and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Double jaw surgery may offer a long-term solution to correct jaw issues that may not be addressed with braces alone.
Botulinum toxin injections for TMJ pain may help provide pain relief and alleviate other symptoms affecting your jaw and headaches. Effective for chronic pain arising from grinding. Instead of taking medications daily, botulinum toxin can reduce the reliance on painkillers.
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