Protruding lower jaw correction is orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery that repositions the jaw bones to treat prognathism, where the upper or lower jaw sticks out. Combined with orthodontic braces, it improves bite, chewing, speech, breathing and facial balance, and also treats a small receding lower jaw and open bite.
- AnaesthesiaGeneral anaesthesia
- DurationTypically 2 to 4 hours
- Hospital stayUsually 1 to 3 nights
- Back to routineUsually 2 to 6 weeks
What is protruding lower jaw correction?
Prognathism is a bony abnormality in which the upper or lower jaw protrudes. Upper-jaw protrusion (overbite) is more common and often less obvious. Lower-jaw protrusion (underbite) can affect breathing, appearance, speech, biting and chewing. A small lower jaw (micrognathia) can also be corrected surgically.
Causes include heredity, genetic conditions such as Crouzon syndrome or Down syndrome, gigantism and other growth hormone disorders, basal cell naevus syndrome and achondrogenesis.
Treatment usually combines jaw surgery with orthodontics. Cutting and moving bone is called osteotomy; surgery on both jaws together is a bimaxillary osteotomy. Procedures include LeFort I osteotomy for the upper jaw, mandibular osteotomy for a receding jaw or open bite, and sagittal split osteotomy, on one or both sides, to reposition the lower jaw. Planning involves a surgeon and orthodontist, with a facial CT scan, lateral cephalogram, panoramic dental X-ray and bite impressions.
Who is protruding lower jaw correction for?
- Misaligned jaws or bite problems, including underbite and open bite
- Chronic jaw or jaw-joint pain, or excessive tooth wear
- Protruding jaw, receding chin or an unbalanced face
- Difficulty closing the lips without strain, or chronic mouth breathing with dry mouth
- Facial injury or birth defects affecting the jaws
How is it done?
- Assessment by surgeon and orthodontist with CT, cephalogram, dental X-rays and models
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, fast for six hours and report any cold, cold sore or stomach upset before surgery
- General anaesthesia; wisdom teeth may be removed to allow movement
- Incisions are made inside the mouth; the jaw is cut, moved to the planned position and fixed with small plates and screws
- Jaws may be held with wiring or elastics for a few weeks while the bone heals
What is recovery like?
- Liquid diet at first, progressing to soft and then normal foods; some weight loss is common
- Swelling peaks at about 36 to 48 hours and is largely gone by about 6 weeks
- Review with the surgeon at 3 to 6 weeks to begin the stabilisation phase
- Avoid tobacco and strenuous activity
- Full recovery can take a few weeks for minor surgery and up to a year for complex cases
What are the risks?
- Pain and swelling for several weeks
- Reduced lip or chin sensation from nerve injury, usually returning over months but occasionally permanent
- Difficulty eating and speaking while the jaws are wired
- Low mood after surgery, which often eases as results become visible
- Infection, bleeding or need for further correction
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What is prognathism?
Prognathism means the upper or lower jaw protrudes noticeably. An underbite from a protruding lower jaw can affect breathing, speech, biting, chewing and appearance. It is often inherited but can be linked to genetic or growth hormone conditions.
Do I need braces as well as surgery?
Usually yes. Orthodontic treatment aligns the teeth before and after surgery so that the bite fits correctly once the jaws are repositioned. Your surgeon and orthodontist plan treatment together, using scans and dental models.
Will jaw surgery leave scars on my face?
Incisions are made inside the mouth, so visible facial scars are not expected. Ointments may occasionally be prescribed to help healing. Swelling, not scarring, is the main visible change in the first weeks.
How long will my jaws be wired?
If wiring is used, the jaws are typically held together for about 4 to 5 weeks. Many patients have elastic bands instead, which make eating and speaking easier. You will follow a liquid, then soft, diet during this time.
Will I lose feeling in my lips?
Reduced sensation of the lower lip or chin is common after lower jaw surgery because the nerve lies close to the bone. It usually returns gradually over months, but in some people it may be permanent.
