Corrective Jaw Surgery in Karnal
Some people have been told for years that their teeth are fine, and yet nothing works properly: the front teeth never touch, chewing happens on one small patch at the back, the chin looks pushed forward or pulled back in every photograph. If braces have already been tried and the bite is still wrong, the reason is often that the problem is in the jawbones, not the teeth.
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What is corrective jaw surgery?
Corrective jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, means carefully repositioning the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both, so that the two arches of teeth meet the way they are meant to. The chin can be adjusted in the same operation when the profile calls for it.
The bone is separated in planned places and moved into its new position, then held there with small titanium plates and screws while it heals. In most cases every incision is made inside the mouth, so there is nothing visible on the face afterwards.
The difference from braces matters. Braces and aligners move teeth within the bone they already sit in, which solves crowding, gaps and many bite problems. But if the lower jaw is genuinely longer or shorter than the upper jaw, no appliance can change that; pushing the teeth further only tips them at unnatural angles and can leave the bite unstable or the gums receding.
This is planned treatment, not emergency treatment. Nothing happens quickly, and nothing happens before you have seen the plan and understood it.
Who it helps, and who it does not
An assessment is worth having if…
✓ Your front teeth never touch, so you tear food with your lips or side teeth
✓ Your lower jaw sits noticeably forward, or noticeably behind, the upper one
✓ An orthodontist has told you braces alone cannot correct your bite
✓ Only a few back teeth do the chewing, and they are wearing or aching
✓ Your face looks clearly asymmetric, with the chin off centre
✓ You have been investigated for obstructive sleep apnoea and jaw position has been raised as a factor
This may not be the right step if…
✗ Jaw growth is not yet complete, usually around 18; operating too early risks the correction shifting as growth continues
✗ Your bite is healthy and the concern is purely about appearance; there are gentler options to discuss first
✗ Active gum disease, untreated decay or uncontrolled diabetes are present; these are stabilised before surgery is planned
✗ You are not able to commit to the full braces, surgery, braces sequence and its follow-up visits
✗ You smoke heavily and are not willing to stop around the surgery, because healing of bone is directly affected
Being assessed does not commit you to surgery. Some people leave the first consultation with a plan that involves no operation at all, and that is a legitimate outcome.
What happens, step by step
The whole journey commonly runs 18 months to 3 years, most of which is braces rather than surgery. It is a long road, and knowing that at the start is better than discovering it halfway.
Joint assessment and records
Your bite, jaw movement, facial proportions and breathing are examined, and photographs, X-rays, a 3D scan and models of your teeth are taken. Nothing is decided at this visit; the records exist so the plan rests on measurement rather than impression.
Planning with your orthodontist
This is genuinely joint work. Dr. Nainik Mehta and your orthodontist agree what each jaw needs to move, in which direction and how far, then work backwards to decide how the teeth must be arranged beforehand. Digital planning shows the intended movement and the likely effect on your profile, and you see it before agreeing to anything. If you do not already have an orthodontist, we will help you connect with one; see our braces and orthodontics page.
Braces before surgery, usually 6 to 18 months
Your orthodontist aligns the teeth within each jaw. Oddly, the bite can look worse during this phase, because the teeth are being set up for where the jaws will be, not where they are now. That is expected, not a sign anything has gone wrong.
The surgery itself, in hospital
Performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating theatre, with fitness checks and anaesthetic review arranged beforehand. Incisions are usually inside the mouth, the bone is repositioned to the plan, and titanium plates and screws hold it. Two-jaw procedures take longer than single-jaw ones, and a stay of about 1 to 3 nights is typical.
Recovery, then braces again, then review
Early healing happens over the first few weeks, with follow-up here at the clinic. Braces continue for roughly another 6 to 12 months to settle the bite precisely, then retainers hold the result. Later reviews confirm the bone has healed in its new position and the bite is stable.
The honest answers
How much does it hurt?
Less than most people expect, which is a genuine surprise to many patients. The dominant feelings in the first week are swelling, tightness, numbness and a jaw that will not do what it is told, rather than sharp pain. Prescribed medicines handle the discomfort for most people. The tiring part is the restriction, not the pain.
Is it worth the length of it?
For people whose chewing, speech, breathing or long-term tooth wear is genuinely affected, most report that it was. If you are considering it mainly for appearance, think carefully and take time; the timeline, the hospital stay and the recovery are real, and no one should feel pushed into it. You will never be pressed for a decision here.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery under general anaesthesia, there are risks. The specific ones here include temporary or, less often, lasting numbness of the lip, chin or cheek, infection, bleeding, a plate that later needs removal, and the possibility of a small relapse in jaw position needing further adjustment. These are discussed individually in your consent conversation, not glossed over.
Recovery and aftercare
Days 1 to 7. Swelling peaks around day 2 to 3 and the face feels tight. Cold compresses, sleeping propped up and taking medicines on schedule all help. Talking is tiring and sounds odd at first, and you are on liquids to begin with.
Weeks 2 to 6. Most swelling settles over the first three to four weeks. A soft diet usually continues for about 6 weeks so the bone is not loaded while it unites: dal, khichdi, curd, paneer, soups, eggs and milk-based drinks all count, and keeping protein up genuinely helps healing. Most people return to desk work or college in about 2 to 3 weeks. Cleaning around braces and healing incisions takes patience, and you will be shown a routine using a soft brush and a prescribed rinse; infection is the most avoidable setback.
Beyond 6 weeks. Chewing gradually returns to normal, exercise restarts on your surgeon's advice, and contact sports wait longer. Numbness recovers gradually over weeks to months in most people, and your orthodontist refines the bite during the second braces phase.
What to report straight away. Fever with increasing swelling after day 3, a bad taste or discharge, bleeding that restarts, difficulty breathing, or a bite that suddenly changes. Call rather than wait: 0184-407 3774.
Jaw surgery questions, answered straight
Can braces alone fix my bite, without surgery?
Do I really need braces before and after the surgery?
Will my face look different afterwards?
Where is the surgery done, and how long is the hospital stay?
Are the cuts on my face? Will there be visible scars?
How long before I look and feel normal again?
Want to know whether your bite needs surgery or just braces?
Tell us what bothers you about your bite, and whether you have had braces before. The first step is an assessment with records, after which you will get a straight answer, including if that answer is "you do not need an operation".
We reply within 15 minutes during clinic hours.