59 Phenix Ave Cranston, RI 02920

Repositioning the Jaw for a Healthier, More Balanced Life
For most orthodontic patients, braces or aligners are enough to create a straight, well-functioning smile. But for some, the issue isn’t just the teeth — it’s the jaw itself. When the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both develop with significant skeletal discrepancy, corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be the most effective path to a functional, balanced, and lasting result.
Corrective jaw surgery moves the teeth and jaws into more balanced, functional positions. Whether your concerns involve your bite, facial profile, or ability to chew and speak comfortably, orthognathic surgery can have a meaningful, lasting impact on your quality of life.
At Cranston Orthodontics, Dr. Cosmo works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons to guide patients through the entire process — from initial evaluation and orthodontic preparation to surgery and post-surgical finishing — ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient.
Who Needs Corrective Jaw Surgery
In some patients, the upper and lower jaws develop at different rates — one growing too much or too little relative to the other. Injuries, birth defects, and certain medical conditions can also affect jaw alignment in ways that go beyond what orthodontic treatment alone can correct.
You may be a candidate for corrective jaw surgery if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty chewing, biting food, or swallowing
- Chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain and headache
- Excessive or uneven wear of the teeth
- Open bite — a space between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is fully closed
- Unbalanced or asymmetrical facial appearance from the front or side
- Facial injury or birth defects affecting jaw position
- Receding chin or protruding jaw
- Inability to make the lips meet comfortably without straining
- Chronic mouth breathing or persistent dry mouth
- Sleep apnea or breathing problems during sleep, including snoring
- Speech difficulties related to jaw or bite position

What to Expect From the Corrective Jaw Surgery Process
- Initial evaluation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation at Cranston Orthodontics. Dr. Cosmo will take detailed diagnostic records — including cone beam 3D imaging, photographs, and digital dental models — and assess whether corrective jaw surgery is appropriate for your case. If surgery is indicated, Dr. Cosmo will coordinate a referral to an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon and collaborate on a unified treatment plan.
- Pre-surgical orthodontic preparation: Once the treatment plan is established, pre-surgical orthodontic treatment begins. This phase aligns the teeth in preparation for surgery and typically takes 12 to 18 months.
- Surgical planning and procedure: As surgery approaches, Dr. Cosmo and the surgical team use advanced imaging and digital planning tools to precisely map the jaw movements that will take place during the procedure. Surgery itself is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires a hospital stay of one to two nights.
- Recovery: Recovery time varies depending on the extent of surgery performed. Most patients return to normal activities within three to six weeks, with dietary modifications recommended during the healing period. Dr. Cosmo will monitor your progress closely during recovery and coordinate with the surgical team to ensure healing is proceeding as expected.
- Post-surgical orthodontics: After an appropriate healing period, post-surgical orthodontic treatment resumes to finalize tooth alignment within the repositioned jaw. This phase typically takes six to twelve months.
- Retention: Upon completion of post-surgical orthodontics, retainers are placed to maintain your result permanently.
