Jaw Surgery Cost, also called orthognathic surgery, is a highly specialized procedure used to correct jaw displacement, bite problems, facial asymmetry, breathing issues, and chronic jaw pain. Because it involves advanced planning, surgical precision, and postoperative care, one of the most common questions patients ask is: How much does jaw surgery cost? The answer depends on many factors — including the type of surgery, hospital fees, surgeon expertise, orthodontic treatment, and whether the procedure is medically necessary or cosmetic.
This guide explains what affects jaw surgery pricing, the average price ranges worldwide, and why costs can vary so significantly from one patient to another — especially when treating jaw displacement or undergoing orthognathic surgery.
What Is Jaw Surgery? How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost?
Jaw surgery is performed to realign the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. When a person has jaw displacement — such as severe overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, or facial structural imbalance — orthodontic treatment alone may not be enough. In these cases, orthognathic surgery is recommended to restore proper function and facial harmony.
Jaw surgery can address several conditions, including:
- Jaw displacement and bite misalignment
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction
- Sleep apnea or airway obstruction
- Facial asymmetry or imbalance
- Trauma-related jaw deformities
The surgery is typically combined with orthodontic treatment to ensure the teeth and bite align properly after the jaw is repositioned.
How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost?
The cost of jaw surgery can range from $10,000 to over $60,000 depending on the country, hospital, and complexity of the case. Prices may be lower when the surgery is performed for medical reasons and partially covered by insurance — and higher when done purely for cosmetic enhancement.
Typical Cost Breakdown
Jaw surgery cost generally includes:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Pre-operative planning and imaging
- Orthodontic treatment (before and after surgery)
- Medication and follow-up visits
Because the surgery requires advanced technology such as 3D imaging and precise bone repositioning, the cost reflects the expertise and resources involved.
Cost Differences Based on Procedure Type
The price of jaw surgery varies depending on whether one or both jaws are operated on and whether jaw displacement correction is needed.
Single Jaw Surgery
This involves repositioning only the upper or lower jaw. It is usually less expensive than double-jaw surgery and may be used in milder jaw displacement cases.
Double Jaw (Bimaxillary) Surgery
This procedure realigns both the upper and lower jaw and is more complex. It is commonly used in orthognathic surgery to treat severe jaw displacement, facial asymmetry, and breathing-related problems such as sleep apnea.
Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
When the surgery is performed to expand the airway — medically known as maxillomandibular advancement — costs may be covered when classified as medically necessary.
Cosmetic Jawline Surgery
Procedures done only for cosmetic enhancement or facial contouring are usually not covered by insurance and may have separate pricing structures.
Does Insurance Cover Jaw Surgery?
Insurance coverage depends on whether jaw surgery is considered medically necessary. When jaw displacement causes functional problems like chewing difficulty, breathing issues, or chronic pain, insurers are more likely to approve coverage.
Medical necessity is often determined through:
- Jaw displacement diagnosis
- Bite misalignment assessment
- Sleep apnea studies
- Specialist evaluations
However, procedures done purely for appearance are usually classified as elective and not covered.
Global Jaw Surgery Price Comparison
Costs also vary widely depending on the country where treatment is performed.
United States and Canada
Jaw surgery in North America can range from $20,000 to $60,000 or more — especially when orthodontic treatment is included.
United Kingdom and Europe
Costs range from £8,000 to £30,000 depending on whether treatment is funded through public healthcare or private clinics.
Turkey and Medical Tourism Destinations
In countries like Turkey, jaw surgery can be significantly more affordable — often starting from $8,000 — while still providing high-quality care from board-certified maxillofacial surgeons. This makes it a popular destination for international patients seeking orthognathic surgery.
Other Factors That Affect Jaw Surgery Cost
Surgeon Experience
Highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced expertise in jaw displacement correction generally charge higher fees — but they also offer safer, more predictable outcomes.
Hospital Quality
Accredited hospitals with modern technology, private recovery rooms, and advanced imaging systems affect pricing.
Orthodontic Treatment
Braces or aligners before and after surgery may cost $3,000 to $8,000 on average — and are essential for treatment success.
Post-Surgery Care
This may include medications, follow-ups, speech therapy, dietary guidance, or physiotherapy in TMJ-related cases.
Is Jaw Surgery Worth the Cost?
For many patients suffering from jaw displacement, facial imbalance, speech difficulty, or breathing problems, jaw surgery provides long-term life-changing benefits. These include improved chewing, better facial proportion, reduced pain, and improved self-confidence.
Functional Benefits
Correcting jaw displacement improves bite force, speech clarity, dental stability, and joint health — preventing complications later.
Aesthetic Benefits
Jaw repositioning can enhance facial profile, chin definition, and overall symmetry — resulting in natural-looking improvements.
Health Benefits
In cases of airway obstruction, orthognathic surgery may reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve breathing quality.
How to Know If You Need Jaw Surgery
Patients who may require jaw surgery often experience:
- Difficulty chewing or biting food
- Chronic jaw or face pain
- Facial imbalance or asymmetry
- Speech challenges
- Sleep apnea or snoring
- Open bite or severe overbite/underbite
A consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon — often alongside an orthodontist — is the first step to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost 2026)
So — how much does jaw surgery cost? The answer depends on your condition, treatment goals, and where the surgery is performed. Whether the procedure is needed to correct jaw displacement, improve bite function, or perform full orthognathic reconstruction, the investment supports long-term oral health, comfort, and facial balance.
When choosing a surgeon, focus not only on cost but also on expertise, safety, and patient care quality. With proper evaluation and planning, jaw surgery offers transformative results — restoring both function and confidence.
How much does jaw surgery cost in 2026?
The average cost of jaw surgery in 2026 ranges between $10,000 and $60,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure, surgeon expertise, hospital fees, anesthesia, and whether orthodontic treatment is needed before or after surgery.
Why is jaw surgery so expensive?
Jaw surgery is costly because it requires advanced imaging, 3D planning, a highly skilled surgical team, hospital care, anesthesia, and long-term orthodontic treatment. The procedure is complex and involves repositioning the jawbones safely and precisely.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery in 2026?
Insurance may cover jaw surgery if it is medically necessary, such as when it corrects bite problems, speech difficulties, chronic pain, TMJ disorders, or sleep apnea. Cosmetic jaw surgery is usually not covered.
How much does double jaw surgery cost?
Double jaw (bimaxillary) surgery is more complex and typically costs between $25,000 and $70,000 in 2026, depending on the country, clinic, and level of care required.
Is jaw surgery cheaper in other countries?
Yes. Many patients choose medical tourism destinations such as Turkey or parts of Europe, where jaw surgery can cost 30–50% less than in the United States or the United Kingdom, while still receiving high-quality care.
Do I have to pay separately for braces or aligners?
In most cases, yes. Orthodontic treatment before and after surgery can cost an additional $3,000 to $8,000 depending on treatment length, appliance type, and clinic pricing.
What factors affect the cost of jaw surgery?
Major cost factors include surgeon expertise, hospital quality, anesthesia fees, imaging and planning scans, orthodontic treatment, medication, and whether one or both jaws are operated on.
Is jaw surgery worth the cost?
For many patients, jaw surgery offers long-term benefits such as improved chewing, breathing, speech, facial balance, and relief from chronic pain — making it a life-changing investment in health and quality of life.
Can I finance jaw surgery or pay in installments?
Many clinics and hospitals offer financing options or payment plans for eligible patients. Some insurance policies also cover part of the cost when the procedure is medically necessary.
How can I find out the exact cost of my jaw surgery?
The best way to determine your exact cost is to schedule a consultation with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. They will review your scans, diagnosis, treatment needs, and insurance eligibility to prepare a detailed cost estimate.