Orthognathic Surgery in Yakima WA

Let’s face it—when your jaw isn’t aligned properly, it affects more than your bite. It can throw off how you chew, how you speak, how you breathe, and even how confident you feel when you look in the mirror. That’s where orthognathic surgery in Yakima WA steps in.

As oral and maxillofacial surgeons, this isn’t just about shifting bone—it’s about restoring harmony between function and appearance. Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is one of the most life-changing procedures we offer—and not just because it improves aesthetics. It's about helping your face and jaw work the way they were always meant to.

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What Is Orthognathic Surgery in Yakima WA?

Orthognathic surgery is a corrective procedure that realigns the jaws. It’s used to fix irregularities that orthodontics alone can’t address. If braces are about straightening teeth, jaw surgery is about repositioning the foundation that supports them.

This procedure can involve the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), chin, or all three—depending on your specific needs.

But don't let the clinical language fool you. The real goal? To improve how you eat, speak, sleep, and live. For many patients, it’s a gateway to breathing easier, chewing pain-free, and finally feeling at home in their own skin.

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Signs You Might Be a Candidate For Jaw Surgery

How do you know if jaw surgery might be right for you? Here are some signs we look for:

• Chronic jaw pain or clicking
• Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing
• Excessive wear on teeth
• Breathing issues, especially during sleep (like sleep apnea)
• A noticeably asymmetrical or unbalanced facial appearance
• A bite that doesn’t line up even after braces (underbite, open bite, crossbite, overbite)
• Speech difficulties related to jaw alignment

Sometimes, the symptoms are subtle. Other times, they’re impossible to ignore. Either way, if your jaw isn’t functioning comfortably or predictably, it’s worth an evaluation.

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What to Expect: The Process, Start to Finish

Jaw surgery isn’t a quick fix—but it’s also not as intimidating as you might think.

Here’s a simplified overview of what the journey typically looks like:

• Consultation & Digital Planning
  We’ll start with 3D imaging, bite analysis, and a comprehensive exam. This isn’t guesswork—we use advanced technology to map out every millimeter before we make a single incision.
• Pre-Surgical Orthodontics
  In many cases, braces are placed before surgery to position your teeth for their new jaw alignment. We work closely with your orthodontist as a team.
• The Surgery
  Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery itself involves cutting and repositioning the jawbone, then securing it in place with small plates or screws. It’s all done inside the mouth—no external scarring.
• Recovery & Healing
  Swelling and discomfort are normal in the first few weeks. You’ll be on a soft food diet initially, with gradual improvement in function and comfort over several months.

Most patients return to work or school in about two weeks and feel significantly better within a few months. The final results? They last a lifetime.

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A Functional Upgrade With Aesthetic Benefits in Yakima WA

We won’t sugarcoat it—jaw surgery is a commitment. But for the right patient, the payoff is tremendous.

This isn’t just a cosmetic procedure (though yes, the aesthetic improvements are often dramatic). It’s about getting your bones, teeth, muscles, and airways to work in sync. Most patients report:

• Better breathing and sleep
• Relief from jaw pain and headaches
• Improved bite efficiency
• Clearer speech
• Boosted self-esteem

In short, it’s a full-body upgrade disguised as a facial procedure.

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Why Experience Matters in Jaw Surgery

Orthognathic surgery requires precision, planning, and a deep understanding of facial dynamics. This isn’t something you want to entrust to just anyone.

As oral surgeons, we’ve spent years studying the intricate relationship between the jaw, airway, teeth, and facial structures. That means your results won’t just be “better”—they’ll be balanced, stable, and built for long-term comfort.

We collaborate with your orthodontist and other specialists to ensure your entire treatment plan is seamless, from start to finish.

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Your Next Step Starts With a Conversation

If you’ve been living with discomfort, struggling with function, or simply know that something feels “off” with your jaw, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to just live with it.

Orthognathic surgery is a major decision, but it begins with something simple: a conversation. Come in to Yakima Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, ask questions, bring your concerns. We’ll walk you through the options, explain what’s possible, and help you decide whether this path makes sense for you.

Because correcting your jaw alignment isn't just about changing your bite—it’s about changing your life.