Orthognathic surgery is also referred to as jaw surgery, and it is a medical procedure aimed at remedying the faults in the jaw bones and enhances the functionality and appearance. It is able to deal with problems like misaligned bites, difficulty in chewing, speech difficulties and imbalances in faces. Although it is able to change the health and confidence of a person, cost can be considered one of the biggest concerns of people prior to doing this procedure.
Jaw surgery may cost a tremendous amount depending on the nature of the surgery, the place, the skill of a doctor and whether it is necessary or cosmetic. Are you ready to know all you need to know about the cost of jaw surgery and its determinants?
1. Average Cost of Jaw Surgery
- Jaw surgery is an expensive procedure, with the total starting at $20,000 to $40,000 on average in the US where a comprehensive corrective surgery will cost the patient.
- This estimate however comprises a variety of services including surgeon expenses, hospital expenses, anesthesia and post operative care. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Single jaw surgery (lower or upper): $15,000 -25,000.
- Double jaw surgery (low and upper): $35,000-50,000.
- Small corrective jaw surgery: $5,000 -10,000.
- Non-medical Cosmetic jaw contouring: $8,000 to 20,000.
Prices can be different in case you are not living in the U.S. For example:
- UK: £10,000 – £25,000
- Canada: CAD $15,000 – $40,000
- Australia: AUD $20,000 – $35,000
- Dubai or other Arab nations: $10, 000-30, 000.
These are the approximate figures that rely on hospital facilities and the expertise of the surgeons.
2. Factors That Affect the Cost of Jaw Surgery
There are a number of reasons that make jaw surgery costly. Knowledge of these may guide you in planning and budgeting your procedure.
a. Type of Surgery
Jaw surgeries are of various types and they may be either upper jaw (maxillary osteotomy), lower jaw (mandibular osteotomy), or a combination of both (bimaxillary osteotomy). The more complicated the process, the more expensive it is.
b. Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation
A highly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon with the experience level and good reputation can cost more, yet his/her experience can guarantee the positive results and reduce the complications.
c. Hospital or Clinic Fees
The place where the surgery will occur is a major determinant of the overall cost. The cost of advanced surgical centers and other hospitals owned by individuals is likely to be higher than that of the state-run centers because of the quality of equipment, personnel, and overall postoperative care.
d. Anesthesia and Operating Room Fees
Jaw surgery involves general anesthesia and this may increase the total price by several thousands of dollars. The charges of the anesthesiologist and the operating room are normally charged separately.
e. Pre- and Post-Surgery Care
Prior to the surgery, it is common to have patients undergoing orthodontic care (braces) in order to have their teeth straightened. This can add $3,000–$8,000 to the total cost. It might need follow-up and medications after surgery as well as other orthodontic adjustments.
f. Location of the Procedure
Medical procedures are different in cost depending on the region. The cost of surgery carried out in the major cities or developed nations tend to be costlier compared to those carried out in a small town or a low cost of healthcare country.
3. Is Jaw Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Insurance covers jaw surgery mainly depending on the reasons as to why the surgery is being undertaken.
Oral health insurance usually provides at least partial coverage to medically necessary surgeries, such as surgeries to correct breathing difficulties, extreme bite misalignment or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.
The cosmetic jaw surgeries are not generally covered and are carried out mostly to alter appearance as opposed to remedying a medical problem.
To understand the specifics of what you are covered, call your insurer and inquire:
- Do I include orthognathic surgery in my plan?
- What are the required documents to show medical necessity?
- Are there in-network hospitals or surgeons?
4. Additional Costs to Consider
- When planning to spend on jaw surgery, do not forget to add other costs that most people forget about:
- Consultation and imaging: primary X-rays, CTs and 3D imaging may cost between $500-2000.
- Braces or aligners: Many times before and after the surgery.
- Drugs and subsequent visits: Painskillers, antibiotics, check-ups will increase the overall costs.
- Leisure time: Recovery can take 6-8 weeks and this can lead to loss of income in case your employer does not provide paid leave.
- Dietary requirements: The post-surgical diet is going to be a liquid or soft diet, which might require meal replacements or supplements.
5. Ways to Manage or Reduce Jaw Surgery Costs
- In case the price is too much, it is possible to make jaw surgery cheaper using the following options:
- Insurance claims: It is important to make sure that your procedure is medically necessary.
- Installment payment plans: A number of surgeons and hospitals do installment plans.
- Medical financing: Financing such as the CareCredit or health financing loans can be used to spread payments.
- Go overseas: Other patients opt for medical tourism to other countries where the cost of surgery is less but the quality of care is a high one such as Turkey, Thailand, or Mexico. Nevertheless, make sure that the facility should be accredited and the surgeon should be qualified.
6. Is Jaw Surgery Worth It?
Jaw surgery may be costly but can have life changing effects. Other than to improve aesthetics, it can also help in the correction of functional problems such as chewing problems, speech difficulties, breathing problems, and chronic jaw pains. It is also able to increase the facial symmetry and improve self-confidence.
The majority of patients are also very satisfied with their post-surgery life and this is where the surgery is done to meet the cosmetic and functional requirements. Although it might take a long time to recover, the results in the long run may justify the price.
Final Thoughts
Jaw surgery may prove to be very expensive- between 20,000-40,000 or even more based on several factors. Nonetheless, it is also necessary to look into the possible health benefits, the quality of life, and confidence that it can bring, which, however, are not simply financial.
The advice before making the decision is to consult with a qualified oral maxillofacial surgeon, obtaining cost estimates.