The End of Concerns About a Protruding Mouth · Underbite? Key Information to Know Before Orthognathic Surgery

Have you ever found it difficult to smile confidently because of the shape of your jaw or facial asymmetry whenever you looked in the mirror?

If these concerns extend beyond appearance to difficulties chewing food, speaking, or discomfort in the jaw joints, orthognathic surgery may be one possible solution.

Recently, orthognathic surgery has attracted significant attention not simply as a cosmetic procedure, but as treatment aimed at improving function and quality of life. Most importantly, it is not a “surgery to change your face,” but rather a process that helps you look at yourself with greater confidence.

Orthognathic surgery is a procedure that harmoniously corrects the positions of the upper and lower jaws.

By correcting the balance of the jawbones, it can improve facial asymmetry, a protruding mouth, an underbite, and a receding jaw, while also improving chewing function, breathing, and speech.

Why the Shape of the Lips and the Length of the Philtrum Change

Many people considering orthognathic surgery tend to focus only on changes to the lower jaw or facial contour. However, one of the important factors determining facial appearance and overall impression is the maxilla, or upper jaw.

The position of the maxilla does not simply change the alignment of the teeth. It also affects the shape of the lips, how much of the teeth is visible when smiling, the length of the philtrum, and the three-dimensional appearance of the face.

Therefore, carefully planning the position of the maxilla is extremely important for achieving a natural and harmonious result.

The maxilla supports the central part of the face.

In particular, because it determines the overall appearance from below the nose to the area around the mouth, even small changes can significantly alter one’s impression.

If the position of the maxilla is not appropriate, the following characteristics may appear.

📍The mouth may appear protruding

📍An excessive amount of gum may show when smiling

📍The lips may appear unnaturally thick

📍The philtrum may look long, or the overall impression may seem constricted

📍Very little of the teeth may be visible when the face is expressionless

These aspects are not merely cosmetic concerns; they are key factors in creating facial balance and natural expressions.

The lips are directly affected by the teeth and jawbones.

In particular, if the maxilla is positioned too far forward or, conversely, too far back, the shape of the lips also changes.

When the maxilla protrudes excessively, the lips may appear pushed forward, creating the impression of a protruding mouth. Conversely, if the maxilla is positioned too far back, insufficient support for the lips may make the area around the mouth look sunken or create an older-looking appearance.

Therefore, orthognathic surgery should not simply involve moving the jawbones. It should also take into consideration the curve and volume of the lips after surgery.

The position, size, and angle of the mandible affect not only the shape of the jaw, but also facial proportions, the appearance of the mouth, the jawline, and the neck contour.

In particular, when there is an abnormal position of the lower jaw, such as an underbite, a receding jaw, or facial asymmetry, functional problems and aesthetic concerns often occur together.

Therefore, carefully analyzing and planning the position of the mandible is extremely important for achieving a natural and harmonious result from orthognathic surgery.

The jawbones are areas involved in many everyday movements, including eating, speaking, and breathing.

If the bones moved during surgery become loose or unstable, their position may change during the recovery process.

Therefore, in orthognathic surgery, it is just as important to maintain the jaw in its position accurately and stably as it is to move it.

Orthognathic surgery is generally known to be performed together with orthodontic treatment. However, recently, there has been an increase in cases where orthognathic surgery is performed without orthodontic treatment, depending on the individual’s bite and skeletal condition.

For those who want to shorten the treatment period or return to their daily routines quickly, orthognathic surgery without orthodontic treatment may be one option.

However, the important point is not simply “not undergoing orthodontic treatment.”

Above all, stability and a natural result are the key considerations.

After orthognathic surgery, the aspect many people are most satisfied with is not simply the change in appearance, but the “naturalness of their expressions.”

They can smile without covering their mouths, feel more comfortable having their photos taken, and gain confidence when interacting with others.

Ultimately, the key to orthognathic surgery is not to change the face excessively, but to find the most harmonious balance for each individual so they can smile with confidence.

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