Orthognathic surgery in Palma de Mallorca
Orthognathic surgery corrects the position and size of the jaws when they have not developed properly. It is used for bite and facial proportion problems that orthodontics alone cannot solve, such as a lower jaw that is too far forward or back, an open bite or facial asymmetry.
It is a treatment that combines orthodontics and surgery, planned by the maxillofacial surgeon and the orthodontist together. We coordinate it from Udemax Miramar, at Hospital Juaneda Miramar, in Palma, and your first visit is free.
Treatment always combines both
In theatre, with a short hospital stay
To get back to your routine
First visit and assessment
Have you been told you need orthognathic surgery? Book an appointment
We assess your bite and face, explain whether you need surgery or orthodontics alone is enough, and what the treatment stages would be.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is orthognathic surgery?
It is jaw surgery that moves the jaws into the correct position. Controlled cuts are made in the bone, the upper or lower jaw is moved to the planned position and fixed with small titanium plates. It is done from inside the mouth, with no visible scars on the face.
It is not an isolated cosmetic treatment: it aims for the teeth to fit together properly, for you to chew and breathe correctly and, at the same time, for your face to look more balanced. That is why it is always combined with orthodontics, before and after surgery.
What problems does it correct?
It is suitable for adults, once the bones have stopped growing, with problems such as:
- Class III or prognathism: the lower jaw is too far forward.
- Class II or retrognathia: the lower jaw is too far back.
- Open bite, when the front teeth don't meet.
- Crossbite due to a narrow upper jaw.
- Facial asymmetry caused by differences between the jaws.
- Sleep apnoea related to the position of the jaws.
Types of orthognathic surgery
Depending on which bone needs correcting, surgery can involve one jaw or both:
Upper jaw
The upper jaw is moved forwards, upwards or downwards. It is used, for example, when the upper jaw is underdeveloped, for open bites or when too much gum shows when smiling.
Lower jaw
The lower jaw is moved forwards or back. The most common case is a small, retruded lower jaw, which affects the profile and sometimes breathing during sleep.
Bimaxillary
Both the upper and lower jaws are repositioned in the same operation. It is the most common for major bite problems or facial asymmetry.
Benefits of orthognathic surgery
A correct bite
The teeth fit together properly, making chewing easier and reducing wear.
Better breathing
In some cases it improves breathing and sleep apnoea.
Facial balance
The profile and proportions of the face become more balanced.
Stable result
Because the bone is corrected, the result is long-lasting.
No scars
Surgery is done from inside the mouth.
Worth bearing in mind
It is major surgery, under general anaesthetic, with several weeks of recovery and sometimes temporary changes in sensation in the lip or chin. That is why we plan it in great detail.
What does treatment involve?
Assessment and pre-surgical orthodontics
We carry out a full assessment of your bite, face and jaws. Then you wear braces for a period to place the teeth in the position the surgery requires.
Surgery
Under general anaesthetic, the maxillofacial surgeon repositions the upper jaw, lower jaw or both as planned and fixes them with titanium plates. It usually involves a short hospital stay.
Recovery and final orthodontics
After a few weeks of recovery, the orthodontic treatment is completed to fine-tune the bite. Afterwards you will wear retainers.
Recovery after orthognathic surgery
What to expect and how to look after yourself after surgery:
- Facial swelling increases in the first few days and goes down over the following weeks.
- For the first few weeks your diet is liquid, then puréed or soft.
- It is normal to find it hard to open your mouth at first.
- There may be tingling or numbness in the lip or chin, which usually recovers over time.
- Most patients return to their routine within 3 to 6 weeks, and the bone finishes healing over a few months.
- Attend all your check-ups with the surgeon and the orthodontist.
Is surgery always necessary?
No. If the problem is mild, it can sometimes be compensated with orthodontics alone. And in children who are still growing, interceptive orthodontics can guide jaw growth and avoid or reduce the need for surgery in the future.
Surgery is reserved for cases where the problem lies in the bone and orthodontics alone cannot achieve a functional, stable result. At your first visit we assess which applies to you.
Who will treat you
Orthognathic surgery is carried out by Dr Ángel Cabanes Téllez, maxillofacial surgeon, who plans each case together with our orthodontists before and after the operation.
Where we see you
We coordinate orthognathic surgery from Udemax Miramar, in the outpatient department of Hospital Juaneda Miramar.
Maxillofacial surgery
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Frequently asked questions about orthognathic surgery
Does orthognathic surgery hurt?
Not during surgery, as it is done under general anaesthetic. Afterwards there is some discomfort and swelling, which is managed with the prescribed medication.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to their routine within 3 to 6 weeks. Swelling goes down gradually, and the bone finishes healing over a few months.
How long do I need to wear braces?
It depends on the case, but usually between one and two years in total, adding together the orthodontics before and after surgery.
Will there be scars?
Not on the face. Surgery is done from inside the mouth.
Will it change my face?
Yes, but in a balanced way: the aim is for the profile and proportions of the face to be more harmonious. We explain the expected result before surgery.
What are the risks?
Like any surgery it has risks, although they are uncommon: infection, temporary changes in sensation in the lip or chin, or some relapse over time. We discuss them with you case by case.
Can chin surgery be done too?
Yes. It is sometimes combined with chin surgery to improve the profile. We assess this during the planning stage.
Is it covered by the Spanish public health system?
In some cases with a significant functional problem it can be treated in the public system, usually with a waiting list. At your first visit we advise you on your case.
How much does orthognathic surgery cost in Palma?
It depends on whether one or both jaws are operated on, the orthodontic treatment and the hospital stay. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.