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Young girl looking at a mirror after having a routine checkup at the dentist

Pediatric Jaw Surgery You Can Trust

CHKD’s Pediatric Jaw Surgery Program provides safe, precise, and compassionate care for children and teens with misaligned jaws (jaw deformities).

About the Jaw Surgery Program at CHKD

CHKD’s Pediatric Jaw Surgery Program provides compassionate, expert care for children and teens with misaligned jaws (jaw deformities). Our experienced pediatric surgical team uses advanced surgical planning and a patient-first approach to improve breathing, chewing, speech, facial balance—supporting healthier, happier futures.

Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended to address breathing disorders, bite problems, facial asymmetry, or other functional and developmental concerns. At CHKD, we guide families through each step of the process with clear communication, expert care, and compassionate support. 

Our goal is to help children live healthier, happier, and more confident lives by delivering the safest and highest quality pediatric jaw surgery available. We believe families deserve not only excellent outcomes, but also understanding, reassurance, and trust throughout the entire surgical journey. 

Conditions We Treat 

  • Jaw alignment problems 

  • Obstructive sleep apnea 

  • Skeletal jaw deformities, including those related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis 

How Jaw Surgery Can Help 

Jaw alignment affects much more than appearance. Corrective jaw surgery can help improve: 

  • Breathing, including treatment for obstructive sleep apnea 

  • Chewing, speech, and jaw function 

  • Facial balance and confidence 

  • Long-term skeletal and joint health 

Each treatment plan is fully personalized to each child’s unique needs. 

Causes of Jaw Abnormalities

Children without any medical conditions or trauma can also develop jaw abnormalities.

Potential Signs You May Need Surgery
  • Severe underbite or overbite
  • Open bite
  • Difficulty closing mouth completely
  • Uneven or asymmetrical jaws
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing food
  • Snoring or sleep apnea

Advanced Planning for Safer, More Predictable Results 

Surgery Planned Virtually

We use state-of-the-art virtual surgical planning to carefully map every procedure before surgery. This technology improves accuracy, safety, and outcomes, which gives our patients and families greater confidence going into surgery. 

Care You Can Trust

Our experienced, coordinated team supports you from the first consultation through recovery. We work closely with orthodontists, sleep specialists, and other providers to ensure seamless, comprehensive care. 

Schedule a Consultation

At CHKD, we are continually improving our protocols, technology, and team to deliver the highest standard of care - today and in the future. 

If you or your child has been recommended for jaw surgery, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel supported throughout the process. 

Schedule a consultation to learn how jaw surgery can improve your child’s health, function, and quality of life. 

Julius Middleton, oral and maxillofacial surgery patient.

Julius' New Jawbone

A routine orthodontist visit revealed Julius’ rare jaw tumor. CHKD surgeons rebuilt his jaw with a titanium plate and bone graft.

Video Thumb Santee Oral Surgery Stock

Cleft Jaw Surgery

Dr. Weston Santee is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at CHKD. In this video, he discusses the critical role an orthodontist plays in the patient's jaw surgery.