Can A Custom Wrap Around Jawline Implant Create The Same Aesthetic Benefit As Orthognathic Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am currently undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct a severe overbite which has also caused a recessed chin and weak jaw. My orthodontist said it may be necessary to undergo orthognathic surgery following my treatment. While I’m perfectly happy to do this, there is a good chance my insurance won’t cover it as it is not causing a medical problem (such as sleep apnea or speech impediments) and the surgery can cost anywhere from $20-50k.

I want to know if a custom wrap around jawline implant could give the same aesthetic effects of the jawline (fix my recessed chin/weak jaw) as orthognathic surgery of the mandible? In other words, can the implant mask the appearance issue of the jawline without actually addressing the functionality issue of an overbite?

A: The simple answer to your question is yes. In reality, a custom wrap around jawline implant offers much more versatility in terms of dimensional facial changes than any form of orthognathic surgery. A sagittal split osteotomy advancement of the mandible can really only supply a horizontal forward movement whose limit is based on the difference between the pre surgical relationship of the upper and lower teeth.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana