How much does jaw surgery cost?
How much does jaw surgery cost?
$7,000 – $30,000 per procedure
$20,000 – $40,000 without insurance
$1,000 – $10,000 with insurance
Average jaw surgery cost
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) costs $7,000 to $30,000 or more depending on whether you need single jaw or double jaw correction, where the procedure is performed, and your insurance coverage. Without insurance, most patients pay between $20,000 and $40,000 when combining surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and the pre-surgical workup process.
These figures represent out-of-pocket costs before insurance. If your medical insurance preauthorizes the procedure, your responsibility typically drops to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, which can reduce the total to $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your plan.
| Cost component | Average cost range |
|---|---|
| Single jaw surgery (clinic setting) | $7,440 – $13,300 |
| Single jaw surgery (hospital setting) | $11,272 – $15,494 |
| Double jaw surgery (clinic setting) | $24,160 – $26,760 |
| Double jaw surgery (hospital setting) | $26,444 – $28,444 |
| Pre-surgical workup | $5,083 – $6,000 |
| Initial consultation | $315 – $630 |
| Total without insurance (estimated) | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
Jaw surgery corrects misalignments of the upper jaw (maxilla), lower jaw (mandible), or both. It is commonly recommended for conditions including severe overbite, underbite, crossbite, facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders. Understanding the full breakdown of costs helps you plan financially and navigate insurance coverage effectively.
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.
Cost by procedure type
The type of jaw surgery you need is the single largest factor affecting your total bill. Upper jaw surgery, lower jaw surgery, chin surgery, and double jaw surgery each carry different price points because of the complexity involved, the operating time, and the hardware required.
| Procedure | Clinic price (professional + anesthesia) | Hospital price (cash pay, all fees) |
|---|---|---|
| Upper jaw surgery (Le Fort osteotomy) | $13,300 | ~$15,494 |
| Lower jaw surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy) | $10,600 | ~$13,604 |
| Chin surgery (genioplasty, single piece) | $7,440 | ~$11,272 |
| Double jaw surgery (upper + lower) | $24,160 | ~$26,444 |
| Double jaw + chin (single piece genioplasty) | $25,460 | ~$27,444 |
| Double jaw + chin (multipiece genioplasty) | $26,760 | ~$28,444 |
Upper jaw surgery
Upper jaw surgery, known as a Le Fort osteotomy, repositions the maxilla to correct issues like open bite, crossbite, or a significantly recessed upper jaw. This procedure typically costs $13,300 in a clinic setting or approximately $15,494 when performed in a hospital. The higher hospital price reflects facility fees that clinics do not charge.
Lower jaw surgery
Lower jaw surgery uses a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) to move the mandible forward or backward. It is one of the most common orthognathic procedures and costs around $10,600 in a clinic or approximately $13,604 at a hospital. This procedure addresses severe overbite, underbite, and lower facial asymmetry.
Double jaw surgery
Double jaw surgery combines upper and lower jaw procedures in a single operation. Because of the increased complexity, longer operating time, and additional hardware, the cost rises to approximately $24,160 in a clinic or $26,444 in a hospital setting. Adding a chin correction (genioplasty) increases the total by $1,000 to $2,600 depending on the technique used.
Chin surgery (genioplasty)
A sliding genioplasty performed as a standalone procedure costs around $7,440 in a clinic or approximately $11,272 in a hospital. When added to a double jaw surgery, the incremental cost is significantly lower, typically $1,300 to $2,600, because the patient is already under anesthesia and in the operating room.
Pre-surgical workup costs
Before jaw surgery takes place, patients undergo an extensive planning process. This workup is billed separately from the surgical procedure itself and adds approximately $5,083 to the total cost. It ensures the surgery is precisely customized to each patient's anatomy.
| Workup component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Two preoperative visits and records | $733 |
| Virtual surgical planning (VSP) | $1,500 |
| Surgical splints | $2,850 |
| Total workup cost | $5,083 |
Virtual surgical planning uses 3D imaging and computer modeling to simulate the precise movements of the jaw before the actual operation. This technology improves accuracy and outcomes but adds a notable expense. Surgical splints, which are custom-made guides used during surgery to position the jaws correctly, represent the largest portion of the workup cost.
Many patients also need orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners) before and after surgery. This pre-surgical orthodontic preparation can cost an additional $3,000 to $7,000 and typically lasts 12 to 18 months. While not part of the surgeon's bill, it is an important component of the total financial picture.
Factors that affect jaw surgery cost
The final price of jaw surgery varies significantly from patient to patient. Several key factors determine where your costs will land within the ranges listed above.
| Factor | Impact on cost |
|---|---|
| Procedure complexity | Double jaw surgery costs 2 to 3 times more than single jaw |
| Facility type (clinic vs. hospital) | Hospital adds $2,000 – $5,000+ in facility fees |
| Geographic location | Major metro areas are 20% to 50% higher |
| Surgeon experience | Highly specialized surgeons may charge more |
| Anesthesia duration | Longer procedures mean higher anesthesia fees |
| Additional procedures (genioplasty, bone grafting) | Adds $1,000 – $7,000+ |
| Pre-surgical orthodontics | Adds $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Insurance coverage | Can reduce out-of-pocket to $1,000 – $10,000 |
Clinic vs. hospital setting
One of the most significant cost differences comes from where the surgery is performed. Clinic-based procedures include professional and anesthesia fees but eliminate facility charges, making them substantially cheaper. Hospital-based procedures add facility fees, which can increase the total by $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
Not every patient has the option of a clinic setting. Complex cases, patients with certain medical conditions, or procedures requiring an overnight stay may need to be performed at a hospital.
Geographic location
Jaw surgery costs vary widely by region. Practices in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco tend to charge 20% to 50% more than those in smaller cities or rural areas. This reflects differences in operating costs, real estate, and local demand for specialized surgical care.
Surgical complexity
A straightforward single jaw procedure takes less operating time, requires fewer materials, and involves shorter anesthesia duration. More complex cases, such as double jaw surgery with an additional genioplasty or cases requiring bone grafts, increase costs due to longer surgical times, additional hardware, and more extensive post-operative care.
Insurance coverage for jaw surgery
Medical insurance often covers jaw surgery when it is deemed medically necessary. Procedures performed purely for cosmetic reasons are typically not covered. The distinction between medical necessity and cosmetic desire is critical for insurance approval.
| Coverage scenario | Estimated out-of-pocket cost |
|---|---|
| Insurance preauthorized (in-network) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Insurance preauthorized (out-of-network) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| No insurance coverage | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
Insurance companies generally consider jaw surgery medically necessary when it corrects functional problems such as difficulty chewing, breathing obstruction (including obstructive sleep apnea), severe pain from malocclusion, or jaw deformities caused by trauma or congenital conditions.
Pre-authorization process
Most insurance plans require pre-authorization before jaw surgery. This involves your surgeon submitting documentation, including diagnostic imaging, clinical notes, and a treatment plan that demonstrates medical necessity. The pre-authorization process can take several weeks to months.
If insurance preauthorizes the procedure, your cost is typically limited to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. The exact amount depends on your specific plan. Many surgical practices have treatment coordinators who help patients navigate the insurance approval process.
Even with insurance pre-authorization, you remain responsible for fees charged by your surgeon's office regardless of what insurance ultimately pays. Always confirm coverage details directly with your insurance provider before proceeding.
Dental insurance vs. medical insurance
Dental insurance rarely covers jaw surgery because the procedure falls under medical rather than dental billing codes. Medical insurance is the appropriate coverage type for orthognathic surgery. If your dental plan does offer partial coverage, it typically applies only to orthodontic components of the treatment, not the surgical procedure itself.
TMJ surgery cost
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders sometimes require surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail. TMJ procedures range from minimally invasive injections to full joint replacements, and the costs vary dramatically depending on the approach.
| TMJ procedure | Clinic price | Hospital price |
|---|---|---|
| Botox injection (50 units) | $1,250 | N/A |
| Botox injection (100 units) | $1,550 | N/A |
| Botox injection (200 units) | $2,550 | N/A |
| Arthrocentesis (one side) | $1,258 | N/A |
| Arthrocentesis (two sides) | $2,516 | N/A |
| Arthroscopy (one side) | $6,650 | ~$27,895 |
| Arthroscopy (two sides) | $13,300 | ~$32,790 |
| Arthroplasty (one side) | $10,160 | ~$30,352 |
| Arthroplasty (two sides) | $20,320 | ~$37,704 |
| Total joint replacement (one side) | $37,619 | ~$197,139 |
| Total joint replacement (two sides) | $72,838 | ~$225,877 |
Minimally invasive TMJ procedures
Botox injections for TMJ disorders cost $1,250 to $2,550 per session depending on the number of units needed. The injection fee is approximately $550, with the Botox product costing an additional $700 to $2,000. Arthrocentesis, a procedure that washes out the joint, costs $1,258 per side and includes IV sedation and PRP (platelet-rich plasma).
Major TMJ procedures
TMJ arthroscopy costs $6,650 to $13,300 in a clinic or $27,895 to $32,790 in a hospital. Arthroplasty, which involves surgical reshaping of the joint, runs $10,160 to $20,320 at a clinic or $30,352 to $37,704 at a hospital.
Total joint replacement is the most expensive TMJ procedure by a significant margin. A single-side replacement costs approximately $37,619 in a clinic setting. In a hospital, the same procedure can cost approximately $197,139 because the custom TMJ implant and extensive facility fees are included. Bilateral (two-sided) replacement ranges from $72,838 to approximately $225,877.
Financing and payment options
Given the high cost of jaw surgery, many patients need financing to cover their portion of the bill. Several options are available to make the procedure more affordable.
| Financing option | Details |
|---|---|
| Medical payment plans | Many practices offer in-house plans with monthly payments |
| Healthcare credit cards (CareCredit, Prosper) | Often offer 0% interest for 6 to 24 months |
| Personal loans | Fixed rates, typically 6% to 15% APR |
| HSA/FSA accounts | Use pre-tax dollars for medical expenses |
| Hospital financial assistance | Income-based discounts or charity care programs |
Healthcare credit cards like CareCredit are widely accepted by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Many offer promotional periods with 0% interest if the balance is paid within a set timeframe, typically 6 to 24 months. Be aware that deferred interest plans charge retroactive interest on the full original balance if you do not pay it off within the promotional period.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow you to pay for jaw surgery with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing the cost by your marginal tax rate. If you know jaw surgery is in your future, maximizing your HSA or FSA contributions in advance can provide meaningful savings.
Frequently asked questions
Is jaw surgery worth the cost?
For patients with functional problems like difficulty chewing, chronic jaw pain, breathing issues, or obstructive sleep apnea, jaw surgery can dramatically improve quality of life. The benefits extend beyond aesthetics to improved oral health, better breathing, and reduced pain. Most patients who undergo medically necessary jaw surgery report high satisfaction rates.
Is jaw surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, in many cases. Medical insurance typically covers jaw surgery when it is deemed medically necessary to correct functional issues. Purely cosmetic jaw surgery is generally not covered. Your surgeon's office can help you navigate the pre-authorization process with your insurance company.
How much does a jaw surgery consultation cost?
Initial consultations typically cost $315 to $630 depending on the length of the appointment and whether imaging (such as a CBCT scan) is included. A 30-minute consultation without imaging is on the lower end, while a 60-minute visit with photos and 3D imaging is on the higher end.
Does the cost include orthodontics?
No. Jaw surgery costs and orthodontic treatment are billed separately. Most patients need braces or aligners for 12 to 18 months before surgery and several months after. Orthodontic treatment adds $3,000 to $7,000 to the total investment. Patients choosing clear aligners may want to explore Invisalign costs as an alternative to traditional braces.
What are the hidden costs of jaw surgery?
Beyond the surgical and orthodontic fees, plan for lost income during recovery (typically 2 to 6 weeks off work), special foods and supplements during the liquid and soft food diet phase, prescription medications, follow-up imaging, and potential additional consultations. These ancillary costs can add $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on your circumstances.
How can I reduce my jaw surgery cost?
The most effective way to lower your cost is to get insurance pre-authorization for medical necessity. Beyond that, consider having the procedure at an outpatient surgical clinic instead of a hospital, use HSA or FSA funds, compare pricing between practices in different geographic areas, and ask about payment plans with your surgeon's office.