Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Single Jaw Surgery (Upper or Lower) | $20,000 – $50,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary) | $40,000 – $80,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Genioplasty (Chin Surgery) | $5,000 – $15,000 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
CPT/ADA Code: D7940
What Affects the Cost
- Geographic location (urban areas cost 20-40% more)
- Dentist experience and specialization
- Type of dental insurance plan (PPO vs HMO/DHMO)
- Whether the procedure is classified as preventive, basic, or major
- Lab and material costs
- Number of teeth or surfaces involved
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: May be covered under medical insurance when medically necessary; dental insurance rarely covers
Most dental PPO plans have an annual maximum of $1,000-$2,500. Preventive care (cleanings, exams, X-rays) is typically covered at 100%. Basic procedures (fillings, simple extractions) at 70-80%. Major procedures (crowns, bridges, implants) at 50%. Many plans have a 6-12 month waiting period for major work.
How to Save Money
- Dental schools offer procedures at 50-70% discount
- Dental discount plans save 20-50% for $80-$200/year
- Ask about payment plans — many dentists offer CareCredit 0% financing
- Community health centers provide sliding-scale pricing
- Get quotes from 2-3 dentists in your area
- Consider dental tourism for expensive procedures
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Jaw surgery corrects significant skeletal jaw misalignments that braces alone cannot fix. It treats severe underbites, overbites, open bites, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders.
Medical insurance often covers jaw surgery when it is medically necessary (difficulty chewing, breathing, or sleep apnea). Purely cosmetic jaw surgery is typically not covered.
Initial recovery takes 2-4 weeks on a liquid/soft diet. Jaw wiring or banding lasts 4-6 weeks. Full recovery and final results take 6-12 months.