What Is The Cost of A Mandibular Osteotomy?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have jaw asymmetry as a result of a prior fracture. My idea for the jaw was to break just the mandible in and reposition it as it originally had been before the trauma with a little added refinement. I already had wires/braces and even though it sucked, I don’t mind going through it again for better results. I was also wondering if you could give me a breakdown of the total that a mandibular osteotomy to restore the jaw to its original form would cost with braces, surgeon fee, anesthesia, and facility. Thank you.

A:  When trying to improve jaw asymmetry, the choice of a mandibular osteotomy must be considered very carefully. The reason to go through a mandibular bony repositioning through ramus osteotomies is because of either an existing malocclusion or an occlusal cant with an open bite or a cant with an otherwise good occlusion. The first step is to consider whether a mandibular osteotomy is worth the effort by getting an evaluation by an orthodontist. This is a decision ultimately based on its effect on the occlusion and only secondary on the shape and position of the mandible

But for the sake of discussion, let’s say it is a worthy procedure. This will require 6 to 12 months of orthodontic preparation and 5 months or so of  after surgery orthodontics. A cost estimate would need to come from an orthodontist but we’ll use the general figure of $5,000. The cost of a  mandibular sagittal split osteotomy include surgeon’s fee, operating room and anesthesia with an overnite stay would be in the range of $ 17,000 to $19,000. For an over $20,000 investment, one needs to be absolutely certain that the end result justifies this effort.

If this degree of effort is deemed excessive, then there are other camouflages procedures for jawline enhancement such as implant, bony shaving and reductions and chin osteotomies.   

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana