Orthognathic Surgery in St. Louis
Corrective Jaw Surgery for Better Balance
Our approach to jaw surgery is designed to improve alignment, support function, and create results that feel harmonious and natural to you.
Board Certifications & Memberships
“My experience with Dr. Mailey and his staff was exactly what I needed before and after my surgery.” – Real Patients Stories
I was very happy with our service and our daughter very much loved how kind the doctors were.
M.R.
Dr. Mailey’s team and colleagues along with the schedulers, nurses, registers, transporters anesthesiologists and etc. Provided me with exceptional services during my surgery (pre and post). I felt the SSM mission.
C.J.
Excellent, professional, personal care from the time I checked in to the time I checked out, and of course everything in between!!!
L.D.
Dr. Chen is beyond amazing & we are so grateful for him.
A.L.
Very informative kind and caring. Him and his staff take time to explain things in knowledge in terms , people can understand. They always answer any questions.
L.P.
Dr Chen is very thorough – he looks at the recent past, the present, and definitely the future when it comes to his assessment of your condition or injury. Thank you Dr Kevin Chen for all you have done for me related to my reconstruction.
T.R.
Very professional and took time to answer all my questions.
N.H.
Could Corrective Jaw Surgery Help You Feel More Comfortable?
Relieve jaw pain, eat comfortably, and smile confidently again with orthognathic surgery in St. Louis.
As renowned craniofacial surgeons, Dr. Kevin Chen and Dr. Brian Mailey correct jaw misalignment with precision that few other surgeons can match, addressing overbites, underbites, open bites, and facial asymmetry.
With fellowship training and years of experience in complex facial procedures, they understand how your jaw, teeth, and facial structure fit together, improving both function and appearance.
How Jaw Surgery Can Improve Daily Life
Corrective jaw surgery can improve your jaw function and bring your facial features into greater balance, improving your comfort and confidence every day.
i.
Improved Bite Alignment
We reposition your jaw to correct misalignment, helping your teeth come together more comfortably.
ii.
Better Chewing and Speech Function
By restoring proper jaw function, we make it easier for you to chew food and speak clearly.
iii.
Enhanced Facial Balance
We adjust your jaw structure to create a more balanced, proportionate facial appearance.
Are You a Good Candidate for Corrective Jaw Surgery?
If jaw misalignment is affecting your comfort, function, or confidence, corrective jaw surgery can restore balance and improve your daily life.
You may benefit from jaw surgery if:
- You have an overbite, underbite, or open bite
- Your teeth don’t align properly when you close your mouth
- You have difficulty chewing or biting food
- You experience jaw pain, clicking, or discomfort
- You have speech difficulties related to jaw positioning
- You have facial asymmetry or imbalance
Is this the right step for you? Book your consultation. Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen will evaluate your bite, symptoms, and facial structure to determine if this procedure would benefit you.
Want to know more about Orthognathic Surgery options? Let’s talk.
Why Patients Trust St. Louis Plastic Surgery
When jaw problems are affecting your daily life, you need a surgeon who understands your facial structure from the skeletal level outward. Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen have helped countless patients like you restore their comfort and confidence with unmatched craniofacial expertise.
i.
Complex Training, Personalized Care
Dr. Kevin Chen and Dr. Brian Mailey use their craniofacial and reconstructive backgrounds to correct jaw alignment with a level of precision few surgeons can match.
ii.
Function-First Surgical Planning
We plan your procedure based on your needs and your jaw alignment, improving your bite, comfort, and daily function while enhancing your facial balance.
iii.
A More Direct Patient Experience
You’ll work directly with Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen at every stage of your procedure, so your plan stays clear, and your care feels personal from consultation through recovery.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Before
Consultation & Planning
You’ll meet with Dr. Chen or Dr. Mailey to review your imaging, coordinate with your orthodontist if needed, and finalize a surgical plan to correct your jaw alignment.
During
Your Procedure
We reposition your upper and/or lower jaw to improve alignment, function, and facial balance, securing them in place with small plates and screws. Surgery typically takes about 2 to 5 hours, depending on your needs.
Recovery
Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3 — rest and follow a soft diet.
- Week 1 — continue light activity.
- Weeks 3–4 — gradually add more foods.
- Weeks 6–8 — resume normal eating.
- 3 months+ — final results fully settle.
Serving St. Louis and Surrounding Communities
From St. Louis County to nearby St. Charles County, patients come to our practice for advanced care, thoughtful planning, and direct access to fellowship-trained plastic surgeons.
We proudly serve patients in St. Louis and throughout many of the area’s most established surrounding communities:
- St. Louis
- Chesterfield
- Creve Coeur
- Town and Country
- Ladue
- Frontenac
- Kirkwood
- Webster Groves
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Ballwin
- Wildwood
- O’Fallon
- St. Charles
- St. Peters
Answers to Common Jaw Surgery Questions
How long is the recovery after corrective jaw surgery?
Most patients return to light daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks, with gradual improvement over time. You can expect your jaw to fully heal and settle over several months as swelling decreases and function improves.
Will I need braces before or after jaw surgery?
Many patients need orthodontic treatment before and sometimes after surgery to properly align their teeth. We’ll coordinate with your orthodontist to make sure your results come together seamlessly.
Will jaw surgery change the way my face looks?
Yes, correcting your jaw position can improve your facial balance and symmetry.
We plan your surgery carefully so your results still look like you, just more aligned.
Is jaw surgery covered by insurance?
Jaw surgery may be covered by insurance if it’s considered medically necessary to correct functional issues. We’ll review your case and help you explore your coverage options during your consultation.
Ready to Explore Your Treatment Options?
You don’t have to keep pushing through jaw pain or struggling to eat and speak. With corrective jaw surgery, Dr. Mailey and Dr. Chen use years of craniofacial expertise to improve your comfort and confidence.
Ready to eat, speak, and smile without discomfort?