Treatment Overview
Jaw Orthognathic Surgery in Korea is a specialized corrective facial procedure designed to reposition and realign the upper jaw (maxilla) to achieve balanced facial proportions, proper bite function, and improved smile aesthetics. For Gummy Smile Treatment, this surgery addresses skeletal causes of excessive gum display by adjusting the vertical height of the upper jaw, resulting in a harmonious, natural-looking smile.
Korean oral and maxillofacial surgeons are internationally recognized for their expertise in 3D surgical simulation, computer-guided planning, and facial aesthetic integration, ensuring optimal function and beauty.
Unlike surface-level cosmetic treatments that only alter soft tissue or gums, orthognathic surgery corrects the root cause — jaw structure — providing permanent, functional, and aesthetic correction.
This comprehensive approach combines surgical precision, digital facial analysis, and aesthetic design, creating a balanced, confident smile that complements the patient’s entire facial harmony.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of Jaw Orthognathic Surgery for gummy smile treatment is to correct skeletal discrepancies in the jaw that lead to excessive gum exposure, misaligned bites, and facial disproportion.
Purpose
- To reposition the upper jaw (maxilla) for ideal gum-to-tooth proportion.
- To correct vertical maxillary excess, the skeletal cause of a gummy smile.
- To improve bite alignment and facial symmetry.
- To restore functional and aesthetic harmony between teeth, gums, and lips.
- To achieve long-term correction of gummy smile and facial imbalance.
Benefits
- Permanent Correction: Resolves skeletal causes of gummy smile permanently.
- Facial Harmony: Improves proportions between upper, mid, and lower face.
- Functional Enhancement: Restores proper bite, chewing, and speech.
- Improved Aesthetics: Reduces gum display while refining jawline contour.
- Digital Precision: Guided by 3D imaging for predictable, safe results.
- Boosted Confidence: Provides a balanced, natural smile transformation.
- Comprehensive Correction: Addresses both dental and skeletal concerns.
Korean surgeons use AI-based 3D simulation and digital occlusal mapping to ensure precise, safe, and life-changing outcomes.
Ideal Candidates
Jaw Orthognathic Surgery is suitable for patients whose gummy smile is caused by skeletal imbalance, not just gum or lip issues.
Ideal Candidates Include:
- Individuals with vertical maxillary excess (elongated upper jaw).
- Patients whose upper lip rises excessively due to jaw height.
- Those with an uneven bite or jaw misalignment.
- Individuals whose gummy smile persists despite gum contouring or Botox.
- Patients seeking permanent correction and facial proportion improvement.
This procedure is ideal for individuals who want long-lasting functional and aesthetic correction through precise jaw realignment.
Possible Risks & Complications
Jaw Orthognathic Surgery is a complex yet highly safe procedure when performed by skilled maxillofacial surgeons. However, as with all surgeries, some temporary effects may occur.
- Swelling & Bruising: Common during the first 1–2 weeks post-surgery.
- Temporary Numbness: Usually resolves within weeks to months.
- Mild Discomfort or Tightness: Expected during recovery phase.
- Infection (Rare): Prevented with antibiotics and strict sterile protocols.
- Minor Bite Adjustment Needs: May require follow-up orthodontic refinement.
Korean hospitals minimize risks through computer-guided surgery, precise pre-planning, and advanced healing protocols, ensuring predictable and safe outcomes.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean specialists use highly advanced digital and 3D-guided surgical systems to ensure accuracy, comfort, and optimal aesthetic and functional balance during jaw correction.
Common Techniques Include:
- 3D CBCT Imaging & Digital Simulation: Analyzes facial symmetry and jaw position.
- Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP): Simulates bone repositioning for accuracy.
- Le Fort I Osteotomy: Repositions the upper jaw to reduce gum visibility.
- AI-Guided Surgical Mapping: Ensures ideal bite and facial alignment.
- Piezoelectric Surgical Tools: Allow precision bone cutting with minimal trauma.
- Bone Fixation with Titanium Plates: Stabilizes the new jaw position securely.
- Combined Orthodontic Coordination: Aligns teeth with new jaw position for optimal function.
These sophisticated methods guarantee natural facial balance, functional bite correction, and aesthetically pleasing smiles.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery from Jaw Orthognathic Surgery requires professional monitoring and adherence to postoperative care for smooth healing and long-lasting results.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Apply cold compresses for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Follow a soft or liquid diet during the initial recovery phase.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene using prescribed rinses.
- Avoid strenuous activity or jaw movement for several weeks.
- Take prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories as directed.
- Attend scheduled follow-ups for bite and healing evaluation.
Complete recovery typically occurs within 6–8 weeks, with full functional and aesthetic adaptation achieved over a few months.
Results & Longevity
Jaw Orthognathic Surgery offers permanent correction of gummy smiles caused by skeletal imbalance, improving both appearance and oral function.
Expected Results
- Balanced facial proportions and reduced gum exposure.
- Proper bite alignment and improved chewing efficiency.
- Natural lip positioning during smiling.
- Enhanced confidence and facial harmony.
Longevity
- Results are permanent, as the jaw structure is surgically repositioned.
- Minor orthodontic maintenance may be required for long-term stability.
- Proper oral hygiene and follow-up ensure lifelong benefits.
Korean specialists deliver lasting, transformative results through precise surgical planning and holistic smile design.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea’s Jaw Orthognathic Surgery for Gummy Smile Treatment combines surgical expertise, digital precision, and aesthetic integration to ensure functional and facial perfection.
Step-by-Step Process
- Comprehensive Consultation: Includes 3D facial scans, X-rays, and bite analysis.
- Digital Planning & Simulation: Virtual design of the ideal jaw and smile proportions.
- Pre-Surgical Orthodontics (If Needed): Aligns teeth for accurate surgical outcome.
- Surgical Procedure: Jaw repositioned using Le Fort I osteotomy under general anesthesia.
- Fixation & Stabilization: Titanium plates secure the jaw in the new position.
- Post-Surgical Monitoring: Regular checkups for healing and alignment review.
- Final Smile Refinement: Optional contouring, bonding, or whitening for aesthetic perfection.
The entire treatment timeline varies from 3 to 6 months, including planning, surgery, and follow-up, depending on individual complexity.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
- World-Class Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons: Highly skilled in aesthetic and functional jaw correction.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Use of 3D imaging, virtual surgery, and AI-assisted simulation.
- Aesthetic Integration: Balances skeletal correction with cosmetic smile design.
- High Safety Standards: International protocols for patient care and recovery.
- Comprehensive Treatment: Combines orthodontics, periodontics, and facial aesthetics.
- Global Recognition: Korean clinics are renowned for precision-driven, natural outcomes.
Korea leads globally in orthognathic surgery, offering the ideal fusion of medical excellence, digital innovation, and aesthetic artistry.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology
- AI-Powered 3D Surgical Simulation: Visualizes jaw and smile outcomes pre-surgery.
- Digital Facial Harmony Analysis: Ensures perfect balance with patient’s facial features.
- Piezoelectric Bone Surgery Systems: Reduces swelling and accelerates recovery.
- Computer-Guided Cutting Guides: Guarantee millimeter-level precision.
- Virtual Occlusal Adjustment: Aligns jaw movement and bite for functional perfection.
These advanced methods ensure that each surgery in Korea delivers natural, symmetrical, and stable results with world-class safety.
Cost Range
The cost of Jaw Orthognathic Surgery in Korea for Gummy Smile Treatment depends on the complexity of the skeletal adjustment, digital planning, and combined procedures.
- Single-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery (Le Fort I Osteotomy): ₩8,000,000 – ₩12,000,000 (USD $6,000 – $9,000)
- Double-Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Correction): ₩14,000,000 – ₩20,000,000 (USD $10,500 – $15,000)
- Comprehensive Aesthetic Smile Correction Package (with DSD & Orthodontics): ₩22,000,000 – ₩30,000,000 (USD $16,000 – $22,000)
Most Korean clinics include consultation, digital imaging, surgical planning, anesthesia, hospitalization, and follow-up care in their comprehensive packages, ensuring premium care and value.
Popular Clinics
- Seoul National University Dental Hospital: Renowned for advanced orthognathic and facial reconstructive surgery.
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Leaders in digital surgical simulation and aesthetic jaw correction.
- Yonsei University Dental Hospital: Pioneers in integrated orthodontic and orthognathic treatment.
- Samsung Medical Dental Center: Experts in computer-guided maxillofacial procedures.
- MizMedi Dental Clinic (Gangnam): Specializes in facial harmony and aesthetic gummy smile correction with jaw repositioning.
