Orthognathic surgery · FAQ · Medellín
Orthognathic surgery FAQ: jaw surgery in Medellín, Colombia
I'm Dr. Santiago Chaves, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and craniofacial subspecialist at 5:Cinco Face Lab, office 515, Edificio Forum (Calle 7 Sur #42-70, El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia). These are the questions patients ask me most before an evaluation. This page is for guidance and doesn't replace a consultation. To book, message us on WhatsApp.
What is orthognathic surgery?
It's surgery that repositions the upper jaw, the lower jaw or both (bimaxillary surgery) when the bite or facial profile comes from the bones, not just the teeth. It isn't "more orthodontics" and it isn't cosmetic surgery for its own sake: function comes first, meaning how you bite, chew and breathe. I explain it in orthognathic surgery in Medellín.
How do I know if I need jaw surgery?
You can't be sure until an evaluation, but there are signs: your bite still doesn't fit after orthodontics, your lower jaw sits too far forward (underbite) or too far back, you have an open bite or crossbite, facial asymmetry, or closing your lips takes effort. If your case can be solved without surgery, or doesn't need treatment, I'll tell you clearly.
Can orthodontics alone fix my bite?
When the problem is in the teeth, often yes. When the mismatch is in the bones, braces move teeth but don't change the size or position of the jaws, so orthodontics alone tends to camouflage the problem, tilting teeth to compensate without fixing the bone. That's when orthognathic surgery comes into the conversation.
How does the process work with my orthodontist?
Almost every case needs orthodontics, and a joint evaluation between your orthodontist and me is non-negotiable. The protocol is decided with you: conventional (orthodontics, surgery, then orthodontics) or, in selected cases, surgery-first. You can keep your own orthodontist or work with one I trust.
What is 3D virtual planning?
Shortly before surgery I plan your case in 3D, so you can see in images how your bones are planned to move. From that plan, cutting guides and splints are designed and 3D-printed (CAD/CAM) to carry the plan into surgery. It's included in every quote.
What does the consultation include?
I look at the whole picture: bite, jaw position, the jaw joint (TMJ), breathing and facial proportion, with time for your questions. Exams and imaging aren't done at the office; I only request the ones that change a decision, and you get them at a separate center. If surgery is indicated, you receive the plan and your quote in writing.
Is there a fee for the consultation?
Yes. The consultation has a cost, which we confirm by WhatsApp before booking, and it isn't deducted from your surgery quote. You don't need a referral; you can message directly.
What does the quote include?
Your quote is individual and given in writing after I evaluate your case, because no two cases are the same. It always includes 3D virtual planning with CAD/CAM guides and splints and all the post-op check-ups your case needs. Orthodontics and exams or imaging are paid separately. Details in cost and consultation.
Can I get a quote before traveling to Colombia?
Yes, if you have at least one CT scan. We start with a virtual consultation and, with the CT scan, I can give you a written quote after it, before you book any travel. If a study is missing, I'll tell you which one.
I live abroad. How do I start?
With a virtual consultation booked by WhatsApp; I see patients in English and Spanish. There are virtual appointments before and after surgery, you can keep your orthodontist back home as long as there's direct communication between us, and my team helps with travel logistics if you need it.
I snore or have sleep apnea. Can jaw surgery help?
Sometimes. In selected cases, maxillomandibular advancement is an option, but not all snoring is apnea and not all apnea needs surgery; sometimes treatment starts without it. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study: I can order it, or it can come from another specialist.
I have an open bite. Is surgery the only option?
It depends on whether it's dental, skeletal or mixed, which is defined with the exam and a CT scan. If your tongue or breathing play a role, they're part of the plan, and speech therapy and myofunctional therapy professionals join when needed, together with your orthodontist.
How much time off work will I need?
It depends on what you do: from about one week for office work to about three months for high-impact athletes. It's decided case by case at the consultation. More in jaw surgery recovery.
Is the office wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Office 515 at Edificio Forum (Calle 7 Sur #42-70, El Poblado, Medellín) is wheelchair accessible. If you need any help getting there, let us know on WhatsApp when you book.
Do you treat children?
Yes. Besides orthognathic surgery in adults, I perform pediatric craniofacial surgery; I'm subspecialty-trained in craniofacial surgery. A child's evaluation is done calmly, with the family and the other specialists involved in their care.
Reviewed by Dr. Santiago Chaves ·
Author and office
Dr. Santiago Chaves (Santiago Chaves Villa) · Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, craniofacial subspecialist · 5:Cinco Face Lab · Calle 7 Sur #42-70, office 515 (Edificio Forum), El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia · WhatsApp +57 324 526 8748 (messages only) · @santiago_chavesmaxilofacial · Google Maps
Office hours: Mon–Thu 9am–5pm · Fri 9am–3pm
This page is for guidance and does not replace a consultation. Every recovery is different.
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