What Orthognathic Surgery Costs Today
Orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery realigns the upper and lower jaws to correct bite problems and improve facial balance. It helps restore function and symmetry, but the cost is significant because it requires skilled surgeons, advanced imaging, and hospital care.
Prices are typically listed in USD for comparison. The average orthognathic surgery cost worldwide ranges between $8,000 and $40,000, depending on the country, hospital, and whether one or both jaws are operated on. These estimates usually include hospital and surgeon fees but may exclude orthodontic treatment before or after surgery. A single jaw surgery (upper or lower) often costs between $8,000 and $20,000, while double jaw surgery can reach $25,000 to $40,000 in high-income countries such as the United States, the UK, and Australia. For instance, a double jaw surgery that costs around $35,000 in the US may cost $15,000–$18,000 in Turkey.
The price depends on several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, anesthesia, imaging scans, hospitalization duration, and post-surgical orthodontic care. Some clinics offer bundled packages that include consultations, hospital stays, and follow-ups, while others charge separately for each stage.
When considering the cost of orthognathic surgery without insurance, patients in Western countries often pay the full amount out of pocket. Orthognathic surgery cost with insurance can drop substantially if the procedure is classified as medically necessary rather than cosmetic. Coverage often depends on whether the surgeon can document that the surgery corrects a functional issue, such as chewing or breathing problems, instead of serving purely aesthetic goals. In such cases, insurance may cover part of the hospital and surgeon fees, especially in the United States and Canada.
For patients exploring options abroad, countries like Turkey, South Korea, and Thailand offer competitive packages at nearly half the cost of Western regions. The difference usually reflects lower healthcare expenses and government incentives for medical tourism, not a reduction in quality or medical standards.
Global Orthognathic Surgery Cost Breakdown
Orthognathic surgery costs vary widely worldwide. Location, healthcare systems, surgeon reputation, and living costs all influence the final price. Below is a region-wise comparison of average costs 2025, reflecting current global pricing trends.
In the United States, orthognathic surgery costs typically range from $25,000 to $40,000. Cities like New York City, Denver, Texas, and Atlanta often fall at the higher end of this range because of hospital fees and surgeon demand. Costs may be reduced if partial insurance coverage applies for medically necessary jaw correction.
In Canada, patients usually spend $20,000 to $35,000, though some provinces like Alberta may cover part of the expense under public healthcare for functional corrections. Private clinics charge higher fees, especially for aesthetic-driven procedures.
In the United Kingdom, the cost of orthognathic surgery in private facilities starts at £18,000 and goes up to £30,000. The NHS covers the surgery when a patient’s jaw misalignment affects chewing, speech, or breathing, making it a cost-effective option for eligible residents.
In Germany, prices are similar to those in Western Europe, ranging from €15,000 to €28,000 in private hospitals. Germany’s clinics are known for advanced technology and shorter waiting periods, attracting medical tourists from nearby countries.
South Korea is a global leader in orthognathic surgery, with average prices around $10,000 to $20,000. Clinics in Seoul offer high precision and aesthetic expertise, often catering to international patients.
Turkey provides a strong balance between affordability and quality. Orthognathic surgery costs in Turkey range between $8,000 and $15,000, including hospital stay and follow-up care.
In Thailand, medical tourism drives competitive pricing, with most clinics charging $9,000 to $14,000. Packages often include accommodation and local transport.
The average cost of orthognathic surgery in India stands around $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the city. In Bangalore, experienced surgeons in multispecialty hospitals charge about $8,000 for double jaw procedures.
In Pakistan, costs remain lower, usually $4,000 to $7,000, though only a few major cities offer full reconstructive facilities. Neighboring Bangladesh averages around $3,500 to $6,000, while Vietnam ranges between $5,000 and $9,000 for international-standard clinics.
Singapore and the Philippines charge moderate rates between $9,000 and $16,000, often preferred for English-speaking healthcare and advanced hospital systems.
In Australia, private orthognathic surgery costs range from $25,000 to $35,000. If the surgery is deemed medically required, partial rebates are possible through private insurance or Medicare.
New Zealand averages around $20,000 to $30,000, depending on whether treatment occurs in public or private hospitals.
In South Africa, the procedure typically costs $10,000 to $18,000—urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town host well-equipped maxillofacial clinics catering to locals and medical travelers.
Mexico has become a reliable option for North American patients, offering orthognathic surgery at $8,000 to $13,000. Clinics in Tijuana, like TJ Dental Center, offer corrective jaw surgery packages around $5,000–$8,000, providing affordable treatment without compromising safety.
Insurance Coverage and Financial Options
Insurance coverage for orthognathic surgery depends on medical necessity. If the procedure corrects a functional issue such as difficulty chewing, breathing problems, or jaw misalignment, insurers often classify it as reconstructive and cover part of the cost. Medical necessity usually means the surgery addresses a health-related problem like chronic pain, difficulty chewing, or sleep apnea. If done mainly for appearance, it is considered cosmetic and not covered.
Plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna may pay 50–80% of medically necessary surgery in the United States. For example, if a $30,000 double jaw procedure qualifies, insurance might cover $18,000 to $24,000. Medicare covers hospital expenses but not orthodontic or cosmetic parts. Patients must provide X-rays and surgeon reports to qualify.
In Canada, provinces like Alberta and Ontario sometimes fund part of the surgery through public healthcare when functional impairment is proven. Depending on coverage terms, private insurance can also reduce costs.
For those without insurance, financing programs through CareCredit (USA), Medicard (Canada), or hospital payment plans allow monthly installments over 6 to 24 months. Some international clinics, especially in Turkey, India, and Thailand, offer all-inclusive packages between $8,000 and $15,000, covering hospital stay, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
Is Orthognathic Surgery Worth It and What to Consider Before Deciding
Orthognathic surgery offers lasting benefits for people with functional or structural jaw problems. It can improve chewing, breathing, and speech while restoring natural facial balance. Many patients also experience better confidence and relief from chronic discomfort caused by misalignment. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much jaw function or daily comfort you regain after treatment.
The procedure requires significant planning, cost, and recovery time. Complete healing usually takes several months, and orthodontic treatment often continues before and after surgery. It’s also essential to prepare mentally for the recovery period, which can include temporary swelling, dietary limits, and lifestyle adjustments—patients who complete the process report significant improvement in quality of life and long-term comfort.
Those considering surgery should focus on medical need and surgical quality. Always consult a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, confirm hospital accreditation, and request detailed cost estimates before committing. Comparing clinics in different countries helps identify reliable, affordable options without compromising safety. Patients who travel abroad for surgery should always review the clinic’s safety record and post-surgery support before finalizing plans.
While the cost of orthognathic surgery can be high, the outcome often justifies the investment when the procedure restores the health, balance, and confidence that daily life demands.
FAQs about Orthognathic Surgery Cost
Does insurance cover orthognathic surgery?
Yes, if it is medically necessary to correct a functional issue such as jaw misalignment, breathing difficulty, or chewing problems. Cosmetic jaw surgery is usually not covered. Patients must provide medical documentation and surgeon reports for approval. Documentation usually includes orthodontic records, X-rays, and a surgeon’s statement explaining how the surgery improves function.
Is orthognathic surgery worth it?
For most patients with bite or alignment issues, it is worth it. The surgery improves facial balance, oral function, and confidence. The value often depends on the severity of the jaw issue and how much improvement it brings to daily comfort and appearance. The results are permanent once healing is complete.
Does Medicare cover orthognathic surgery?
Medicare in the United States may cover hospital and anesthesia fees if the surgery is medically required, but it does not pay for orthodontic or cosmetic components.
How expensive is jaw correction surgery?
The global cost of orthognathic surgery ranges from $8,000 to $40,000. The United States, UK, and Australia are on the higher end, while Turkey, South Korea, and India offer more affordable options with similar standards. Lower prices in countries like Turkey or India reflect lower medical costs, not reduced standards.
What is the difference between single and double jaw surgery costs?
Single jaw surgery costs between $8,000 and $20,000, while double jaw procedures range from $20,000 to $40,000, depending on the country and the surgeon’s experience. Double jaw procedures take longer and involve more complex corrections, which explains the higher price.
