An overbite (Class II malocclusion) occurs when the upper jaw and teeth significantly overlap the lower jaw and teeth. If this skeletal discrepancy is too severe for correction by braces alone, the treatment requires orthognathic surgery to reposition the jawbones. This surgical correction is a major financial undertaking, and the total cost varies dramatically based on the patient’s anatomical needs, the procedures involved, and geographic location. Understanding the financial scope requires separating the core surgical fee from the necessary pre- and post-operative expenses.
Baseline Cost of the Surgical Procedure
The surgical component of overbite correction, known as orthognathic surgery, represents the largest single expense in the treatment plan. Nationally, the surgeon’s fee, operating room time, and anesthesia typically range from $20,000 to $45,000 or more. This figure generally covers the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s fee and the immediate costs associated with the hospital or surgical center.
For a correction involving only one jaw, such as a mandibular osteotomy to advance the lower jaw or a Le Fort I osteotomy to reposition the upper jaw, the cost tends to be on the lower end of this spectrum, often between $20,000 and $30,000. However, most severe overbite corrections require bi-maxillary or double jaw surgery, repositioning both the maxilla and the mandible. This complex procedure pushes the baseline price higher, often exceeding $40,000 to $50,000 before facility fees are calculated.
Variables Determining the Price Range
The wide financial range for the surgical fee is determined by factors related to the procedure’s complexity and location. The type of osteotomy performed directly influences the time and resources required for the operation. Double jaw surgery demands significantly longer anesthesia and operating room time than a single-jaw procedure, substantially increasing facility and professional fees.
The specific surgical technique, such as a Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) or a Le Fort I osteotomy, is selected based on the precise skeletal issue. Adding a supplementary procedure like a genioplasty (chin bone repositioning) further increases complexity and the total bill. Geographic location also impacts the cost; procedures in major metropolitan areas generally cost 15% to 30% more than those in rural settings. Choosing a hospital setting over a specialized outpatient surgical center can also increase facility fees due to higher overhead.
Required Pre- and Post-Operative Expenses
The final cost of overbite correction extends far beyond the surgical fee, incorporating mandatory expenses that span a multi-year treatment timeline. The most significant associated expense is the pre-operative orthodontic treatment, which lasts 12 to 18 months. This phase is necessary to align the teeth over the jawbones before surgery. The cost for the braces or aligners, including adjustments and retention devices, typically ranges from $3,000 to over $10,000 and is often billed separately.
A thorough diagnostic workup is required to plan the surgery digitally. This includes high-resolution imaging like Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans, specialized X-rays, and virtual surgical planning sessions. These diagnostic and planning costs, which are crucial for creating the surgical splints, can add $500 to $3,000 to the total expense. After the procedure, patients incur costs for post-operative care, including follow-up consultations, physical therapy to restore jaw function, and liquid meal replacements during recovery.
Navigating Insurance and Payment Options
For orthognathic surgery, a fundamental distinction exists between medical and dental coverage, as the surgery is generally processed through medical insurance. Coverage is dependent on the procedure being deemed medically necessary, meaning it must correct a functional impairment rather than being performed purely for cosmetic reasons. Medical necessity is typically established by documenting conditions such as:
- Difficulty chewing
- Chronic jaw pain
- Speech impediments
- Obstructive sleep apnea
Insurance providers often require evidence of a specific skeletal discrepancy and will demand pre-authorization before the surgery can be scheduled. Even with medical coverage, patients should anticipate significant out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, co-payments, and reaching their annual out-of-pocket maximum, which can total $3,000 to $15,000 or more. For those without full coverage, third-party financing options like CareCredit or specialized medical loan companies (e.g., Lending Club and GreenSky) are frequently used to manage the expense. Many patients also utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for the medical and orthodontic components with pre-tax dollars.