How Much Does Jaw Surgery Cost in 2026?
Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) costs between $20,000 and $80,000 in the United States in 2026, with the average patient paying $30,000 to $50,000 for a single-jaw procedure. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost estimates, the total cost varies significantly based on the type of procedure, geographic location, and whether one or both jaws require correction.
Orthognathic surgery corrects misaligned jaws and teeth that cannot be fixed with orthodontics alone. Common reasons for jaw surgery include severe underbite, overbite, open bite, facial asymmetry, obstructive sleep apnea, and TMJ disorders. The procedure is performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, typically in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
When jaw surgery is deemed medically necessary, most private insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost, reducing out-of-pocket expenses to $3,000–$15,000. However, patients seeking surgery for purely cosmetic reasons should expect to pay the full amount themselves.
Jaw Surgery Cost by Type
| Surgery Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Jaw Surgery (Le Fort I Osteotomy) | $30,000 | $22,000 – $45,000 |
| Lower Jaw Surgery (BSSO / Mandibular Osteotomy) | $28,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Double Jaw Surgery (Bimaxillary Osteotomy) | $50,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Genioplasty (Chin Repositioning) — Add-On | $8,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| SARPE (Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) | $15,000 | $10,000 – $22,000 |
Double jaw surgery is the most expensive because it involves repositioning both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws in a single operation, requiring longer surgical time, more complex planning, and a longer hospital stay. Adding a genioplasty increases the total cost by $5,000 to $15,000.
Jaw Surgery Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $48,000 | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| New York | $50,000 | $32,000 – $78,000 |
| Texas | $35,000 | $22,000 – $55,000 |
| Florida | $38,000 | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Illinois | $40,000 | $26,000 – $62,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,000 | $24,000 – $58,000 |
| Ohio | $32,000 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Georgia | $33,000 | $21,000 – $52,000 |
| North Carolina | $34,000 | $22,000 – $53,000 |
| Arizona | $36,000 | $23,000 – $55,000 |
| Colorado | $37,000 | $24,000 – $57,000 |
| Washington | $42,000 | $28,000 – $65,000 |
Prices in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco can be 30–50% higher than the national average due to higher facility fees, cost of living, and surgeon demand. University hospital programs in the Midwest and South often offer the most competitive pricing.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (medically necessary) | $3,000 – $15,000 | Surgeon fees, hospital stay, anesthesia, imaging — after deductible and copay. Pre-authorization required. |
| Medicare | $5,000 – $15,000 | Covered under Part A (hospital) and Part B (surgeon) when medically necessary. Patient pays 20% coinsurance after deductible. |
| Medicaid | $0 – $3,000 | Coverage varies by state. Many state Medicaid programs cover medically necessary orthognathic surgery with minimal copays. |
| Without Insurance | $20,000 – $80,000 | Patient responsible for all costs. Some surgeons offer cash-pay discounts of 10–20%. |
To qualify for insurance coverage, you typically need documentation showing a functional impairment — not just cosmetic concerns. This includes clinical records from your orthodontist and surgeon, cephalometric X-rays, dental models, and sometimes a sleep study if sleep apnea is involved. The pre-authorization process can take 4–8 weeks, so plan ahead.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total cost of jaw surgery includes multiple components. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately and identify potential savings.
| Cost Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Hospital/Facility Fee (1–2 night stay) | $7,000 – $20,000 |
| Anesthesia (3–6 hours) | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| 3D Imaging & Surgical Planning (CBCT, virtual surgical planning) | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Pre-Surgical Orthodontics (12–18 months) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Surgical Splints & Hardware (titanium plates/screws) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Post-Surgical Orthodontics (6–12 months) | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Follow-Up Visits & Post-Op Care | $500 – $2,000 |
Important: Many cost estimates you see online only include the surgical fee and hospital stay. Pre-surgical orthodontics alone can add $3,000–$7,000 to your total investment, and this phase is essential for most patients.
Factors That Affect Jaw Surgery Cost
Procedure Complexity
Single-jaw surgery costs significantly less than double-jaw surgery. Cases involving facial asymmetry correction, segmental osteotomies, or additional procedures like genioplasty add complexity and cost. Revision surgeries are also more expensive due to scar tissue and altered anatomy.
Geographic Location
Hospital and surgeon fees vary dramatically by region. Surgery in Manhattan or Beverly Hills can cost twice as much as the same procedure in Columbus, Ohio or Charlotte, North Carolina. Rural and suburban areas generally offer lower facility fees.
Surgeon Experience and Credentials
Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with fellowship training in orthognathic surgery and high case volumes command premium fees. However, their expertise often results in better outcomes and fewer complications — potentially saving money long-term.
Facility Type
University teaching hospitals often charge less than private hospitals, and some offer reduced rates for patients willing to have residents assist in their care under attending supervision. Ambulatory surgical centers may offer lower facility fees for less complex single-jaw cases.
Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)
Modern jaw surgery increasingly uses 3D virtual surgical planning with custom-printed surgical guides. While this technology adds $1,500–$3,500 to the cost, it improves precision and can reduce operating room time.
Length of Hospital Stay
Most jaw surgery patients stay 1–2 nights in the hospital. Complications, double-jaw procedures, or combined surgeries may require a longer stay, increasing facility costs by $2,000–$5,000 per additional night.
How to Save Money on Jaw Surgery
- Get Pre-Authorization Before Scheduling: Work with your surgeon's insurance coordinator to obtain pre-authorization. Submit thorough documentation including functional complaints, clinical photos, X-rays, and orthodontic records. A well-prepared case significantly increases approval rates.
- Obtain Multiple Quotes: Consult with at least 2–3 oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Prices can vary by $10,000 or more for the same procedure in the same city. Compare total costs, not just surgeon fees.
- Consider University Hospital Programs: Academic medical centers affiliated with dental schools often offer jaw surgery at 20–40% lower costs. These programs are staffed by experienced attending surgeons with resident assistance and often have access to the latest technology.
- Appeal Insurance Denials: If your claim is denied, appeal. According to industry data, approximately 40–60% of jaw surgery insurance appeals are successful when supported by proper medical documentation. Your surgeon's office can help with the appeal letter.
- Negotiate Cash-Pay Discounts: If paying out of pocket, ask for a cash-pay or prompt-pay discount. Many surgeons and hospitals offer 10–20% off for patients who pay in full before the procedure.
- Use HSA/FSA Funds Strategically: Maximize pre-tax health savings by contributing the annual maximum to your HSA or FSA in the year(s) leading up to surgery. This effectively saves you 20–35% on your out-of-pocket costs depending on your tax bracket.
- Travel for Surgery: If you live in a high-cost area, traveling to a lower-cost state for surgery can save $10,000–$20,000 even after accounting for travel expenses. States like Ohio, Texas, and Georgia offer excellent surgeons at lower prices.
Financing Options for Jaw Surgery
| Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| CareCredit | Medical credit card widely accepted by oral surgeons | 0% APR for 12–24 months; 14.9–26.99% APR after promo period |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans | Loans from $2,000–$100,000; terms of 24–84 months; rates from 5.99% APR |
| Surgeon Payment Plans | In-house financing offered by many practices | Varies; often 0% interest with 50% deposit and 6–12 month payoff |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax health savings for medically necessary procedures | HSA max contribution: $4,300 individual / $8,550 family (2026); FSA max: $3,300 |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loan from bank or credit union | Rates from 6–20% APR; terms of 12–60 months; no healthcare restrictions |
| Hospital Financial Assistance | Charity care or sliding-scale programs at nonprofit hospitals | Based on income; may reduce costs by 25–100% for qualifying patients |
Pro Tips from Experts
Start the insurance process early. Pre-authorization for jaw surgery can take 2–3 months, and appeals add more time. Begin gathering documentation and submitting claims at least 6 months before your target surgery date. Many patients lose their preferred surgical date because of insurance delays.
Ask your surgeon about "surgery-first" approaches. Some patients qualify for a surgery-first protocol that eliminates or significantly shortens pre-surgical orthodontics. This can save $3,000–$5,000 in orthodontic costs and reduce your total treatment timeline by 12–18 months.
Request an itemized estimate — and question every line. Hospital bills often contain errors or inflated charges. Ask for a detailed, itemized estimate before surgery and review it carefully. After surgery, audit the final bill. Studies suggest up to 80% of medical bills contain at least one error.
Don't choose your surgeon based on price alone. Jaw surgery is one of the most complex procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery. A revision surgery due to a poor outcome can cost $30,000–$60,000 and is far more difficult than the original procedure. Invest in a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon with a strong track record in orthognathic cases.