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Published September 2026

1 of 5Braces go on first, working with an orthodontist to line the teeth up for what comes next
  1. Braces go on first, working with an orthodontist to line the teeth up for what comes next
  2. When the bite still cannot be corrected by braces alone, surgery is planned
  3. The surgeon cuts the jaw at that planned point and moves it into the corrected position
  4. Small plates and screws hold the jaw there while it heals
  5. Braces continue afterward to fine-tune the bite, over a process measured in years

Who usually does it

oral surgeon. Oral surgeon in a hospital, working with an orthodontist.

One question worth asking

How long is the braces part before and after the surgery?

Cutting through the body of the lower jaw

Jaw and mouth surgeryMajorD7945

D7945. The cut is made through the main part of the lower jaw.

Surgery that cuts and moves the upper or lower jaw to correct a bite or facial shape that braces alone cannot fix. Usually planned together with an orthodontist.

The surgeon cuts the jaw in a planned place, moves it to the position worked out with the orthodontist, and fixes it with plates and screws. Braces are usually worn before and after so the teeth meet correctly in the new position, which makes this a treatment measured in years rather than months. Most plans file this as Major. What they actually pay varies by plan.

Codes for this

D7940MajorReshaping jawboneBone is reshaped to correct a deformity, without moving the whole jaw.per visit · Rarely doneD7941MajorCutting the back of the lower jawThe lower jaw is cut behind the molars so it can be moved forward or back.per visit · Rarely doneD7943MajorCutting the lower jaw with a bone graftThe same lower jaw cut with bone added.per visit · Rarely doneD7944MajorCutting a segment of jawOne section of the jaw with its teeth is moved.per visit · Rarely doneD7945MajorCutting through the body of the lower jawThe cut is made through the main part of the lower jaw.per visit · Rarely doneD7946MajorMoving the upper jaw (Le Fort I)The whole upper jaw is cut free and repositioned.per visit · Rarely doneD7947MajorMoving the upper jaw with a bone graftThe upper jaw is repositioned with bone added.per visit · Rarely doneD7948MajorMoving the mid or upper face, no graftA larger cut that moves the middle of the face.per visit · Rarely doneD7949MajorMoving the mid or upper face, with graftThe same mid-face surgery with bone added.per visit · Rarely doneD7955MajorRepairing a facial defectRebuilds a missing area of facial bone or tissue.per visit · Rarely doneD7991MajorRemoving the coronoid processA small projection of the lower jaw is removed to improve opening.per visit · Rarely done
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Related

Cutting through the body of the lower jaw (D7945): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar