Orthognathic Surgery in Barcelona
Restore a functional bite, improve your breathing, and harmonize your face with a leading team in Europe.
What is Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery corrects the size and position of the upper jaw and the mandible so that the teeth fit together well, the face looks proportional, and you can breathe better.
It is the only surgery capable of definitively treating many cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea by enlarging the airway space.
It is always combined with surgical orthodontics, before and/or after the operation, to correctly align the teeth and maintain the result over time.
At Clínica Birbe, our orthodontist specialized in surgical orthodontics works in coordination with Dr. Birbe to design a customized plan for each case.
Orthodontics can be performed with metal brackets, aesthetic brackets, or, in selected cases, clear aligners.
What are the benefits?
- Functional bite: improves contact between teeth and the way you chew and speak.
- Facial aesthetics: corrects disproportions such as long or short face, prominent or receded jaw, gummy smile, and unbalanced profiles.
- Better breathing and rest: by enlarging the airway, it can improve or resolve chronic snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Types of Orthognathic Surgery
- Single-jaw surgery (Monomaxillary) Only the upper jaw or only the mandible is mobilized, when the other is well positioned. It produces more moderate functional and aesthetic changes, but sufficient in many cases. In patients with narrow palate and crossbite, we can perform segmented maxillary surgery to widen the upper jaw; this segmentation can be done in single-jaw or bimaxillary surgeries.
- Bimaxillary surgery Both the upper jaw and the mandible are mobilized. It allows for a more precise correction by combining linear movements (advancement or setback) and rotational movements (changes in the inclination of the jaws) to achieve comprehensive facial harmony and a stable bite.
- Surgery First: surgery first, orthodontics afterward In selected patients, we can use the “Surgery First” approach, in which orthognathic surgery is performed at the beginning of the treatment and orthodontics is carried out afterward. This protocol allows for earlier correction of the relationship between the upper jaw and mandible, immediate improvement of the facial profile and smile, and in many cases, shortens the overall treatment duration. After surgery, orthodontics focuses on precisely adjusting the position of the teeth to their new bone base, maintaining a stable bite and harmonious facial aesthetics. The indication for “Surgery First” is assessed on an individual basis, taking into account the type of malocclusion, facial anatomy, and patient expectations.
What is the step-by-step process?
Orthognathic surgery or orthofacial surgery corrects facial disproportions and simultaneously improves chewing, swallowing, speech, and breathing.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and, in the vast majority of cases, without visible scars because it is accessed from inside the mouth.
- Initial evaluation and diagnosis We study your face, smile, and occlusion; we take photographs, X-rays, and a 3D scan to understand exactly the problem.
- Personalized digital plan with orthodontics and surgery Dr. Birbe and our surgical orthodontist design a joint plan based on 3D planning, simulating jaw and mandible movements before operating on you.
- Surgical orthodontics: before or after surgery
- Conventional approach: orthodontics before and after surgery.
- “Surgery First” approach: surgery is performed first, and then the position of the teeth is adjusted with orthodontics. We choose the best option for you based on your malocclusion and facial anatomy.
- Orthognathic surgery in the operating room We reposition the bones using digitally guided, high-precision techniques, using specific plates and screws to stabilize the jaws.
- Recovery and follow-up We coordinate the postoperative period and orthodontic adjustments so that healing is proper and the final result is stable and harmonious.
What problems is it indicated for?
At Clínica Birbe, we treat these cases, among others, with orthognathic surgery:
Sleep apnea and significant snoring
Eliminate snoring and breathe well. Improve your night's sleep permanently.
Marked facial asymmetry
Look for naturalness and facial harmony.
Open bite (teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed)
Para poder masticar y morder la boca tiene que poder cerrar, que los dientes superiores contacten con los inferiores.
Prognathism (protruding jaw)
Mandíbulas que han crecido demasiado, ¿cómo lo corregimos?
Mandibular retrognathia
Small jaws, usually accompanied by a double chin and lack of chin.
Narrow palate and crossbite
Its correction improves the midface and prevents nasal speech.
Gummy smile (too much gum is shown when smiling)
Enseñar la altura de encía adecuada para que tu sonrisa sea perfecta.
Recovery and daily life
Most patients need between 2 and 4 weeks to return to their daily activities, although complete bone healing takes several months.
During the first month we recommend a liquid or soft diet, and we gradually reintroduce solid foods as indicated by the surgeon and orthodontist.
Intense physical activities and contact sports should be avoided for 2–3 months; light tasks can be resumed earlier, always following our instructions.
How long does recovery take after orthognathic surgery?
Most patients need between two and four weeks to resume their daily activities. Swelling and discomfort will gradually decrease, although complete bone healing can take several months. Follow-up by the medical team is essential to ensure the best results.
During the first month, a soft or liquid diet is recommended to facilitate healing and avoid discomfort. Afterward, the specialist will advise on how and when to reintroduce solid foods, always based on individual progress and the orthodontist’s guidance.
In general, intense physical activities and contact sports should be avoided for 2 to 3 months after surgery. Light tasks can be resumed earlier, always following the recommendations of the maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist.
Dr. Joan Birbe: ABOMS certified specialist
Why choose Clínica Birbe for your surgery?
- Medical direction by Dr. Joan Birbe, maxillofacial surgeon certified by the ABOMS (American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), the most demanding international standard.
- Extensive experience in complex cases and national and international patients, with care in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French (Dr. Birbe speaks perfect English and French).
- 3D digital planning of each case and prior simulations of jaw and mandible movements for predictable and natural results.
- Real integration of surgical orthodontics and surgery: we work as a single team to align teeth, correct the bite, and harmonize the face.
- Advanced mastery of complementary techniques such as the use of custom PEEK implants when necessary, to improve facial support and stability.
- Close support before and after surgery, facilitating the process for both local patients and those traveling from other cities or countries.
Real cases and testimonies
On our website and video channel, you can see real cases of <strong>patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery</strong>, explaining how their lives have changed both functionally and aesthetically. We show both before-and-after photos and the entire process, so you can get a realistic idea of what to expect.
Orthognathic clinical case
John came to our office with a significant alteration in his bite and jaw projection, which not only affected his facial aesthetics, but also his function and self-esteem.
Orthognathic clinical case
31 year old female, contacts us interested in orthognathic surgery, specifically we performed a segmented bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with mentoplasty; she received post surgery physiotherapy sessions to accelerate the healing process.
Orthognathic clinical case
Jaime is a boy who came to Birbe Clinic because of an open bite problem. At Clínica BIRBE an orthodontic treatment combined with a segmented bimaxillary surgery will solve the problem for life.
Clinical case videos
Case of Open Bite and Protruding Jaw
This patient came to Clínica Birbe with a severe open bite and a significantly protruding jaw, which were affecting his chewing, breathing, and facial aesthetics. After a phase of surgical orthodontics and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery, we were able to close the bite, balance the profile, and improve his respiratory function.In the video, Dr. Birbe explains the treatment plan step by step, and the patient himself describes how his quality of life has changed.
Request an initial expert assessment
If you have an inadequate bite, facial imbalances, or breathing difficulties, Dr. Birbe’s team can help you with comprehensive orthognathic surgery treatment in Barcelona, combining surgical expertise and advanced orthodontics.
Get in touch with us and take the first step towards improved functionality and greater facial harmony.
First visits
Exclusive dedication to maxillofacial surgery, implantology and oral rehabilitation in an interdisciplinary manner, with the participation of various specialists led by Dr. Joan Birbe, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Pre-Operative
Our intention with these recommendations is to help you prepare for your intervention.By following these recommendations you will increase your chances of having a better postoperative period and faster healing.
Instructions for before and after jaw surgery
We firmly believe that the more you understand and the better informed you are, the better your recovery process after orthognathic surgery will be. Do not hesitate to ask Dr. Birbe and his staff any questions you may have.
We help you to perform the intervention you need
After a rigorous evaluation, we offer you a personalized and closed budget with all the necessary forms of payment and financing, so that you can carry it out.
Orthognathic Surgery Guide
Below is a guide for anyone interested in orthognathic surgery. We hope it helps you understand what it is and how it can improve your quality of life and that of those around you.
Our recommendations
Contact
with us
Contact us during our business hours:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
- Phone: +34 93 212 47 37
Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
During your first consultation we will provide you with:
Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
Closed budget with different financing financing possibilities.
