Jaw surgery costs about $20,000 to $40,000 without insurance
Without insurance, most people pay about $20,000 to $40,000 for jaw surgery in 2026. That covers the surgeon, anesthesia, the hospital and the work up before surgery. RealSelf members report an average of $30,623. If your medical insurance approves the surgery, you usually pay your deductible and out of pocket share, often $1,000 to $10,000.
What jaw surgery costs
| Without insurance, most patients | $20,000 to $40,000 |
|---|---|
| RealSelf member average | $30,623 |
| Single jaw | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Double jaw | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Surgeon fee, single jaw | $6,000 to $20,000 |
| Surgeon fee, double jaw | $12,000 to $40,000 |
| Adding a chin surgery (genioplasty) | $2,000 to $5,000 more |
| With insurance, your share | $1,000 to $10,000 |
Jaw surgery is also called orthognathic surgery. It fixes a jaw that braces alone cannot fix. Sources: RealSelf, how much jaw surgery costs, from 258 patient reviews (October 2024); BetterCare, how much jaw surgery costs (May 2026); CostHelper, cost of orthognathic surgery (2026); Arizona Jaw Surgery, jaw surgery questions and fees; Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics, how much jaw surgery costs (January 2026).
What changes your price
- One jaw or both. Double jaw surgery costs about twice as much.
- Insurance approval. Approved surgery drops your cost to your deductible and share.
- Hospital costs. The hospital stay is often the biggest part of the bill.
- Extra work. A chin surgery or bone graft adds to the price.
- Braces. Most patients need braces before and after, billed separately.
- Your city. Big city surgeons and hospitals charge more.
How insurance changes the price
RealSelf says its average of $30,623 comes from 258 patient reviews, with prices from about $3,000 with insurance to as much as $150,000 for a complex double jaw surgery with no insurance. It says most health plans cover corrective jaw surgery when you and your surgeon can show a functional problem, like trouble chewing or breathing. Cosmetic jaw surgery is not covered. It adds that the surgeon's office usually asks the insurer for approval four to six weeks before surgery.
BetterCare says dental insurance rarely pays, because jaw surgery is billed as medical care, not dental care. When medical insurance approves it, your share usually drops to your deductible and out of pocket maximum, about $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your plan.
Arizona Jaw Surgery puts surgeon fees at about $6,000 to $20,000 for one jaw and $12,000 to $40,000 for both, and says most of the total comes from hospital costs. Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics puts single jaw surgery at $10,000 to $20,000 and double jaw at $20,000 to $40,000, and notes that many hospitals and clinics offer payment plans. Sources: RealSelf, how much jaw surgery costs, from 258 patient reviews (October 2024); BetterCare, how much jaw surgery costs (May 2026); Arizona Jaw Surgery, jaw surgery questions and fees; Dr. Bob Bryan Orthodontics, how much jaw surgery costs (January 2026).
Jaw surgery and braces
Most jaw surgery patients wear braces before and after surgery. See our braces and Invisalign pages for those costs, and our wisdom teeth removal page, since wisdom teeth are often taken out first.
BetterCare says jaw surgery is often advised for a severe overbite, underbite or crossbite, a face that is not even, sleep apnea and some jaw joint problems. It says Botox shots for jaw joint pain cost about $1,250 to $2,550 a session, which some people try before surgery.
How to judge the price you are quoted
- Ask for separate prices for the surgeon, anesthesia and hospital.
- Ask if the price includes the scans and models made before surgery.
- Ask your surgeon to request insurance approval before you book.
- Ask your orthodontist for the cost of braces before and after surgery.
- Compare with $20,000 to $40,000 without insurance.
Ways to pay less
- Get written insurance approval first. It can cut your cost to a few thousand dollars.
- If you are turned down, ask your surgeon to send more records and appeal.
- Use a health savings account or flexible spending account for your share.
- Ask the hospital for a cash price and a payment plan if you have no insurance.
How we got these numbers
Surgeons and hospitals set their own prices. The ranges come from RealSelf patient reviews, cost guides and surgeon offices, as dated below. We do not add our own guesses. This page is about cost only, not medical advice. All numbers were checked on September 28, 2026.
Common questions
How much does jaw surgery cost without insurance?
About $20,000 to $40,000 for most patients in 2026.
Does insurance cover jaw surgery?
Most medical plans cover it when it fixes a real problem like chewing or breathing. Cosmetic jaw surgery is not covered.
How much is double jaw surgery?
About $20,000 to $40,000, and more in complex cases.
What do I pay with insurance?
Usually your deductible and out of pocket share, often $1,000 to $10,000.