Orthognatic Surgery at Clinic for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar

In the architectural landscape of the human face, the alignment of the jaws serves as the foundation for both aesthetic harmony and essential functions like chewing, breathing, and speech. At the Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar, we approach orthognathic surgery, commonly known as corrective jaw surgery, as a high-precision discipline that merges digital engineering with surgical artistry. Our Munich-based team specializes in correcting complex skeletal discrepancies where the upper and lower jaws do not meet correctly, providing a definitive solution for patients who cannot achieve a functional bite through orthodontics alone. The transformation begins in our virtual surgery suite, where we move beyond traditional X-rays to utilize 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). By combining high-resolution cone beam CT scans with digital impressions of the teeth, our surgeons create a virtual "digital twin" of the patient’s skull. This allows us to simulate every millimeter of bone movement before the actual procedure begins. We design custom-made surgical splints and, in many cases, 3D-printed titanium plates tailored specifically to the patient’s unique anatomy. This digital blueprint ensures that the final repositioning of the maxilla or mandible is executed with a level of mathematical accuracy that was impossible just a decade ago. During the surgical phase, we prioritize a "minimal-access" philosophy to ensure that all incisions are made entirely inside the mouth. This approach leaves no external facial scars, preserving the patient’s natural appearance while the structural work happens beneath the surface. Whether performing a Le Fort I osteotomy to move the upper jaw or a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy for the lower jaw, our surgeons use ultrasonic bone-cutting tools (Piezosurgery) that selectively target mineralized tissue while sparing sensitive nerves and blood vessels. This technique significantly reduces post-operative swelling and accelerates the healing of the neurovascular pathways. We use rigid internal fixation - tiny, biocompatible titanium screws and plates, the jaws do not need to be "wired shut" after surgery. Patients are typically able to open their mouths and speak immediately after waking up, which drastically improves comfort and nutritional intake during the initial healing phase. Our maxillofacial specialists work in close coordination with the patient’s orthodontist to fine-tune the finishing phase of the bite, ensuring that the new skeletal relationship is stabilized by a perfect dental fit. We don't just move bone; we re-engineer the facial profile to alleviate sleep apnea, resolve chronic jaw joint (TMJ) pain, and restore a balanced, confident smile. For our international patients, the journey through our Munich clinic represents the gold standard in maxillofacial care, combining the rigorous standards of a German university hospital with a personalized approach to facial aesthetics and functional longevity.