Am I a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with jaw discrepancies, bite problems, facial asymmetry, airway restrictions, or obstructive sleep apnea. A comprehensive evaluation and 3D imaging assessment are required to determine candidacy.

Can Orthognathic Surgery Improve Sleep Apnea?

For many patients, jaw position directly affects airway size and function. Jaw advancement procedures may increase airway volume, improve airflow, and help reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.

Why Choose Dr. Esteban Alvarado León?

Dr. Esteban Alvarado León is a Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in orthognathic surgery and advanced facial reconstruction. He performs an average of 60 orthognathic surgeries per year and has become a recognized reference in the field, participating as an international speaker and collaborating with leading professionals in digital surgical planning and airway-focused treatment. His practice combines advanced virtual surgical planning, airway evaluation, and a patient-centered approach focused on long-term function, stability, and quality of life.

How Is the Surgery Planned?

Every case is planned using advanced CBCT imaging, digital records, and virtual surgical planning technology. This allows the surgical team to simulate jaw movements, optimize airway outcomes, and improve predictability before entering the operating room.

How Long Should I Stay in Costa Rica?

Most international orthognathic surgery patients should plan to remain in Costa Rica for approximately two weeks after surgery. This allows adequate monitoring during the initial recovery phase, follow-up appointments, and clearance from the surgical team before traveling home.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Swelling and discomfort are expected during the first weeks, with gradual improvement over time. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions, nutritional guidance, and continuous follow-up throughout the recovery process.

Will I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Many patients require orthodontic treatment before and/or after surgery to optimize bite alignment and achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcome.

Orthognathic Surgery & Airway Care in Costa Rica

Improve Function, Facial Balance, and Breathing

Orthognathic surgery is a specialized procedure designed to correct jaw discrepancies that affect bite function, facial harmony, and airway health.

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How Orthognathic Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life

For many patients, jaw position influences not only appearance but also chewing, speech, breathing, and sleep quality.

Through advanced digital planning and specialist surgical care, orthognathic surgery can create meaningful improvements in both function and quality of life.

What Is Orthognathic Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery repositions one or both jaws to improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaw.

It is commonly recommended when jaw discrepancies cannot be corrected through orthodontics alone.

Treatment is planned using advanced 3D imaging and virtual surgical planning to maximize precision and predictability.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Bite Misalignment
Jaw Discrepancies
Facial Asymmetry
Open Bite
Underbite
Overbite
Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Jaw Surgery

Jimena M.

Complete upper and lower jaw restoration using premium titanium implants and fixed zirconia bridges.

Before

After

Jaw Surgery

Jeffry

Complete upper and lower jaw restoration using premium titanium implants and fixed zirconia bridges.

Before

After

Jaw Surgery

Abigail

Complete upper and lower jaw restoration using premium titanium implants and fixed zirconia bridges.

Before

After

Orthognathic Surgery & Airway Care

For some patients, jaw position directly affects the size and function of the airway.

When the airway is restricted, breathing difficulties and sleep apnea may occur.

Jaw advancement procedures can help:

Increase airway volume
Improve airflow
Reduce apnea severity
Improve sleep quality
Improve overall health and energy levels

Every case requires comprehensive evaluation and specialist assessment.

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Before

After

Why Patients Choose Orthognathic Surgery

Improved Function
More efficient chewing and bite stability.
Better Breathing
Enhanced airway support and respiratory function.
Facial Harmony
Improved balance and facial proportions.
Long-Term Benefits
Results designed to support lifelong function.
Long-Term Benefits
Results designed to support lifelong function.

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The Treatment Process

Step 1
Specialist Evaluation
Step 2
CBCT Imaging
Step 3
Virtual Surgical Planning
Step 4
Surgical Procedure
Step 5
Recovery & Follow-Up

Treatment is planned and coordinated by experienced specialists using advanced digital technology.

Specialist-Led Surgical Care

Dr. Esteban Alvarado León

Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist

Orthognathic procedures are planned using advanced digital workflows and performed within a fully integrated surgical environment.

International Patients

Trust Smile provides structured support for international patients seeking orthognathic surgery in Costa Rica.

Services include:

Remote evaluations
Virtual consultations
Treatment planning
Travel guidance
Recovery coordination
Follow-up communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Candidate for Orthognathic Surgery?
Orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients with jaw discrepancies, bite problems, facial asymmetry, airway restrictions, or obstructive sleep apnea. A comprehensive evaluation and 3D imaging assessment are required to determine candidacy.
Can Orthognathic Surgery Improve Sleep Apnea?
For many patients, jaw position directly affects airway size and function. Jaw advancement procedures may increase airway volume, improve airflow, and help reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
Why Choose Dr. Esteban Alvarado León?
Dr. Esteban Alvarado León is a Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in orthognathic surgery and advanced facial reconstruction. He performs an average of 60 orthognathic surgeries per year and has become a recognized reference in the field, participating as an international speaker and collaborating with leading professionals in digital surgical planning and airway-focused treatment. His practice combines advanced virtual surgical planning, airway evaluation, and a patient-centered approach focused on long-term function, stability, and quality of life.
How Is the Surgery Planned?
Every case is planned using advanced CBCT imaging, digital records, and virtual surgical planning technology. This allows the surgical team to simulate jaw movements, optimize airway outcomes, and improve predictability before entering the operating room.
How Long Should I Stay in Costa Rica?
Most international orthognathic surgery patients should plan to remain in Costa Rica for approximately two weeks after surgery. This allows adequate monitoring during the initial recovery phase, follow-up appointments, and clearance from the surgical team before traveling home.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Swelling and discomfort are expected during the first weeks, with gradual improvement over time. Our team provides detailed post-operative instructions, nutritional guidance, and continuous follow-up throughout the recovery process.
Will I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Many patients require orthodontic treatment before and/or after surgery to optimize bite alignment and achieve the best functional and aesthetic outcome.