What Is Jaw Shaving? When Is It Considered?

“Jaw shaving” is a general term commonly used to describe surgical reshaping of selected areas of the jawbone. However, it does not refer to one single standardized operation.

The anatomical area involved, whether the purpose is primarily aesthetic, and whether an underlying functional jaw problem is present all need to be evaluated.

Surgical reshaping of the jawbone is different from orthodontic treatment and should be assessed and performed within the appropriate surgical specialty.

What Is Jaw Shaving?

Procedures described as jaw shaving may involve surgically changing the contour of selected areas of the mandible or chin.

The term may be used in connection with aesthetic facial contouring procedures or other types of jaw surgery.

The exact procedure involved can only be determined after clinical assessment.

Is Jaw Shaving the Same as Chin Surgery?

Not always.

Procedures that change the shape or position of the chin can be performed using different surgical techniques.

For example, genioplasty is a more specific procedure that surgically changes the position or form of the chin.

“Jaw shaving,” on the other hand, is a broader and technically less precise term commonly used outside specialist terminology.

Is Jaw Shaving the Same as Orthognathic Surgery?

No.

Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw or both jaws in order to address skeletal jaw relationships.

Simple bone contouring and procedures that reposition the jaws are not the same operation.

When May Jaw Surgery Be Considered?

Surgical procedures involving the jaw region may be considered for different reasons.

These may include:

• Significant skeletal jaw discrepancies
• Problems involving the position or shape of the chin
• Facial profile concerns
• Certain bone changes following trauma
• Situations involving both functional and aesthetic needs

However, the type of procedure should not be selected solely on the basis of external appearance.

Is Jaw Shape Determined Only by Bone?

No.

The appearance of the facial profile and jawline is influenced by bone structure as well as tooth position, lips, muscles, soft tissues and other facial features.

For this reason, every difference in jawline appearance should not automatically be assumed to require bone contouring.

Can Tooth Position Affect the Appearance of the Jaw?

Yes.

The position of the front teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth can influence lip support and certain aspects of the facial profile.

For this reason, facial profile assessment should consider both dental and skeletal relationships rather than focusing only on the jawbone.

Can Orthodontic Treatment Change Jaw Shape?

The primary purpose of orthodontic treatment is to manage tooth positions and bite relationships.

Changes in tooth position may influence some aspects of facial appearance, but orthodontic treatment does not surgically reshape the jawbone in an adult patient.

When significant skeletal problems are present, orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery may be planned together.

If the Chin Is Retruded, Is Jaw Shaving Used?

A retruded chin is not assessed simply by considering removal or reduction of bone.

The position of the chin, skeletal structure of the lower jaw, facial profile and bite relationships should all be evaluated together.

The appropriate surgical approach depends on the nature of the problem.

What If the Chin Appears Too Prominent?

A prominent chin may result from different anatomical factors.

It is important to determine whether the issue involves only the chin itself or the overall skeletal position of the lower jaw.

The appropriate surgical procedure cannot be selected without making this distinction.

Can Bone Be Contoured to Make the Jawline Narrower?

Some facial contouring procedures may involve surgical modification of selected areas of the lower jawbone.

However, not every jawline contouring procedure uses the same surgical technique.

Bone anatomy, nerve position and overall facial proportions need to be assessed before any procedure is planned.

Is Jaw Shaving a Surgical Procedure?

Yes. Any procedure that surgically modifies bone tissue is an operation.

It should not be considered a simple cosmetic or superficial procedure.

The surgical indication, technique, anaesthesia and recovery process are determined by the relevant surgical team.

Are Nerves Important in Jaw Shaving Procedures?

Yes.

The lower jaw contains teeth, nerves, blood vessels and other anatomical structures in close proximity.

For this reason, surgical procedures involving the bone require detailed anatomical planning.

Is Imaging Used Before Jaw Surgery?

When surgical planning is required, appropriate radiographic or three-dimensional imaging may be used to assess the patient's anatomy.

The type of imaging required depends on the procedure being considered.

Does an Orthodontist Perform Jaw Shaving?

Surgical reshaping of the jawbone is not an orthodontic procedure.

The orthodontist's role is to evaluate the teeth, bite relationships and skeletal jaw relationships, and when necessary to coordinate orthodontic treatment with surgical care.

The surgical procedure itself is performed by the appropriate surgical specialty.

Why Might an Orthodontist and Surgeon Work Together?

In some patients with skeletal jaw discrepancies, tooth position and jaw position need to be assessed together.

When orthognathic surgery is required, orthodontic treatment may form part of the treatment plan before and after surgery.

A multidisciplinary approach may therefore be important.

Does Every Facial Asymmetry Require Jaw Surgery?

No.

A certain degree of facial asymmetry naturally exists in many people.

It is necessary to determine whether the asymmetry is dental, skeletal or related to soft tissues before considering surgical treatment.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed After Jaw Shaving?

This depends on the type of surgical procedure performed.

A procedure intended only to modify facial contour is different from orthognathic surgery that changes jaw position and bite relationships.

The need for orthodontic treatment should therefore be evaluated separately according to the patient's dental and skeletal condition.

Is Jaw Shaving Risky?

As with any surgical procedure, operations involving bone and surrounding tissues may carry specific risks.

The level of risk varies according to the extent of the procedure, anatomical region and the patient's general health.

Individual risk assessment should be performed by the surgical team carrying out the procedure.

What Should Someone Do If They Are Concerned About Their Jaw Appearance?

The first step is to identify the actual source of the concern.

Tooth position, skeletal relationships between the upper and lower jaws, chin position and overall facial profile may all be assessed together.

This helps determine whether the issue may be addressed orthodontically, surgically or through another approach.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaw Shaving

What is jaw shaving?

It is a general term commonly used to describe surgical reshaping of selected areas of the jawbone. It does not refer to one standardized operation.

Is jaw shaving the same as genioplasty?

No. Genioplasty is a more specific surgical procedure used to change the position or form of the chin.

Is jaw shaving an orthodontic procedure?

No. Bone contouring is a surgical procedure. Orthodontics focuses on the position of the teeth and their bite relationships.

Can braces change the shape of the jaw?

Orthodontic treatment can change tooth positions and may influence some aspects of the facial profile. However, in adults it does not replace surgical modification of the jawbone contour.

Is orthognathic surgery the same as jaw shaving?

No. Orthognathic surgery repositions the jawbones, whereas bone contouring procedures may have different objectives and techniques.

Can I see an orthodontist about the appearance of my jaw?

Yes. An orthodontic assessment can evaluate the relationship between the teeth and jaws. If a surgical issue is suspected, evaluation together with the appropriate surgical specialty may be required.

Content Last Updated: 2 September 2026

Content Reviewed By: Orthodontist Çağrı Şibal

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis or personalized treatment recommendation. The need for and type of surgical jaw contouring procedure should be determined according to the patient's skeletal anatomy, dental relationships and surgical assessment. Orthodontic evaluation and the scope of surgical treatment should be considered separately.