JAW WIDENING SURGERY SPECIALIST IN SYDNEY
Jaw Expansion Surgery (SAME) in Sydney
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Kristian van Mourik has the highest level of specialist surgical training and expertise in Jaw Widening Surgery in Sydney, working closely with your orthodontist to achieve the best possible functional and aesthetic result.
With more than 16 years of specialist practice, Dr Kristian van Mourik provides jaw expansion surgery Sydney wide.
Our practice has been providing jaw widening surgery in Sydney for over a decade. With two established clinics, we are committed to:
- Staying at the forefront of the latest jaw surgery research and techniques
- Explaining everything clearly so you feel confident and informed
- Delivering the highest level of surgical proficiency
- Supporting you with attentive aftercare throughout your recovery
What is Jaw Expansion Surgery (SAME)
Jaw expansion surgery, also called Surgically Assisted Maxillary Expansion (SAME) or maxillary expansion surgery, widens a narrow upper jaw to create more space for the teeth, bite and airway.
It is generally recommended when orthodontic treatment alone cannot provide enough expansion, particularly in adolescents and adults where the upper jaw has fully developed.
Treatment is carefully planned with your orthodontist and performed by Dr Kristian van Mourik, specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Why Get Jaw Expansion Surgery?
A narrow upper jaw can affect your teeth, bite and breathing. Jaw widening surgery can create more space and improve the function and balance of your upper jaw.
Create more space for your teeth
A narrow upper jaw causes crowded, overlapping, or impacted teeth. Jaw widening surgery creates room for your adult teeth to align without extraction.
Fix bite issues (like crossbites)
A narrow upper jaw causes crossbites and misaligned teeth. Upper jaw expansion surgery widens the palate so your upper and lower teeth meet correctly.
Improve airway and breathing
A narrow palate restricts your nasal airway. Surgical palate expansion can ease breathing difficulty, reduce snoring, and support treatment for mild sleep-disordered breathing.
Prevent more complicated treatments later
Addressing a narrow jaw early reduces the likelihood of needing tooth extractions, corrective jaw surgery, or extended orthodontic treatment later.
Facial balance
Jaw widening can improve facial symmetry and the overall proportion of your features, from both the front and the side.
What to Expect Before and After Jaw Widening (SAME) Surgery
Before Jaw Widening Surgery
Before jaw widening surgery, Dr Kristian van Mourik will perform a detailed assessment to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your jaw and bite.
Your assessment may include:
- Clinical examination to assess your jaw, teeth, bite and facial structure.
- 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate the jawbone, teeth, nerves and surrounding structures.
- Digital treatment planning to determine the amount and direction of jaw expansion required.
- Orthodontic assessment to coordinate the surgical and orthodontic aspects of treatment where required.
Dr van Mourik will explain your recommended treatment plan, including the type of jaw widening procedure, the expected results, recovery period and whether orthodontic treatment is required before or after surgery.
After Jaw Widening Surgery
Following jaw widening surgery, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness and discomfort. These symptoms generally improve gradually during the first few weeks.
Recovery may include:
- Swelling and bruising, which are usually most noticeable during the first few days.
- Jaw stiffness and discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed pain relief.
- A temporary change in your bite, as the jaw heals and orthodontic treatment continues where required.
- A modified diet, with softer foods recommended during the initial healing period.
- Gradual return to normal activities, depending on the type of surgery and your individual recovery.
The jawbone needs time to heal and stabilise following surgery. If plates and screws are used to secure the jaw, these are generally designed to remain in place unless they later cause a problem or removal is recommended.
Dr van Mourik will provide detailed post-operative instructions and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor healing and your bite throughout your recovery.
How is Jaw Expansion Surgery Performed?
Dr. Kristian van Mourik performs upper jaw expansion surgery and maxillary expansion surgery in an accredited private Sydney hospital. A specialist anaesthetist administers general anaesthetic, so you are fully asleep and comfortable throughout
During the Surgery
- Surgery is performed mostly inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars.
- In rare cases a small incision is placed in a natural skin fold.
- Small cuts are made in the upper jawbone and a jaw expansion appliance is fitted to the roof of your mouth.
After the Surgery
- Jaw widening begins about three days after surgery, when gradual adjustments to the appliance start.
- This palate expansion surgery phase continues over several weeks.
- Once the upper jaw has reached the target width, the appliance stays in place for a few months to allow the bone to consolidate.
- Orthodontic treatment then begins to align the teeth and finalise the bite.
Can the Lower Jaw Also Be Expanded?
Jaw widening surgery usually refers to expansion of the upper jaw (maxilla). Lower jaw expansion surgery, also called mandibular expansion, is less common and requires a different surgical approach.
Lower jaw expansion involves making controlled cuts in the lower jawbone to allow the jaw to be repositioned. The new position is then stabilised using small metal plates and screws, which are typically left in place.
The procedure needs to be carefully planned around your teeth, bite and overall jaw position.
Recovery After Jaw Expansion Surgery
Recovery after jaw widening surgery
Dr van Mourik will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your case. Following these instructions carefully will support a smoother recovery and help avoid complications.
Day surgery
Most patients spend one night in hospital following jaw expansion surgery, with discharge the following day once comfortable.
Pain management
Immediately after surgery you’ll be prescribed intravenous pain relief by your surgeon. After about 24 hours, you should be comfortable using regular pain tablets such as Nurofen® or Panadeine®.
Work or school
Plan for 2 to 7 days off work or school after jaw widening surgery. Most patients return to desk-based work within the first week.
Stitches
Dissolving stitches are used in most cases and typically disappear within one to two weeks.
Diet
For the first week, you’ll be on a soft-food diet (with no straws) to protect your healing jaw. After the initial period you’ll gradually move back to normal foods as advised by your surgeon.
Oral Hygiene and follow up
While the jaw expansion appliance is in place, brush carefully with a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm salt water after meals. Dr. Kristian van Mourik and your orthodontist will review your progress at regular intervals to confirm that upper jaw expansion is proceeding as planned.
A Personalised Approach
No two jaw widening surgery cases are the same. Each procedure is planned around your facial structure, bite, airway needs, and treatment goals. In addition to improving bite function and creating space for your teeth, jaw expansion can improve facial symmetry, affecting how your features look from both the front and the side. The outcome is improved oral health and a more natural, balanced appearance.
Cost Jaw Widening Surgery in Sydney
The cost of corrective jaw surgery in Sydney varies depending on your individual needs, including:
- Complexity of the surgery
- Hospital stay
- Anesthesi
Affordable Jaw Expansion
Dr Kristian van Mourik is an experienced Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon specialising in both routine and complex corrective jaw surgery, providing personalised specialist care.
A written, itemised quote is provided before treatment so you can check your private health insurance and Medicare rebates. Medicare and private health insurance may contribute towards eligible hospital and anaesthetic costs, depending on your circumstances.
Flexible Finance Options
Flexible finance options are available, making it easier to access the highest standard of care while keeping your dental implant treatment affordable.
Medicare and Private Health Insurance
Medicare covers part of the initial consultation, certain surgical and anaesthetic item numbers. Private health insurance may contribute to hospital, surgical and anaesthetist fees. You will receive an itemised quote that can be submitted to your private health fund and medicare to check available rebates.
Why Seeing an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Matters
Jaw expansion surgery is a complex procedure that requires specialist training.Â
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have the highest level of training and skills in orthognathic surgery, having qualified as a surgeon, a doctor and a dentist.
They regularly perform jaw surgery and offer the highest standard of surgical care. An Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon’s approach ensures:
- Surgery performed to the highest technical standard
- The best chance of a smooth recovery and long-term success
- Treatment guided by the most current medical and dental knowledge
- A lower risk of complications
- Specialist medical expertise to manage complications, should they arise
Trust an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for the best outcomes for your jaw surgery.
Trusted by Hundreds of Patients Across Sydney
Dr Kristian van Mourik has received 120+ verified Google reviews across his Lindfield and Bondi Junction clinics, reflecting years of specialist Oral & Maxillofacial surgical care, clear communication and a consistent patient experience.
Dr Kristian Van Mourik Associations & Accreditations
Jaw Expansion Surgery FAQs
At what age should a child get a palate expander?
Jaw expansion surgery is typically recommended for adolescents and adults whose jawbones have fused, making orthodontic expansion alone insufficient. Children whose bones are still growing may be treated with a removable or fixed orthodontic expander first. Your orthodontist will advise on timing based on your child’s development.
How will I know if my child or I need a palate expander?
Your dentist or orthodontist will identify whether your upper jaw is too narrow through an examination and X-rays. Common signs include crowded teeth, a crossbite, difficulty breathing through the nose, or a history of sleep-disordered breathing. If orthodontic treatment alone cannot achieve enough expansion, you may be referred for a surgical assessment.
What are the risks or complications of a palate expander?
Jaw expansion surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited hospital by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, which minimises surgical risk. As with any procedure, risks include swelling, temporary discomfort, and the need for follow-up. Dr. Kristian van Mourik will discuss all risks specific to your case at your consultation.
How painful is a palate expander?
Most patients experience manageable discomfort after jaw widening surgery rather than severe pain. You will be prescribed intravenous pain relief immediately after surgery. By day two, most patients are comfortable with standard over-the-counter medication. You should plan for 2 to 7 days off work or school. Full recovery and bone consolidation takes several months
How long do palate expanders stay in?
The jaw expansion surgery itself takes approximately one to two hours. The expansion appliance placed during surgery remains in your mouth for several months, first while active widening occurs over several weeks, then while the bone consolidates. Orthodontic treatment begins once the surgeon and orthodontist confirm adequate healing.
Is a palate expander really necessary?
Double jaw surgery (bimaxillary osteotomy) repositions both the upper and lower jaws but does not widen the upper jaw in the same way as SAME. If palate widening is also needed, jaw expansion surgery may be planned as a separate step with your orthodontist before or after double jaw surgery. Dr. Kristian van Mourik can advise on the right sequence for your case.
Can a palate expander cause facial changes?
Jaw widening surgery can improve facial symmetry by widening the upper jaw and balancing the proportions of your face. Most patients notice a subtle positive change in facial harmony, particularly from the front. The procedure does not dramatically alter your features. The goal is proportion, not a fundamentally different appearance.
Areas We Service for Jaw Expansion
Jaw expansion surgery available across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and North Shore.
Our Sydney Clinics
Bondi Junction
Located in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs, our Bondi Junction clinic is easily accessible by train, bus, and nearby parking.
Lindfield
Conveniently positioned on the North Shore, our Lindfield clinic is close to public transport and offers parking options nearby.