How to fix upper jaw protrusion: will braces or jaw surgery resolve it?

📅 Updated 22/05/2026·🏷️ Chin & Jaw·✍️ Editorial team — Dr. Vo Thanh Sang

Do you instinctively cover your mouth with your hand whenever you smile, worried about the upper jaw jutting forward? Many people have worn braces for several years yet still feel their side profile hasn't changed as much as they hoped, and they begin to wonder how to fix upper jaw protrusion so that it truly resolves. The answer is not the same for everyone, because protrusion can originate from the teeth, from the jawbone, or from both. Correctly understanding the cause is the first step toward choosing a treatment direction that suits you.

What is upper jaw protrusion, and why does it need to be classified correctly?

Protrusion (an overjet or "buck" appearance) is a condition in which the upper jaw or the group of upper front teeth sits further forward than is harmonious with the lower jaw and the rest of the face. Viewed from the side, the upper lip is often pushed outward, and at times it can be difficult to close the mouth comfortably at rest.

An important point to remember is that protrusion is not a single condition. Classifying it correctly determines the entire treatment plan. In practice, protrusion is usually grouped into three main types:

Dental protrusion: the jawbones sit in a relatively normal position, but the upper front teeth erupt forward or are excessively tilted.
Skeletal protrusion: the upper jawbone itself is overdeveloped or positioned too far forward, carrying the teeth and lips along with it.
Mixed protrusion: a combination of both dental and skeletal factors, which is a fairly common group in clinical practice.

Two cases may look alike when smiling, yet the way each is addressed can be entirely different. That is why guessing from a mirror selfie often leads to mistaken expectations.

How to fix upper jaw protrusion: distinguishing dental from skeletal protrusion

To determine precisely how to fix upper jaw protrusion, the doctor needs to assess more than what the eye alone can see. Some early suggestive signs can help you form a picture, but they are for reference only:

Signs pointing toward dental protrusion

When the mouth is closed, the two jawbones appear relatively well related, with the front teeth being the main element jutting out.
The bony base around the base of the nose and the upper lip does not protrude too noticeably.
There is spacing, or tilted teeth that can be drawn back inward.

Signs pointing toward skeletal protrusion

From the side, the bony base beneath the nose is seen projecting forward, not just the teeth.
The smile reveals a lot of gum, with a sense that the whole upper jaw is long and protruding.
It is difficult to close the lips naturally; the lips have to strain to meet.

To reach a conclusion, the doctor usually orders a lateral cephalometric radiograph, a panoramic radiograph, sometimes a CT scan, combined with measurements of anatomical angles and distances. It is these measurements, rather than subjective impressions, that reveal whether your protrusion leans toward the teeth or the bone, and to what degree.

When are braces enough?

Braces (orthodontic treatment) work by moving teeth within the alveolar bone. For that reason, braces are effective when the problem lies in the position and tilt of the teeth, while the bony base is fundamentally acceptable.

Braces are usually considered in situations such as:

Protrusion that is mainly due to forward-tilted front teeth, with the jawbones relatively harmonious.
Mild to moderate protrusion, where there is still room to draw the teeth back.
Some cases requiring tooth extraction to create space, allowing the front teeth to retract and reducing lip projection.

The advantage of braces is that they do not involve bone surgery and are less invasive. However, braces have limits: they move teeth but cannot relocate or reduce the size of the jawbone. If the main cause is skeletal and only braces are used, the result may improve the dentition, but the overall side profile may still fall short of expectations. Treatment time is usually lengthy, and the result depends on individual factors, cooperation with wearing the appliance, and retention after treatment.

When is jaw surgery needed?

Jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) is the direction considered when the root cause lies in the bone, where braces alone cannot correct the facial relationship. In many cases, this is a procedure to cut and reposition the jawbone in order to bring the upper jaw into a more harmonious relationship with the lower jaw.

Jaw surgery is usually considered when:

There is marked skeletal protrusion of moderate to severe degree.
There is significant malocclusion due to the relationship between the two jaws, affecting chewing function as well.
The patient has passed the age at which the bones stop growing and wishes to achieve a substantial change in the side profile.

In practice, many cases of skeletal protrusion are treated with a protocol of surgery combined with orthodontics: braces align the teeth correctly before and after surgery, while the surgery handles the movement of the bone. This is a collaboration between the orthodontist and the surgeon, not two mutually exclusive options. The specific decision always depends on the examination findings and each person's individual characteristics.

Medical notes: contraindications, risks, and complications

Any intervention has its own limits and risks. We present them honestly so that you can weigh your options, rather than expecting a perfect solution for everyone.

With braces, the issues that may arise include: root resorption, gum recession, tooth decay or gum inflammation if hygiene is poor, soreness when the appliance is tightened, and the risk of teeth shifting back if a retainer is not worn correctly.

With jaw surgery, because it is a major intervention under general anesthesia, the risks to be aware of may include: bleeding, prolonged swelling, infection, temporary or prolonged numbness in the lip and chin area due to effects on the sensory nerves, malocclusion requiring further adjustment, and risks related to anesthesia.

Some situations call for caution or postponing the intervention:

Jawbones that have not yet finished developing (often in people who are still too young) in the case of bone-repositioning surgery.
An uncontrolled oral condition such as tooth decay or severe periodontitis.
An unstable systemic illness, a bleeding disorder, or a state of health unsuitable for anesthesia.
Being pregnant, or holding unrealistic expectations about the outcome.

For these reasons, it is important to have the examination and intervention carried out at an accredited medical facility or hospital, assessed by a specialist doctor, and not at a spa or an inadequately equipped establishment. Results always depend on the individual and require thorough monitoring before, during, and after treatment.

Where should I start?

If you are still wondering how to fix upper jaw protrusion for your particular case, the most practical step is not to decide on your own between braces and surgery, but to get examined to identify the cause. You can prepare a few questions in advance:

Does my protrusion lean toward the teeth, the bone, or a mix?
Will braces be enough to address the side profile, or is surgery needed in combination?
What is the expected pathway, timeline, and which risks should I anticipate?

A single examination with diagnostic imaging will provide a far clearer answer than any guesswork from photographs.

Closing thoughts

In short, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to fix upper jaw protrusion: dental protrusion may improve with orthodontics, skeletal protrusion usually requires surgery or a combination of both, and only a direct examination can distinguish them accurately. Do not be quick to believe promises of an absolute result from any source, because every face is its own individual problem to solve.

If you would like an accurate assessment of the cause and advice on a suitable treatment direction, Dr. Vo Thanh Sang, a specialist in aesthetic plastic surgery in Ho Chi Minh City, is ready to examine you and listen to what you hope to achieve. Please contact the hotline 079 7479 222 for help booking an appointment and for gentle, pressure-free answers to your questions.