Breaking Down Double Jaw Surgery: What You Need To Know!

This article is reviewed, corrected, and approved by: Dr. Joshua Collins M.D. | MRCP। FRCP

Is severe jaw misalignment causing problems for you or someone you know? Or even facing challenges in biting, chewing, or even breathing. If so, there is a remarkable procedure known as double jaw surgery might resolve this issue.

Today, I will discuss the details of double jaw surgery, its benefits, who can benefit from double jaw surgery, and how jaw surgery differs from other types of surgery.

What Is Double Jaw Surgery?

Orthognathic surgery, also called Double Jaw Surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to correct severe jaw misalignments and related concerns. This intricate surgery involves repositioning both the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) to achieve proper alignment and balance between the jaws, teeth, and facial structures.

Who Needs Double Jaw Surgery?

• Severe Malocclusion: orthognathic surgery can help those with severe malocclusions, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. It realigns the jaws and improves the bite.
• Facial Asymmetry: Double jaw surgery can help balance facial asymmetry caused by jaw size or position differences.
• Difficulty Chewing, Speaking, or Breathing: Those experiencing functional issues related to their jaw misalignment, such as difficulty in biting, chewing, speaking, or breathing, may find relief through orthognathic surgery.
• Chronic Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorders: Severe jaw misalignment can contribute to chronic jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Inability to Achieve Desired Orthodontic Results: Double jaw surgery or jaw reduction surgery can help fix unresolved jaw alignment issues that may persist even after orthodontic treatments like braces.
• Facial Trauma or Congenital Anomalies: Individuals with facial trauma or congenital jaw anomalies may require double jaw surgery to restore proper jaw function and aesthetics.
• Airway Obstruction: Jaw misalignment can cause breathing problems, especially during sleep. Double jaw surgery can improve airway obstruction and treat sleep apnea. Read more about sleep apnea from this article: Revealing The Fact - Can Sleep Apnea Kill You?

The Benefits Of Double Jaw Surgery

• Improved Jaw Alignment: Double jaw surgery effectively corrects severe jaw misalignments, restoring proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws.
• Enhanced Bite Function: Improving the alignment of the jaws through surgery can enhance a patient's ability to bite, chew, and talking more effectively and efficiently.
• Alleviation of TMJ Disorders: For individuals suffering from chronic jaw pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, double jaw surgery can provide relief and improved jaw function.
• Aesthetic Improvement: The surgery can significantly enhance facial aesthetics, addressing issues like facial asymmetry, protruding or receding jaws, and unbalanced facial features.
• Boosted Self-Confidence: Improved facial appearance and jaw function can boost self-esteem and confidence.
• Correction of Breathing Difficulties: For those with airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnea due to jaw misalignment, double jaw surgery can help improve breathing and quality of sleep.
• Long-Term Results: Undergoing orthognathic surgery can result in lasting improvements in jaw alignment, allowing patients to experience the benefits for many years to come.
• Complementary to Orthodontic Treatment: The surgery complements orthodontic work, ensuring a more comprehensive and successful outcome in correcting complex jaw issues.
• Improved Dental Health: Misaligned teeth may cause dental problems, so proper jaw alignment is essential for improving oral hygiene.
• Prevention of Future Complications: Addressing severe jaw misalignment early with surgery can prevent potential future dental and jaw-related complications.
• Better Facial Symmetry: By aligning the jaws correctly, the surgery helps achieve facial symmetry, contributing to a more balanced and attractive appearance.
• Psychological and Social Impact: Double jaw surgery can improve both function and appearance, boosting self-esteem and social interactions for those with jaw misalignment.

Risk Factors of Double Jaw Surgery

There are several risk factors for this jaw surgery. These are:

Anesthesia Risks

As with any surgical procedure, the use of anesthesia during double jaw surgery carries inherent risks, such as adverse reactions or complications related to anesthesia administration.

Bleeding and Infection

Double jaw surgery involves surgical incisions, which may lead to bleeding and increase the risk of infection.

Nerve Injury

The surgical procedure runs the risk of nerve damage, leading to potential numbness, altered sensation, or tingling in the face, lips, or chin.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising after orthognathic surgery are normal and may last a few weeks. In some cases, excessive swelling can make eating and speaking difficult.

Delayed Healing

Some patients may experience delayed or slower healing of the surgical incisions, which can prolong the recovery period.

Temporary Bite Changes

Following the surgery, patients may experience changes in their bite as the jaws and teeth adapt to their new positions. These changes are usually temporary and resolve as the healing process progresses.

Airway Complications

In rare cases, airway issues can arise due to the changes in the jaw and throat structures during the surgery, leading to breathing difficulties.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues

Double jaw surgery can affect the functioning of the temporomandibular joint, potentially leading to TMJ problems in some cases.

Relapse

Although rare, there is a possibility of some degree of relapse in jaw alignment after the surgery. Close monitoring and compliance with post-operative instructions can help minimize this risk.

Asymmetry or Aesthetic Concerns

While double jaw surgery aims to improve facial aesthetics, there is a slight risk of developing asymmetry or cosmetic issues after the procedure.

Bone Healing Complications

Occasionally, the bones may not heal as expected, leading to stability and bone union issues

Psychological Impact

Undergoing surgery can have psychological effects on some patients, such as anxiety or emotional distress related to the procedure and recovery.

Double Jaw Surgery Vs. Underbite Jaw Surgery

F.A.Qs

Q: Is jaw surgery worth it?

Ans: It depends on individual's specific situation and the severity of their jaw misalignment.

Q: How long does jaw surgery take to heal?

Ans: jaw surgery recovery time varies and it can last 6-12 weeks.

Q: How to understand the differences of double jaw surgery before and after?

Ans: To compare the effects of double jaw surgery, notice the changes in appearance, jaw alignment, and functionality before and after the operation through medical evaluation, photos etc.

Q: Is there any chance to double jaw surgery gone wrong?

Ans: Double jaw surgery has risks like infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and jaw misalignment. An experienced surgeon can minimize complications for a better outcome.

Q: Who can benefit from double jaw surgery?

Ans: Double jaw surgery or jaw reduction surgery might be a viable option if you have malocclusion, crossbite, or sleep apnea.

Conclusion

Double jaw surgery can correct severe jaw misalignments, improve biting function, and boost self-confidence. However, it comes with risks like anesthesia issues and nerve injury.

Speaking with an experienced surgeon before deciding is important so you can fully understand the potential advantages and risks involved. It can be a life-changing option for those with severe jaw misalignment, providing lasting improvements in appearance and functionality.