Double jaw surgery, also known as bi-maxillary osteotomy or maxillo-mandibular surgery, is a type of orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery that involves performing surgery on both jaws simultaneously. The purpose of double jaw surgery is to correct both aesthetic and functional skeletal issues, such as a protruding jaw that causes an abnormal bite, called a malocclusion. Candidates for double jaw surgery suffer from disruptive physical characteristics of the mouth and jaws due to genetics or other diagnoses. Sleep conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can also be a result of various facial structural issues and can be corrected to improve quality of life.

Oral surgeons perform double jaw surgery under general anesthesia in a hospital setting, and it can take three to four hours, sometimes even longer. They may use one of two techniques for the lower jaw surgery and often one technique for the upper jaw. The procedure involves resizing, reshaping, and repositioning the entire jaw bones to give the patient the most favorable outcome. Double jaw surgery not only improves a patient’s smile and appearance but also their ability to chew, speak, and breathe. Other benefits of double jaw surgery may include the relief of facial pain, headaches, snoring, and obstructive sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.

Before suggesting double jaw surgery, orthodontists will try alternative treatments, such as braces, clear aligners, retainers, mouth guards, oral splints, muscle relaxants, Botox injections, and airway pressure devices. However, if these treatments are not effective, double jaw surgery may be recommended. The benefits of double jaw surgery are similar to single jaw surgery, and orthognathic “double jaw” surgery moves the teeth and jaws into positions that are more balanced, functional, and healthy.