Double Jaw Surgery - Procedure, Recovery, Risks & Cost

Double jaw surgery addresses a range of jaw alignment issues. This comprehensive guide discusses what it is, who needs it, the risks, benefits, costs, and the recovery process.

Whether you're considering this procedure or simply curious about its details, this article provides valuable insights.

What is Double Jaw Surgery?

Double jaw surgery (bi-maxillary osteotomy) is a specific type of orthognathic or corrective jaw surgery to correct certain jaw problems and other related conditions. Unlike other forms of jaw surgery, double jaw surgery is performed on both jaws simultaneously.

During the procedure, the oral surgeon will resize, reshape, and reposition the entire jaw to give you the best outcome for your needs. Most people will need to wear braces before and after the surgery.

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Double Jaw Surgery Procedure Recovery Risks and Cost

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Who Needs Double Jaw Surgery?

It’s typically used to treat a protruding jaw, which causes an abnormal bite (malocclusion). However, you can get double jaw surgery if you have a condition that affects your quality of life. 

If you’re experiencing chronic jaw pain or headaches due to your misalignment, then double jaw surgery might be a good option for you.

There are also several reasons for needing double jaw surgery, including:

• Jaw or facial injuries
• Speech or chewing problems
• Jaw closure issues
• Problems with your bite (open bite)
• Improving the ability to close your lips fully
• Repair birth defects (cleft lip or palate)
• Treating sleep apnea
• Fixing cosmetic problems related to your jaw
• Treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and other jaw conditions
• Correcting facial imbalances (underbites, crossbites, overbites, or small chins)
• Changing how much of the teeth show
• Treating people who have reduced growth in the middle of their face

Most people undergo jaw surgery after their skeletal growth stops, which is around 14 to 16 years of age for females and 17 to 21 for males. 

Benefits and Risks of Double Jaw Surgery

As with any surgery, there are potential benefits and risks associated with jaw surgery.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From Double Jaw Surgery?

You’ll need to spend 2 to 4 days in the hospital after the surgery. It usually takes around 6 weeks for your jaw to heal.

However, the full healing process and recovery time can take as long as 12 weeks. During this time you’ll likely experience the following:

• Pain and swelling in or around your jaw
• Numbness in the jaw, lips, or cheeks
• Stiffness in your jaw
• Nasal blockage and bloody discharge
• Dry lips or mouth

Depending on the severity of your surgery, it might also take some time to adjust to how your face looks.

What to Do During Recovery?

Your doctor may advise you to stick to a soft food or liquid diet while you’re healing. If you do, you may need to take nutritional supplements.

Additionally, your surgeon or orthodontist will give you special instructions on how to take care of yourself while you recover. These instructions often include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding alcohol and tobacco products
• What you can and can’t eat 
• How to keep your mouth and teeth clean
• What pain medication you can take and how often to take them
• When it’s safe to start doing strenuous activities again
• When you can go back to school or work
• When you can safely blow your nose again

After 6 weeks after the surgery, your orthodontist will place braces on your teeth to keep them in alignment. You’ll have to wear these braces for 6 to 9 months. 

Once your braces are removed, you will need to wear retainers indefinitely to keep your teeth in their new position. In total, it can take several years to fully fix your jaw or teeth alignment problems.

How Much Does Double Jaw Surgery Cost?

The cost of double jaw surgery depends largely on the type or extent of the surgery. The procedure can cost between $20,000 and $40,000. 

This price usually includes consultations before surgery, the cost of the actual surgery, and follow-up care. If the procedure is medically necessary, your insurance may cover some or all of it.

What to Expect Regarding Double Jaw Surgery

Below is the timeline for what to expect before, during, and after double jaw surgery:

What to Expect Before Surgery

Most people need to wear braces for 12 to 18 months before surgery, which helps align and level out teeth. Getting a temporary orthodontic anchorage can help move your teeth quicker and reduce the amount of time you need to wear braces.

If your teeth don’t fit together properly, you may need to get crowns or have your teeth reshaped before surgery. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon will work with your orthodontist to take X-rays, models, and pictures of your teeth to help formulate your surgery plan.

Before jaw surgery, a medical professional will administer general anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable and don’t feel any pain. Most jaw surgeries take place in a hospital.

What Happens During the Procedure

Your surgeon may use virtual surgical planning, which allows for a computer-generated surgical plan and customized instruments. Jaw surgery is often done inside the mouth, so there aren’t scars on the outside of your jaw, chin, or mouth. However, a surgeon may need to make minor cuts outside the mouth in some cases. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will cut into the jawbone and then physically move it. After moving the jaw bones into the new position, the surgeon uses small screws, wires, rubber bands, and bone plates to secure the bones into their new position. Over time, these screws become part of the bone structure.

Some people may also have extra pieces of bone added to their jaws. This extra bone is often taken from the hip, rib, or leg and secured with screws and plates. The surgeon may also remove or shave away excess bone if you have an open bite.

Alternative Treatment Options

In some cases, certain treatments or devices may eliminate the need for jaw surgery. Alternative treatment options for jaw and teeth alignment problems include:

• Braces, clear aligners, or retainers for uneven teeth or bite problems
• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV), or supplemental oxygen therapy for sleep apnea
• Nightguards, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, ice packs, and behavioral therapy for TMJ disorders

It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully. Consulting with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon is essential to determine which procedure is right for you.