Double Jaw
Treatment

When Jaw Surgery May Be Needed

Sometimes jaw issues that can’t be resolved by orthodontic treatment alone may require jaw surgery. Jaw surgery corrects irregularities of the jawbones, realigning the jaws, teeth, and soft tissue so they function together.

Issues that may require jaw surgery include:

• Problems with swallowing or speech
• Difficulty chewing
• Incorrect mouth closure or facial asymmetry
• Pain from an improper bite
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Jaw surgery is considered an option once growth has ended, typically around 14-16 years for females and 17-21 years for males. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), described below, is the double-jaw surgery used for this treatment.

Airway Considerations

Advancing both jaws forward can:

• Increase airway volume.
• Increase space for the tongue.
• Improve nasal and throat airflow.
• Decrease snoring and sleep-disordered breathing.
• Improve lip competence.

For patients with:

• Moderate to severe sleep apnea.
• Significant airway restriction.
• Skeletal jaw discrepancies.

MMA surgery is one of the most effective surgical treatments for improving airway structure and long-term breathing health. Please ask your doctor about success rates vs. cure rates for surgery and sleep apnea.