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Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery

Combined upper and lower jaw repositioning for severe dentofacial deformity

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery?

Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (also called double-jaw surgery) is indicated for severe skeletal class II or class III malocclusions, vertical maxillary excess, anterior open bite, transverse maxillary deficiency, asymmetry, and obstructive sleep apnea unresponsive to conservative therapy. Combined surgery enables three-dimensional movement of both jaws to optimize occlusion, facial esthetics, and upper airway dimensions.

Preoperative preparation includes 12-18 months of orthodontic decompensation with fixed appliances or clear aligners to align teeth on the basal bone, allowing precise surgical movement. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) using CT-derived 3D models, digital intraoral scans, and CAD/CAM-fabricated splints enables sub-millimeter precision in jaw positioning, custom plate design, and predictable outcomes.

The maxilla is repositioned via Le Fort I osteotomy (advancement, impaction, expansion, segmentation), and the mandible is repositioned via bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) for advancement or setback. Genioplasty (chin osteotomy) is frequently combined for chin position refinement. Modern rigid fixation with titanium plates and screws permits early mobilization, soft diet, and rapid functional recovery.

Symptoms

Severe class II malocclusion (mandibular retrognathism)
Severe class III malocclusion (mandibular prognathism, maxillary retrognathism)
Anterior open bite
Vertical maxillary excess (gummy smile)
Vertical maxillary deficiency (short face)
Facial asymmetry
Transverse maxillary deficiency (narrow upper jaw)
Obstructive sleep apnea with skeletal disproportion
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction associated with malocclusion
Speech difficulty from skeletal disharmony
Chewing inefficiency
Cleft lip and palate residual deformity
Posttraumatic malocclusion
Hemifacial microsomia
Functional and esthetic concerns affecting quality of life

Risk Factors

Severe skeletal dentofacial deformity
Failed orthodontic camouflage
Cleft lip and palate
Hemifacial microsomia, Treacher Collins syndrome
Pierre Robin sequence
Crouzon, Apert, and other craniosynostosis syndromes
Marfan syndrome with mandibular involvement
Posttraumatic skeletal deformity
Idiopathic condylar resorption (relative contraindication)
Severe TMJ disease
Active periodontal disease (must be controlled)
Smoking (delayed healing, nonunion risk)
Diabetes mellitus (infection, healing risk)
Bisphosphonate therapy (osteonecrosis risk)
Bleeding disorders (bleeding control planning)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe malocclusion not correctable with orthodontics alone
  • Significant facial asymmetry or skeletal disproportion
  • Functional impairment in chewing or speech
  • Obstructive sleep apnea with maxillomandibular deficiency
  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction associated with skeletal disharmony
  • Anterior open bite
  • Gummy smile from vertical maxillary excess
  • Posttraumatic deformity
  • Cleft lip and palate residual deformity
  • Quality-of-life impairment from facial appearance
  • Failed prior orthodontic treatment
  • Considering jaw surgery for esthetic and functional concerns

Treatment Methods

01
Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation by orthodontist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon
02
Cephalometric analysis, panoramic radiograph, CBCT, and digital intraoral scan
03
Photographic documentation in standardized views
04
Virtual surgical planning with 3D facial CT and digital occlusion analysis
05
12-18 months presurgical orthodontic decompensation with fixed appliances
06
Polysomnography for OSA evaluation when indicated
07
Medical optimization (smoking cessation, glycemic control, periodontal therapy)
08
CAD/CAM-fabricated intermediate and final occlusal splints
09
General anesthesia with nasoendotracheal intubation
10
Le Fort I osteotomy with downfracture and segmentation as planned
11
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of mandible
12
Genioplasty when chin repositioning needed
13
Rigid fixation with titanium plates and screws
14
Hypotensive anesthesia to reduce blood loss
15
Tranexamic acid administration
16
Postoperative ice application and head elevation
17
Multimodal analgesia
18
Antibiotic prophylaxis
19
Liquid to soft diet for 6 weeks
20
Light orthodontic elastics for guided occlusion
21
Postsurgical orthodontic finishing for 6-12 months
22
Physical therapy for jaw range of motion
23
Long-term follow-up for skeletal stability and occlusal maintenance
24
Revision surgery for relapse or complications (rare)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.