A single jaw surgery means only one jaw is manipulated during the surgery,this could be either the upper jaw (maxilla), or the lower jaw (mandible).While a double jaw surgery involves both the upper and lower jaw. The indication for either a single jaw or a double jaw will depend on each individual's case needs.
If the jaw malposition involves both jaws, then a double jaw surgery is usually indicated. Likewise if the jaw malposition involves only 1 jaw then a single jaw surgery is more appropriate. However it is not always so clear cut, as a double jaw surgery is more invasive than a single jaw surgery. Sometimes even if the condition involves both the upper and lower jaw, a single jaw surgery may be sufficient as one offending jaw condition is not as severe as the other.
Generally speaking if your jaw malposition is more severe, then a double jaw surgery may be more appropriate as the correction can be shared between the upper and lower jaw as opposed to all be taken up by 1 jaw movement. This means that the distance between the new jaw position and the old jaw position will be smaller and usually results in greater stability. Likewise if your jaw malposition is mild, the option of a single jaw surgery may mean less surgical morbidity.
The difference in outcome will vary depending on each individual's case presentation and it is best to discuss this with your surgeon. Hope this helps and all the very best.
Warm regards,
Dr Priscilla Lu
Orthodontist
