Double Jaw Surgery versus Lower Advancement

[tinymandibleAZ]

Hi, I'm new here. I have read several posts of folks who had both jaws done and are unhappy with the aesthetic outcome, specifically what was done to the upper (maxilla). I have also read that there are several ways to correct jaw malalignment that may or not involve repositioning both jaws.

So, my question is: Do OMF surgeons allow the patient to have any input? My mandible needs advancement, but it may be less expensive, less complicated, etc. to leave the maxilla alone and just advance the lower. That said, I have not been seen in consultation yet; I am just thinking out loud. So, those of you reading who have had your surgery, were you given the option or both jaws or just one? Or did the surgeon tell you how it was gonna be to correct the bite?

Thanks.

[EWUgal15]

Personally, I wasn't really given a choice but I was told up front that my maxilla was ok. Take that for what it's worth.

The bottom line is that you are the patient, you are the one writing the check, it's your life and your body. You make the decisions about what care you receive. You are in control, even if it feels like you're not. Ask the questions. Get definitive answers right out of the gate. Take the time to really research orthodontists, surgeons, everything. The surgeon and orthodontist are going to make their recommendations and should be able to provide you justification for why you need whatever surgery you may need. Get multiple opinions and go with the team that you trust most to deliver the results you want to achieve.

[snapdresser]

You can expect your surgeon to recommend a specific treatment plan. They'll likely recommend both jaws or one jaw, but people have occasionally posted that their surgeon solicited their preference. If you don't like your surgeon's recommendations and they don't give you any options besides "That's my surgical plan, take it or leave it", it seems to me that most surgeons are reluctant to change their surgical plan based on patient input. I pushed my surgeon for a slightly smaller advancement than she initially recommended and it wasn't necessarily "easy" but I ultimately got what I wanted. Your mileage may vary a LOT based on the surgeon.

One thing I would recommend if you're really interested in the specifics of your treatment plan: ask for the surgical simulation report. Many surgeon do what's referred to as "virtual surgical planning" a couple weeks before the actual procedure. It involves simulating your surgery using 3D models of your jaws. The output of the simulation is a report that will give you very specific information on the movements they're planning to do and nice pictures of what your bones will look like before and after. Your surgeon should be willing to give you a copy that you can review closely. You can (and should, IMO) bring up everything you could possibly think of to ask beforehand. This info will put you head and shoulders above most other patients in terms of your knowledge of what your surgeon's going to do before they actually make the first incision. DON'T be afraid to ask questions. DON'T be afraid to be a "difficult patient". This is your body and you'll likely be living with the results for the rest of your life. Good luck!!