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Maxillomandibular Deficiency

A complex condition we routinely treat, maxillomandibular deficiency is highly correctable with outcomes that enhance facial support, airway space, and overall function.

What Is Maxillomandibular Deficiency?

Understanding Maxillomandibular Deficiency

Maxillomandibular deficiency is a skeletal condition in which both the upper and lower jaws are underdeveloped and positioned posteriorly, often with inadequate vertical height as well. This combined anteroposterior and vertical deficiency affects facial projection, occlusion, airway volume, and overall facial support. Treatment typically involves coordinated orthognathic surgery to advance and appropriately reposition both jaws in three dimensions, restoring facial balance, functional occlusion, and airway capacity.

Clinical presentation of maxillomandibular deficiency, with statistics.

Clinical Presentation

Frontal View

Frontal Analysis

Maxillomandibular deficiency appears as a deficiency of both jaws, with reduced forward projection and vertical height, creating a smaller-appearing midface and lower face.

Key Assessments:

Deficient jaw projection
Reduced lower facial height
Decreased lip support
Overclosed appearance of jaws
Side View

Profile Analysis

From the side, both jaws appear set back with reduced forward projection and vertical height, creating a smaller, more retrusive facial profile.

Key Assessments:

Retruded maxilla and mandible
Overclosed appearance
Reduced chin projection
Midface deficiency
Bite View

Occlusal Relationship

Maxillomandibular deficiency may present with a Class I or Class II occlusion depending on relative jaw relationships, often with reduced overall projection.

Key Assessments:

Class I or II occlusion
Reduced dental projection
Narrow dental arches
Possible deep bite

Maxillomandibular Deficiency

Common Functional Issues

Eating

Reduced projection of both jaws can limit bite efficiency and overall chewing function.

Speech

Speech clarity may be affected due to limited support for proper tongue and lip positioning.

TMJ

Joint strain may occur due to underdeveloped jaw structure and compensatory function.

Mouth Breathing

Decreased airway space can increase reliance on mouth breathing, particularly during sleep.

Nasal Congestion

Airway restriction may contribute to reduced nasal airflow and potential sleep-related breathing issues.

Psychosocial Effects

A recessed facial profile with reduced lip support and overclosed appearance can affect appearance and confidence in social settings.

Before & After Gallery

Maxillomandibular Deficiency

Jaw Surgery Procedures

Orthognathic surgery corrects maxillomandibular deficiency by advancing and repositioning the jaws to improve facial projection, facial proportions, bite function, and airway support. Most commonly, double jaw surgery is performed, combining BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomy to create a more balanced, functional result.

BSSO

Le Fort I

Double Jaw

Life-Changing Benefits

Advancing both jaws improves airway, function, and facial projection.

Improved breathing and airflow
Enhanced bite function
Improved facial projection
Better sleep quality
Improved tooth show
Increased confidence

Surgical Management of Maxillomandibular Deficiency

Single or Double Jaw

Correction of maxillomandibular deficiency may be accomplished through mandibular tripod advancement or double jaw surgery. Mandibular tripod advancement advances and rotates the lower jaw to increase lower facial height and improve jaw projection. Double jaw surgery combines mandibular advancement with repositioning and downgrafting of the maxilla, allowing the upper and lower jaws to be corrected together. Bone grafting supports the downward repositioning of the maxilla while restoring facial height, jaw projection, and balanced skeletal proportions.

Presurgical Considerations

Growth Completion

Key Assessment Points:

Jaw growth complete
Profile changes stabilized
Growth spurt completed
Serial cephalometric X-ray unchanged

Orthodontic Preparation

Key Assessment Points:

Dental decompensation
Occlusal leveling
Transverse discrepancies addressed
Arch coordination optimized

Airway & Facial Balance

Key Assessment Points:

Airway volume assessment
Profile projection evaluated
Lip support assessed
Chin projection analyzed

Timeline for Maxillomandibular Deficiency

Month 0

Initial Consultation

Comprehensive history, clinical evaluation, 3D scans, X-rays, photographs, and impressions are obtained to assess jaw position and bite.

2–4 weeks after initial consultation

Treatment Planning Visit

Once your records are reviewed and the doctor has coordinated with your orthodontist, you’ll return either in person or via telemedicine to review your treatment plan, see prediction images, and go over the steps and timeline ahead.

6–12 months

Orthodontic Preparation (if necessary)

Braces or aligners gradually guide the teeth into proper positions to prepare the jaws for surgical correction. In select cases, a surgery-first approach may be possible.

3–6 weeks prior to surgery

Final Surgical Planning

Virtual surgical planning determines precise bone movements for optimal symmetry, stability,
and facial balance.

2–4 weeks prior to surgery

Pre-Op Medical Clearance

Medical exams, lab testing, and final instructions ensure the body is fully prepared for surgery.

Typically a one-night hospital stay

Surgery Day

Corrective jaw surgery is performed to reposition the jaws, improve bite function, and enhance facial balance.

3–9 months after surgery

Post-Surgical Orthodontics

Final orthodontic treatment fine-tunes tooth position and bite, optimizing aesthetics, function, and long-term stability.

Experience Matters

“We personally plan your care, perform your surgery, and guide your recovery. No residents, no fellows, no handoffs.

Choosing the right surgical team matters. You should feel informed, comfortable, and confident in every step of the process. At our practice, your care is provided by one of the most highly trained and experienced jaw surgery teams in the country.

When you come to our office, you meet directly with your surgeons. We are the ones who plan your treatment, perform your surgery, see you after surgery, and remain personally available to you throughout your recovery. Unlike larger institutions, your care is not delegated to residents, fellows, or doctors in training. Every critical aspect of your treatment is handled by your surgeons.

Signature of Dr. Gregg Jacob.
Dr John Amato DDS MD MBA Signature
Dr. Jessica Lee Signature
Image of surgeons Talking at North East Facial Oral Surgery Specialists.

Founding Members of the American Society of Orthognathic Surgery

American Society of Orthognathic Surgery Logo

What Our Patients Are Saying

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Dr Lee and the team at Northeast Facial are incredible. I was very nervous about my procedure but Dr Lee walked me through it step by step, never once making me feel rushed. Silvanna at the front desk went above and beyond to help me schedule an appointment that worked for me. I would highly recommend NEFOSS!

Stephanie Brown

“I had double jaw surgery done with Dr. Jacob in June 2021. I am extremely happy with my results. No more jaw pain and chewing problems. I also feel much more confident with my new smile. The surgery was definitely well worth it, thanks to Dr. Jacob and his team!”

Amelia Chen

“I would definitely recommend Dr. Jacob and his team at NEFOSS! Dr. Jacob and the team of doctors are very knowledgeable about all aspects of the TMJ process. They are such a nice group of doctors! The office staff is also very helpful and very friendly.”

Tiffany Puopolo

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about maxillomandibular deficiency and available treatment options.

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