During the past decades, knowledge and understanding of all aspects of orthognathic surgery have increased greatly. Diagnostic skills and treatment planning have become more sophisticated and, through experience, surgical techniques have attained a level enabling the treatment of the most complex jaw deformities with confidence. In this article, guidelines for the treatment of mandibular anteroposterior dentofacial deformities are discussed. It should, however, always be kept in mind that the face and mouth are complex, three-dimensional structures and multifunctional in character. An artistic flair and the ability to think originally have become essential for the orthognathic surgeon, because no two dentofacial deformities are the same.