Have you ever felt fatigued throughout the day and couldn’t understand why? You may have thought a cup of coffee would fix it, but the short bursts of energy do not sustain you for a full day of work. You may be suffering from sleep apnea, and you don’t even know it. Approximately 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but this sleep disorder affects more people than you think. In fact, the National Council on Aging estimates that sleep apnea affects as many as 30 million people. You might think a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine will do the trick, but sometimes jaw surgery for sleep apnea is the best solution.
Surgical orthodontics could be a viable option for helping you sleep well again. Corrective jaw surgery for sleep apnea not only improves your appearance but also improves your health, breathing, and speech. To appreciate the benefits of jaw surgery, it’s important to understand what sleep apnea is, how it can impact your health, and why jaw surgery could be the procedure you need to improve your well-being. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we firmly believe in the power of education, and knowing the basics of sleep apnea is one way to become more informed about your condition.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is an umbrella term for breathing-related sleep disorders. It is when an individual repeatedly stops breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea falls into three specific types:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Professionals characterize OSA as repeated airway obstruction while sleeping. OSA is caused by a physical airway blockage or narrowing, which leads to reduced or paused airflow despite your body’s ongoing respiratory efforts. It happens due to the relaxation of the throat muscles.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): This type of sleep apnea happens when your brain cannot send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
Complex Sleep Apnea: Complex sleep apnea occurs when a person receives therapy for OSA and it turns into CSA. Sleep experts also call complex sleep apnea treatment-emergent sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Have you ever woke up from loud snoring or had your spouse tell you that you snore loudly? This is one symptom of sleep apnea. Other symptoms include waking up with a dry mouth or headache, gasping for air during sleep, insomnia (difficulty staying asleep), hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness), and irritability.
Sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, and other systemic issues. It can increase your risk of developing medical issues like type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalances, neurocognitive issues, mood disorders, and more. It is important you find a medical professional to address your condition immediately. It’s equally important to consult an orthodontist, as jaw surgery for sleep apnea could be the solution you need.
Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
You may not consider orthodontics for sleep apnea when you’re first diagnosed. Most people think of CPAP treatment as the only solution. However, corrective jaw surgery for sleep apnea can realign your jaws and teeth. The procedure helps open up your airways to relieve you of your symptoms. Jaw surgery for sleep apnea is beneficial for people with moderate to severe OSA who have tried non-surgical interventions to no avail.
There are two types of surgery for sleep apnea:
Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
This highly effective procedure involves realigning both the upper and lower jaws to increase the airway size. Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is multifaceted—it addresses airway obstruction and improves tension in pharyngeal soft tissues, further preventing collapse while sleeping.
Segmental Mandibular Advancement (SMA)
A newer technique, segmental mandibular advancement, allows for precise adjustment to the jaw structure. The procedure aims to minimize facial aesthetic changes and has the potential to improve your quality of life. It involves multi-segment osteotomy (MSO)—a surgical technique specifically focused on addressing moderate-to-severe OSA.
Benefits of Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Jaw surgery is extremely effective. Orthodontists recognize this procedure for substantially improving sleep quality and overall health by eliminating sleep apnea symptoms. Since you’ll enjoy the long-term results of getting regular, adequate sleep, expect to see a rejuvenated and refreshed version of yourself.
These surgical procedures are known for minimizing changes in facial appearance, so you can still feel good about your aesthetics. You’ll look and feel great and enjoy improved energy to accomplish your daily goals—with or without a coffee in your hand!
Discover if You Need Jaw Surgery for Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic condition that can negatively impact your life. Jaw surgery for sleep apnea is one powerful way to eliminate symptoms. It can help you feel refreshed, energetic, and fully awake again.
If you have sleep apnea and you think surgery may be right for you, schedule a free consultation with us to get the care you need. At Orthodontists Associates of WNY, we provide our patients with individualized treatment plans. We take our time to assess your needs and ensure you get the high-quality care you deserve.
