Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often discussed as a nighttime breathing problem, but for some people, the underlying issue is closely related to facial and jaw anatomy. If your upper or lower jaw sits too far back, you may have less room for your tongue and other soft tissues, which can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.
At Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Leslie Sultan evaluates these structural factors and offers advanced surgical options, including maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), for appropriately selected patients with OSA.
How Does Jaw Position Affect Your Airway?
Your upper and lower jaws help define the space surrounding your oral cavity and upper airway. When one or both jaws are positioned farther back, the tongue and attached soft tissues may also sit closer to the back of your throat.
During sleep, the muscles supporting these tissues naturally relax. In a susceptible airway, this relaxation can contribute to repeated narrowing or collapse, interrupting normal airflow and causing the breathing pauses associated with OSA.
What Is Maxillomandibular Advancement?
Maxillomandibular advancement is a form of orthognathic surgery that repositions both the upper jaw and lower jaw forward. Advancing the facial skeleton also moves attached soft tissues forward, increasing airway dimensions and making them less susceptible to obstruction during sleep.
Unlike treatments that maintain airflow while you use them, MMA addresses the structural anatomy that contributes to airway obstruction.
Who May Benefit From MMA Surgery?
MMA may be considered for people with moderate to severe OSA, particularly when jaw anatomy contributes to a restricted airway or other treatments have not provided an appropriate long-term solution.
Determining candidacy requires much more than looking at your jawline. Dr. Sultan evaluates your bite, facial skeletal anatomy, airway, TMJs, medical history, and previous sleep apnea treatment. Advanced imaging and virtual surgical planning can also help determine how jaw repositioning may affect both function and facial balance.
Expertise Matters in Surgical OSA Treatment
MMA requires a detailed understanding of jaw function, facial anatomy, bite relationships, and airway mechanics. Dr. Sultan has specialized training and extensive experience in orthognathic surgery and complex jaw reconstruction, so he can plan treatment around your individual anatomy and functional needs.
If OSA continues to disrupt your sleep and health, a structural airway evaluation may reveal another treatment option. Contact Sultan Center for Oral Facial Surgery in Fort Lauderdale at (954) 771-8772 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sultan.
