Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These episodes can last a few seconds and occur many times throughout the night, leading to poor sleep quality and health issues such as daytime fatigue and high blood pressure. The two main types are obstructive apnea — caused by airway blockages — and central apnea, which occurs when the brain fails to send the correct signals to the breathing muscles.
The Procedure
Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the specific cause of your apnea, which may include imaging studies and a sleep assessment. For many patients, custom oral appliances that reposition the jaw and tongue are a great first-line option, keeping the airway open during sleep. These devices are individually fitted for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
When sleep apnea stems from more complex structural problems, orthognathic surgery may be the most effective solution. This procedure realigns the jawbones to widen the airway and eliminate obstructions. Every surgery is carefully planned using advanced imaging and 3D modeling to achieve the best possible outcome.