During the initial maxillofacial evaluation, if a misalignment of your jaws is detected, bimaxillary advancement surgery (advancing one or more commonly both jaws) may be discussed with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This procedure involves advancing both jaws to reposition them into a normal anatomical relationship with each other and in relation to your skeleton. This helps open the airways (increasing the airspace behind the soft palate and at the base of your tongue) by pulling the structures forward. This type of surgery is currently the most effective surgical method for treating sleep apnea. Other surgical techniques on soft tissues have been proposed and practiced in the past but have proven to be less effective or even harmful (surgery of the uvula, soft palate (UVPPP), tongue reduction, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bimaxillary advancement orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and typically requires a 1-2 day hospital stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before undergoing this type of surgery, you will likely need to use a CPAP mask for at least 6 months prior to the surgery to reduce your sleep debt and ensure your body has the energy needed for a quick recovery after general anesthesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note: No surgery for the treatment of sleep apnea can guarantee the complete resolution of the sleep apnea syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n