Maxillo-mandibular Advancement
Maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery, skeletal expanders, & surgically facilitated clear aligner therapy. Are a few of the “tools” in the “tool chest” leveraged to improve/correct breathing and sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnea—inspiratory flow limitation, upper airway resistance syndrome, sleep fragmentation, CPAP intolerance, etc.
- Each of these interventions is interdisciplinary, requiring a team approach to assess, diagnose, and execute optimally.
- Each “tool” can be used in isolation or in addition to other “tools” to optimize outcomes. These tools address structural deficiencies and are implemented in concert with therapy, such as myofunctional therapy, swallowing re-patterning, physical therapy, speech-language and pathology treatment, and mouth, face, and tongue exercises.
- Each approach varies in risk, benefit, and cost but all offer predictable, positive outcomes when adequately guided by a well-informed and experienced airway team.