Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Jaw Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

In some people, the jaw structure worsens airway blockages.

Jaw surgery moves facial bones forward to open up air passages.

Jaw surgery may be an option for adults and older adolescents with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea whose jaw structure worsens blockage of the airway. The goal is to move facial bones forward so that airway tissues (the tongue base and soft palate) are held up and out of the way, preventing airway collapse and obstruction during sleep.

It's often used when other treatments (such as weight loss, positional changes during sleep, oral appliances or CPAP) have failed, but is also sometimes used as the initial treatment.

The surgery can involve moving the upper jaw, the lower jaw or the chin. The decision as to which
bone(s) to advance depends on a patient's facial anatomy and preference. Some patients have one jaw advanced, some both upper and lower and some have all three procedures.

The surgery can change a patient's facial appearance, which may take time to adapt to. Most patients, however, are pleased with the final appearance and the surgery is highly successful in reducing sleep apnea.

For more details, see jaw surgery.