Millions of people struggle with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While CPAP machines are a common treatment, they only manage the symptoms and don’t address the root cause. For many, a definitive, life-changing solution exists: corrective jaw surgery. By physically enlarging the airway, this procedure can provide a permanent cure for OSA.
The most effective surgical procedure for this is Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA). This surgery repositions the upper and lower jaws forward, which in turn pulls the tongue and soft palate forward, significantly increasing the size of the airway. Dr. Larry Wolford is a leading expert in this complex procedure, having refined techniques that offer patients a reliable path to breathing freely and achieving restful, healthy sleep.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep, causing the soft tissues to collapse and block the upper airway. This blockage can last for ten seconds or longer, leading to a drop in blood oxygen levels. The brain senses this lack of oxygen and briefly wakes you up to reopen the airway. This can happen hundreds of time a night, preventing you from ever reaching deep, restorative sleep.
Common symptoms of OSA include:
- Loud snoring, choking, or gasping during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and mood swings
Left untreated, OSA is linked to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While CPAP is effective, many patients find it difficult to tolerate the mask and machine long-term.
The Anatomical Solution: Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)
The underlying cause of most OSA cases is anatomical. The airway is simply too narrow. Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery directly addresses this problem. It is not just a cosmetic procedure; it is a functional surgery designed to permanently open the airway.
Here’s how it works:
- Repositioning the Jaws: Dr. Wolford makes precise cuts in the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible).
- Advancing the Skeleton: Both jaws are then moved forward into a carefully planned, more favorable position.
- Securing the New Position: The jaws are secured in their new location with small titanium plates and screws.
By moving the jawbones forward, the soft tissues attached to them—including the tongue and soft palate—are also pulled forward. This movement physically enlarges the entire airway from front to back and side to side, creating an open passage for air to flow freely during sleep. The result is a significant reduction, and often a complete cure, of the apneic events.
Why is MMA Surgery So Effective?
Unlike other surgical options that only address soft tissue, MMA modifies the underlying skeletal structure that supports the airway. This is why it has the highest success rate of any surgical treatment for severe OSA.
Key benefits of MMA for sleep apnea include:
- A Definitive Cure: For many patients, MMA provides a permanent solution, eliminating the need for a CPAP machine.
- Improved Oxygen Flow: By opening the airway, the surgery ensures your body receives consistent, adequate oxygen throughout the night. This reduces strain on the cardiovascular system and improves overall health.
- Enhanced Sleep Quality: With breathing obstructions eliminated, patients can finally achieve deep, uninterrupted sleep, leading to increased energy and mental clarity during the day.
- Improved Facial Aesthetics: While the primary goal is functional, moving the jaws forward can also create a more balanced and harmonious facial profile.
Dr. Larry Wolford’s expertise is particularly crucial in these cases. He often combines MMA with other procedures, such as counter-clockwise rotation of the jaw complex, to maximize airway expansion and ensure a stable, predictable outcome. This comprehensive approach addresses both the breathing issues and any co-existing bite problems.
Who is a Candidate for MMA Surgery?
MMA surgery is typically recommended for patients with moderate to severe OSA who have not found success with or cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. It is also an excellent option for patients who have a clear anatomical issue contributing to their airway obstruction, such as jaws that are set back (retrognathia).
A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if you are a candidate. This includes:
- A physical examination of your head and neck.
- A sleep study (polysomnogram) to diagnose the severity of your OSA.
- Advanced 3D imaging (CT scans) to create a precise model of your facial skeleton and airway.
Using this data, Dr. Wolford can perform virtual surgical planning to determine the exact movements required to achieve the optimal airway size and functional bite.
Reclaim Your Health and Well-being
Living with obstructive sleep apnea can take a toll on every aspect of your life. You don’t have to settle for just managing the symptoms. Corrective jaw surgery offers a powerful, permanent solution that can restore your ability to breathe and sleep normally.
Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in Maxillomandibular Advancement is the most important step in this journey. Dr. Wolford’s pioneering work in orthognathic and TMJ surgery gives him a unique and unparalleled understanding of the complex relationship between jaw structure and airway function.
If you are tired of your CPAP machine and want to explore a definitive cure for your sleep apnea, contact our office today. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larry Wolford to learn if MMA surgery can help you take a deep breath toward a healthier future.
