Sleep Apnea
Sleep Better & Feel Better
Wake Up Rested & Energized After Surgical Care for Sleep Apnea in Virginia Beach
Waking up rested, with more energy for your day, starts with an airway that stays open while you sleep. Better sleep can also lift your mood and focus. When jaw structure narrows that airway, surgery can address the cause instead of just managing symptoms. Our skilled surgeons treat obstructive sleep apnea in Virginia Beach with corrective jaw surgery. Maxillomandibular advancement, or MMA, moves the upper and lower jaws forward to create more room for air to flow. Detailed imaging and careful planning guide our team at each step of your treatment.
Surgery for sleep apnea can help if CPAP hasn't worked well for you or you struggle to use it each night. Schedule a consultation to learn whether jaw surgery can help you sleep better.
Learn How Jaw Structure Affects Your Breathing During Sleep
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway collapses or narrows during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start throughout the night. A small or set-back lower jaw can push the tongue toward the back of the throat. This leaves less space for air to pass.
Loud snoring and daytime fatigue are common warning signs. Some people also wake with headaches or feel short of breath at night. A sleep study ordered by a physician confirms the diagnosis and shows how severe the condition is.
If jaw position plays a role, our surgeons use 3-D imaging to study your airway and plan treatment. Maxillomandibular advancement surgery moves both jaws forward, which also pulls the tongue and soft tissues forward. This widens the airway from the inside, often reducing or ending the need for CPAP.
If you need help for sleep apnea in Virginia Beach, reach out to our team today for a consultation.
Restful Sleep
A wider airway helps you breathe steadily through the night, so you wake up feeling refreshed.
More Daytime Energy
Better sleep can sharpen your focus and help you stay alert at work and behind the wheel.
Freedom From CPAP
With jaw surgery, you may no longer need a CPAP machine to breathe comfortably at night.
Long-Term Airway Correction
Moving the jaws forward treats the structural cause of sleep apnea rather than masking the symptoms.
Better Overall Health
Treating sleep apnea can lower strain on your heart and help protect your long-term well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Q What is obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. These pauses in breathing can happen dozens of times an hour. Each pause lowers oxygen levels and briefly wakes the brain. Over time, poor sleep can affect daytime energy and heart health.
Q What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by relaxed tissues blocking the airway during sleep. Excess weight around the neck and large tonsils can add to the problem. Jaw structure also plays a major role. A small or set-back lower jaw leaves less space behind the tongue, making airway collapse more likely.
Q How does jaw position affect sleep apnea?
Jaw position affects sleep apnea by controlling how much space the airway has. When the upper or lower jaw sits too far back, the tongue and soft tissues crowd the throat. During sleep, these tissues relax and block airflow. Moving the jaws forward creates more room for steady breathing at night.
Q What are the signs of sleep apnea?
The most common signs of sleep apnea are loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. A partner may notice gasping or pauses in breathing at night. Some people wake with headaches or a dry mouth. Trouble focusing and irritability can also point to poor sleep caused by airway problems. A sleep study confirms the diagnosis.
Q What is maxillomandibular advancement surgery?
Maxillomandibular advancement surgery, or MMA, moves both the upper and lower jaws forward to enlarge the airway. As the jaws shift, the tongue and soft tissues move forward too. This creates more space for air to flow during sleep. MMA is one of the most effective surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.
Q Who is a candidate for sleep apnea surgery?
Good candidates for sleep apnea surgery have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and jaw structure that narrows the airway. Many have tried CPAP without success or can't tolerate wearing it. Overall health also matters. A sleep study and 3-D imaging help determine whether jaw surgery is a good fit.
Q How long is recovery after jaw advancement surgery?
Recovery after jaw advancement surgery usually takes several weeks. Swelling peaks in the first few days and fades gradually. A liquid or very soft diet is needed while the jaws heal. Most people return to work within two to six weeks, while full bone healing takes a few months. Many notice better sleep soon after surgery.
Q Does sleep apnea surgery change facial appearance?
Sleep apnea surgery can change facial appearance because it moves both jaws forward. Many people notice a stronger jawline and better facial balance. Changes are usually subtle and look natural. Surgeons plan jaw movement carefully with 3-D imaging to improve breathing while keeping the face in proportion.
