Snoring And Sleep Apnoea
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) occurs when there is disordered breathing during sleep, causing pauses in breathing that continuously wake the patient.
This can lead to a number of severe medical conditions, as well as severe fatigue and tiredness during the day. The main cause of this is the collapse of the walls of the upper airway during sleep.
Even in mild cases many patients lack energy during the day, and often feel they have not slept well.
Treatments For Sleep Apnoea
There are a number of treatments for OSA including weight loss, and in severe cases using CPAP. CPAP is a breathing device that you wear at night. It consists of a nasal mask connected to a machine which pumps in pressurised air to prevent the collapse of the patient’s airways. Many patients find using CPAP intolerable and it negatively affects their quality of life.
Jaw surgery has been scientifically proven to improve the symptoms of OSA. The improvement can be so dramatic that patients are often ‘cured’ of the condition and no longer require CPAP. The aim of jaw surgery is to reposition both upper and lower jaws in a forward position opening up the airway behind the jaws. This jaw repositioning is planned in such a way to also improve the cosmetic balance and harmony of the jaws and face.
Benefits Of Surgery To Improve Sleep Apnoea
- Improved symptoms of sleep apnoea. Improved breathing can be so dramatic that patients are cured and also no longer snore
- Improved cosmetic balance of the face. Jaws and face will look in proportion, giving a beautiful smile.
- Improved bite allowing patients to bite and chew normally. Prevents early damage and wear of the teeth so they will last longer
- Improved overall health due normal breathing and sleep
- Improved quality of life and confidence due to the transformational change
