Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. The pauses may be infrequent or every couple of minutes or even more often. Breathing between pauses is also shallow. After a pause, normal breathing resumes but is sometimes accompanied by a loud snort or a choking sound.

While pediatric obstructive apnea is similar to the adult kind of obstructive sleep apnea, there are a few differences. For instance, children typically experience a partially narrowed airway, whereas for adults, the airway is usually completely blocked.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem in which upper airway blockage happens while sleeping. 80% of patients with OSA have not been formally diagnosed. Symptoms of OSA include snoring, frequent awakenings, poor sleep quality, and daytime fatigue. OSA can lead to significant health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Dr. Best is an expert in management of OSA skeletal deformities. For patients who struggle with CPAP or who have failed other procedures, skeletal surgery may be an option. "Maxillomandibular advancement" (MMA) is a procedure to advance both the upper and lower jaw.

MMA is the single most effective surgical procedure to treat OSA

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA)

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is a procedure to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airflow. During MMA, the upper and lower jaws are repositioned forward, enlarging the upper airway and reducing obstruction during sleep. This procedure can significantly improve symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue associated with OSA.

MMA is the single-most effective surgical treatment option for OSA.