Airway Morphology and Sleep Apnea

Airways that were more elliptical in shape and mediolaterally oriented, (greater lateral/retroglossal anteroposterior dimension ratio), had a decreased tendency toward obstruction.

J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Feb;68(2):354-62. Epub 2010 Jan 15

This 60 year old male patient, after 12 months of dentofacial orthopedics, shows improved facial and airway development.


Enhanced facial development is evidenced by more prominent cheekbones, increased mid-face volume, wider mouth and firmer jaws.

Before After

Here the pharyngeal airway shows improved lateral dimension as well as improved symmetry and form.

The mandibular advancement shown above might be a contributing factor. The airway form (a butterfly shape) is nature’s optimum design for effectiveness in protecting the airway from collapse.
A 20 year old female after 12 months of dentofacial orthopedics shows improved facial and airway development.

This young patient shows up to 3.4 mm change around the mouth and nasolabial depression. Her eyes have improved because she is breathing better.

The pharyngeal area shows improved shape (more elliptical) and size.

Conclusion:
These case studies indicate that we can arrest and reverse the premature aging of the face and airway using dentofacial orthopedics.