I Think my Airway Issues Are Caused by Underdeveloped Maxilla. Need MD. Is Plastic Surgery or Oral Surgery? (photo)

Question

I am 36 and have been snoring and sighing in my sleep and wke up with a sort of raw feeling in my upper soft palate and back of throat.I have a protruding chin and deep nasolabial folds so I think its a underdeveloped maxilla. My teeth fit good but I have no upper teeth show even after orthodontics. I dont know what to be asking for or what kind of doc to consult with. Will insurance cover any of it? Should I just be doing sinus surgery? I want to fix my breathing but look better if possible

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

I see many patients who have various congenital differences of the maxilla including those with an underdeveloped maxilla, as well as some who had cleft lip or cleft palate repairs as children. Your underdeveloped maxilla may certainly be contributing to your airway issues, but a careful examination of the nose and your oral cavity may reveal that a minimally invasive nasal surgery could give you a great improvement to your breathing. An expert can help you determine what are the best ways to gain improvement. I hope this was helpful!

Jeffrey Marvel, MD · Answer

I would start with a ENT specialist to evaluate the nasal cavity for obstruction.  This can be corrected rather simply compared to orthognathic surgery.  A Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon who specializes in orthognathic surgery would be your next stop if the nasal exam was normal.  You have to be prepared for some major surgery if you decide to go this route.  You will have to decide will it be worth it.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

To investigate under developed maxill and the bite you need to see a dental surgeon, or a plastic surgepon with training in maxillo-facial surgery. A cephalometrogram will show the exact measurements and diagnosis.

	If there is no problems with the bones then you may want to consult an ENT surgeon to evaluate your airways and the soft palte and the snoring,

I Think my Airway Issues Are Caused by Underdeveloped Maxilla. Need MD. Is Plastic Surgery or Oral Surgery? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Sinus Surgery

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I Think my Airway Issues Are Caused by Underdeveloped Maxilla. Need MD. Is Plastic Surgery or Oral Surgery? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Sinus Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.