How painful are the procedures?
The most painful is the palatal procedure. Tongue surgery and bimaxillary advancement are generally associated with mild discomfort that is well controlled with prescribed medications.
Will my bite be changed?
Your bite will not change with the procedure unless the correction of an abnormal bite is planned simultaneously. Many patients with sleep apnea exhibit an underlying malocclusion (bad bite) as one of the causes of their sleep disorder and we will generally recommend the inclusion of an orthodontist as part of your treatment. In the case of a normal bite the bite will remain the same.
Will I be able to swallow normally?
Your jaws are not wired together and return to a soft chewing diet is generally accomplished within 7-10 days.
Will the procedure result in a change in my facial appearance?
Your appearance will change and in the vast majority of cases the change is perceived as positive. Many patients have likened the change to an “internal facelift” as a notable tightening of the facial and neck tissues is observed.