I had tooth extraction and correction, and then I had orthognathic surgery because of respiratory arrest.

release date : 2025-03-03
Updated: August 31, 2026
Author: Fenghua United Clinic

Preoperative symptoms	surgical plan
ModerateSleep apnea, retracted chin and mandible	3D customized orthognathic surgery, chin advancement surgery, multi-level airway widening

This patient had undergone orthodontic treatment with tooth extraction before, but later she found that the problems and concerns she had far exceeded whether her teeth were straight.

This time she was referred to our center by a sleep specialist dentist, mainly to solve her severe daytime sleepiness and snoring problems during sleep. After a sleep test, she was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea (AHI=19.4). CT also showed that her airway stenosis was caused by severe retraction of the mandible, which compressed the posterior airway space.

Taking into account her obvious symptoms of sleep apnea (sleepiness, snoring), the cause (narrow bones, lack of space), and her expectations for appearance and occlusion, we designed an orthognathic surgery (MMA: maxillo-mandibular advancement) for her, which would widen her airway and improve her appearance and occlusion.

Postoperative orthodontic treatment was performed by the referring physician using Invisilign. The sleep test result six months after the operation was AHI=1.4, which has returned to normal. The symptoms of snoring and sleepiness have disappeared, and she also likes the way she looks after the operation more.

This patient had previously undergone four teeth extraction and orthodontic treatment, but later discovered that her issues and discomfort extended far beyond the alignment of her teeth. This time, she was referred to our center by a sleep specialist dentist, primarily to address her severe daytime sleepiness and severe snoring problems. After a sleep study, she was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea (AHI=19.4). A CT scan also showed that her airway was narrowed due to severe mandibular retrusion, which compressed the posterior airway space. Considering her significant symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (sleepiness, snoring), the underlying facial skeleton abnormality, and her expectations regarding facial appearance and occlusion, we designed a maxillo-mandibular advancement (MMA) surgery for her. This procedure simultaneously opens up the airway and improves appearance and occlusion. Postoperative orthodontic treatment was carried out by the referring doctor using Invisalign. Six months after the surgery, sleep study showed an AHI of 1.4, which is within the normal range. Her snoring and sleepiness symptoms disappeared, and she is quite satisfied with her appearance after the surgery.

Appearance changes

Before and after frontal appearance comparison of female patients with retruded jaw undergoing orthognathic surgery

Comparison of frontal smile and dental appearance before and after orthognathic surgery

Comparison of 45-degree bevel appearance before and after orthognathic surgery

Comparison of 45-degree angled smile appearance before and after orthognathic surgery

Comparison of chin and neck lines before and after orthognathic surgery

Comparison of facial smile contours before and after orthognathic surgery

Comparison of intraoral frontal occlusion and dentition before and after orthognathic surgery

Tomography

3D tomographic comparison of the angles between the craniofacial skeleton and the occlusal plane before and after orthognathic surgery

Three-dimensional tomographic comparison of the airway before and after orthognathic surgery; the airway widens after surgery.

Sleep apnea index

The preoperative home sleep monitoring report showed an AHI of 19.4, indicating moderate sleep apnea.

Post-operative home sleep monitoring report: AHI dropped to 1.4.

Warm reminder

Please follow the instructions of the doctor and nursing staff, take medicine regularly, pay attention to dietary taboos and keep the wound clean.
There may be complications such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, etc. after surgery. The degree will vary according to individual physical differences, so careful care is required. If the above situations occur, please contact us as soon as possible.
It is normal for 3 to 6 months after surgery to experience temporary slow sensation and unnatural expressions at the surgical site. Through independent massage and facial expression exercises, most patients will gradually improve within 6 to 12 months after surgery.
Anesthesia has certain risks, which are related to the patient's own physical condition. Patients must honestly and clearly report their health status and treatment history to the treating physician and anesthesiologist, and do not hide anything.
It is recommended to communicate with the doctor before surgery and clearly express treatment needs. However, the aesthetic appearance after surgery is subjective and should not be used as a basis for judgment of surgical results.
The results of surgery vary from person to person and need to be evaluated by a professional physician. Case pictures are publicly used with the authorization of the parties involved as auxiliary explanations of diagnosis and treatment, health education and medical knowledge sharing, and are for reference only.