Maxillomandibular advancement

Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA) or orthognathic surgery, also sometimes called Bimaxillary Advancement (Bi-Max), or Maxillomandibular Osteotomy (MMO).

A surgical procedure which moves the jaw top (maxilla) and bottom (mandible) forward. Used to correct facial deformity, receding chin, and for sleep breathing disorders - See Sleep Apnea.

MMA is often performed along with Genioglossus Advancement (tongue advancement) to treat sleep breathing disorders such as sleep apnea. It is considered one of the most effective surgical treatments for sleep apnea, due to its high success rate. Nonetheless, the procedure is often used as a last resort after other forms of treatment have failed, because it is painful, requires months of recovery for patients, and often changes their facial appearance slightly.

External links

• Description of MMA for Sleep Apnea
• Upper Airway Surgery has Major Role in the Treatment of Sleep Apnea, Nelson B. Powell, DDS, MD -- "The Tail End of the Dog"
• MMA for Sleep Apnea in 50 Consecutive Patients, By Jeffrey R. Prinsell, DMD, MD
• MMA Surgery for Apnea Blog