Treatment of the Narrow Face, Narrow Smile and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Correction of the narrow face and smile, especially when combined with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is the most challenging medical and dental treatment regarding the individual’s facial esthetic and systemic health. Many people with the condition may not be aware that they have it. However, untreated conditions can cause problems. This affects how people look, breathe, sleep, eat, and talk. This can lead to complications, such as snoring, sleep apnea, fatigue, jaw misalignment, crowded teeth, and worn down or, broken teeth. Because the physical signs are so mild, many people already deal with one or more of these problems before they’re diagnosed. This interdisciplinary presentation provides information to describe the treatment options and protocols, including case reports.

Learning Objectives:

• The developmental and physiological aspects of a narrow face and smile.

• Diagnostic challenges and targeted treatment approach.

• Interdisciplinary medical and dental approach for improvement of the dentofacial esthetics and airway.

Presenters: Joseph Yousefian, DMD, MS, MA; Chandur Wadhwani, DMD, MS

Sam Bobek, MD, DMD and Jay Levy, DMD

(3 CE Credits)