Sleep Apnea
What is sleep apnea?
It is a sleep disturbance in which the patient stops breathing numerous times (apneas) during rest, in such a way that the oxygen saturation in the blood falls by more than 10%. It causes a series of reflexes in the brain, which cause the patient to wake up or decrease the depth of sleep.
The consequence is an unrefreshing, poor quality rest and chronic daytime sleepiness and sleepiness. On the other hand, these apneas are the cause of serious medical problems such as high blood pressure, increased risk of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, behavioral disorders, irritability, sexual dysfunctions, etc.
Our Methodology
At Clínica Birbe, we perform an at-home-polygraphy.
It consists of recording during a sleep a series of parameters such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, air flow, snoring, changes in position. This study allows us to calculate the AHI (Apnea and Hypopnea Index per hour) and thus diagnose if there is OSA, and if it exists, if it is mild, moderate or severe. We also carry out this study systematically in any patient who undergoes orthognathic surgery, as it can condition the movements to be performed.
Surgical Steps
If a sleep OSA is confirmed, the patient has several alternatives. The most common option is the use of CPAP. It is a device with a cumbersome mask that the patient puts on every day to sleep. Although effective, the device ends up being intolerable by the patient after a few months, which is why other treatments are sought.
Mandibular advancement devices (MAD) can replace CPAP in some cases. But again, there may be intolerances after a while, in addition to changes in dental position and pain in the temporo-mandibular joint.
The only curative treatment for OSA today is bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with mentoplasty. It consists of a maxillo-mandibular advancement with advancement of the chin, in such a way that we increase the diameter of the airway. In this way, the collapse that occurs in the airway, in the patient with OSA while sleeping, is avoided, since the area of the airway is tripled.
In addition, as the patient with OSA often has a retrusive facial pattern, with a short neck, lack of projection of the middle and lower third of the face, with a reduced mentho-cervical distance, the movement of orthognathic surgery is aesthetically very favorable
Our Recommendations
Why have an operation at Birbe Clinic?
We are specialists in designing faces and smiles.
At Birbe Clinic we have a great team, mentored by Dr. Joan Birbe, with more than 20 years of experience treating patients; always up to date with news and selecting the innovations that really bring improvements to our treatments. As in the case of virtual simulations of facial surgeries, intraoral scanners, customization of facial prostheses, the use of the microscope, etc.
Testimonials
Our priority is to achieve excellence in treatment. All this with a personalized, honest and trustworthy treatment. In addition, our facilities offer maximum hygiene, sterilization and comfort.
Find out what they think of us!
We help you carry out the intervention you need
After a rigorous evaluation we will offer you a personalized and closed estimate with all the necessary forms of payment and financing, so that you can carry it out.
Contact Us
Contact us during our business hours of:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8.00h to 16.00h.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.00h to 18.00h.
- Phone Number: +34 93 212 47 37.
Outside of our business hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will answer you as soon as possible. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
During your first consultation we will provide you with:
✔ Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
✔ Closed estimate with different financing possibilities.
