Dr. Michael Stosich delivers world-class, highly specialized orthodontic and craniofacial care.
Dr. Michael Stosich is dedicated to providing specialized, comprehensive care for all of his patients. He is a preeminent craniofacial specialist dedicated to the longitudinal, interdisciplinary approach to complex craniofacial anomalies. He ensures his patients receive the care they need from infancy and beyond, so they get what they need at every stage of development.
As the Director of Orthodontics at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Dr. Stosich brings evidence-based care paired with pioneering technical procedures to his patients and their families. His reputation for cutting-edge care sees patients traveling great distances to receive his specialized expertise. Dr. Stosich also shares his expertise by providing orthodontic consultation and surgical assistance to craniofacial teams at other regional institutions, ensuring patients throughout the area have access to his world-renowned care.
Effective treatment for patients with cleft and craniofacial differences takes a team. He routinely works and consults with a team of specialists ranging from ENTs to neurosurgeons. Dr. Stosich doesn’t leave anything to chance – every treatment plan is carefully tailored and mapped out, using the right members of the care team.
Families from across the Greater Chicago Area routinely seek his expertise for comprehensive craniofacial and cleft treatment that is not widely available in most orthodontic practices.
Neonatal intervention for Pierre Robinson Sequence
Dr. Stosich is uniquely qualified in the state and is, in fact, the only orthodontist in the Central United States currently treating Pierre Robin sequence patients at birth. Along with Dr. Reid, he uses their version of the Tübingen Palatal Plate. This highly technical appliance was invented in Germany, and the inventor maintains a special consultative relationship with Dr. Stosich.
Pierre Robin Sequence is characterized by three conditions:
- Micrognathia, or an undersized mandible
- Glossoptosis, or posterior displacement of the tongue
- Airway obstruction, complicated by a U-shaped cleft palate
The Tübingen Palatal Plate is custom-fabricated and designed to take advantage of an infant’s natural growth and muscle function. It’s specialized velar extension gently guides the tongue forward and upward. Repositioning of the tongue alleviates airway obstruction caused by glossoptosis.
The TPP provides a non-invasive stabilization that can significantly improve respiratory function and feeding ability.
Pre-surgical orthopedics: Nasoalveolar Molding
Early care for patients with cleft lip and palate begins with advanced pre-surgical orthopedics. This care is far more nuanced than simple palatal expansion. Dr. Stosich utilizes Nasoalveolar Molding techniques.
The NAM technique is a non-invasive and state-of-the-art technique that uses a custom-fitted appliance to gently mold the distorted alveolar segments, or the gumline, and nasal cartilage before surgery.
How it works:
- The acrylic device is created from a mold of the baby’s mouth. The appliance is similar to an orthodontic retainer.
- The appliance is worn for up to 24 hours a day, even during feeding. This allows for the gradual shaping needed.
- Your dentist or orthodontist will make weekly adjustments to the appliance. These adjustments guide the growth of the gums and lip, ensuring they can grow closer together.
- Once the gaps between the gums and lips have narrowed, a nasal stent is added. This works to gently lift the nasal cartilage, thereby improving the shape and symmetry of the nose.
NAM provides several benefits for Dr. Stosich’s patients. Chief among them are:
- NAM aligns the gums and lips, allowing for better surgical outcomes
- NAM can simplify primary surgical repair
- NAM treatment can reduce the number of future revisions needed.
For the best outcomes, NAM treatment begins within the first few weeks of life. Treatment usually lasts three to six months, depending on the severity of the cleft.
Long-term craniofacial management
For patients with cleft and lip palate and other craniofacial issues, specialized care requires treatment tailored for each stage of growth. This ensures Dr. Stosich can deliver the right intervention at the right time.
After the use of the NAM technique and initial surgery, Dr. Stosich monitors his patients so that he can begin the next phase of their treatment at precisely the right time. As the permanent teeth begin to erupt, things start to shift. Dr. Stosich uses braces and palatal expanders at this stage to make space and fix any bite problems. He typically focuses on maxillary expansion to correct posterior crossbites that have resulted from maxillary hypoplasia.
A cornerstone of Dr. Stosich’s practice is the precise monitoring and coordination of the secondary alveolar bone grafting procedure that typically occurs between the ages of 9 and 12. The objective of this procedure is to successfully place a bone graft into the alveolar cleft defect. This establishes bone continuity to allow for the proper eruption of the adult canine teeth.
In adolescence and beyond, Dr. Stosich provides full, comprehensive orthodontic treatment to achieve final occlusal perfection. For patients with persistent skeletal issues, Dr. Stosich works closely with maxillofacial surgeons to plan and execute orthognathic surgery to correct underlying jaw discrepancies. This ensures optimal function and facial balance.
Long-term, compassionate care focused on the patient
While Dr. Stosich leads with unparalleled technical expertise, he emphasizes patient-centered care. He has treated an exceptional number of cases, but always keeps the individual patient and their family at the center of everything he does.
Dr. Stosich’s care is grounded in the understanding that craniofacial management is a lifelong journey. He and his team are dedicated to prioritizing patient education and comfort every step of the way. Dr. Stosich treats the child, not just the craniofacial difference. Through his confidence and compassion, Dr. Stosich empowers his patients and their families.
If you are seeking compassionate, expert care for a cleft or craniofacial condition, Dr. Stosich is here to help. He focuses on patient-centered care that supports his patients’ overall well-being through every stage of development. His expertise and experience are unparalleled, but what truly sets Dr. Stosich apart is the personalized care he provides each patient.
Patients frequently travel from Chicago and beyond to receive his advanced craniofacial expertise, comprehensive oversight, and long-term treatment planning.