Conference Presenters

"DO MONGOLIAN CHEEKBONES STILL EXIST?"

Dr. Bilgee Jigjid: PhD, Clinical Professor; Mongolia

Biography

Educational background:

1988-1995 - Bachelor degree in dental science, School of dentistry of Mongolian Medical University, DDS
2000-2002 -Master of Dental Science, School of dentistry of Mongolian Medical University
2003-2007 - PhD, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
2013 Advanced Inman and Clear aligner course, UK
2014- Implant surgery Fellowship at the California Implant Institute (CII), San Diego, USA
2015-2017 Oral maxillofacial surgery residency, School of Dentistry Health Sciences University of Mongolia
2017-2018 “Training to Teachers Program” Harvard Medical School
2018-2019 Advanced orthodontic diploma course, College of General Dentistry, London, UK
2020 Children’s airway treatment mini residency, Tampa Florida, USA
2021 VIVOS onboarding course, online VIP certification, Vivos Institute, USA
2023 May Buteyoko breathing instructor course, Patrik McQeen, Vivos Institute, USA
2023 -2024 ICCMO Fellowship program, The right bite, India

Had dental trainings in more than 10 different countries (USA, UK, Japan, Australia, UK, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Singapore, South Korea and etc)

Working experience

1996–2002 - Dentist, Operative Dentistry Department, State Dental Center of Mongolia
2002-2003 - Deputy Director, State Dental Center of Mongolia
2007-2008 - Lecturer, Operative Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry of Health Sciences University of Mongolia
2008 - Director of Research Institute of School of Dentistry, HSUM
2009 until now - Founder and owner of Digital Dental Office, Excellence in Dentistry Institute, Digital Dental Systems, DDOB LLC

Founder of "Sleep and Airway Health Association" of Mongolia Member of IAS Academy UK, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Pinhole Academy advanced graduate, California Implant Institute's Fellow graduate, Harvard Medical School's Alumni, Tokyo Medical University's Alumni, Member of ICCMO India
Certified provider of Inman Aligner, Clear Aligner, Pinhole Surgical Technique
Published more than 60 scientific papers, abstracts and publications. attended in more than 20 different health education TV programs and shows.
Speaks Mongolian, Russian, English and some Japanese

Abstract

Historically and currently Mongolians’ facial profile is defined by prominent cheekbones, with broader nasal bridge and almond shaped eyes. In regions with cold climates, such as Mongolia, high cheekbones may help protect the sinuses and other parts of the face from extreme temperatures by providing more surface area for warmth or for distributing stress during chewing. The maxilla and cheekbones have a close anatomical and functional relationship that influences facial aesthetics, chewing efficiency, speech articulation, and airway dynamics.

There are studies that have shown that variations in facial morphology, including cheekbone width, can influence the size and shape of the upper airway. A wider zygomatic region may correlate with a more spacious nasal passage. Research has found that individuals with broader cheekbones and certain facial structures may have a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). While the primary function of cheekbones is structural, their prominence can have several indirect effects on respiratory health and efficiency, affecting airflow, breathing patterns, and even communication.

We are presenting clinical cases of Mongolian patients who visited Digital Dental Office in Ulaanbaatar, who had undergone orthodontics with airway/sleep airway diagnosis based on intra/extraoral examinations, 3D CBCT (Romexis, Planmeca Viso5G) analysis and Sleep Image for home sleep test analysis. Patients who were suffering from chronic pain were evaluated by neuromuscular analysis. Moreover, we used ULF tensing (J5 Myotronics) and K7 (Jaw tracking, Myotronics) for functional bite registration and for following orthotic appliance treatment. Airway and maxillofacial growth measurements were performed on 3D CBCT images. Mallampati scores, tongue tie, tongue evaluations, transverse measurements, dental malocclusion and arch evaluation were done during intraoral exams. Pain, sleep related questionnaire were obtained too. After collecting all necessary diagnostic data we selected proper treatment plans for these patients based on their current individual needs.

Dr. Jigjid will present the before and after treatment results of some clinical cases during her presentation.