At Solana Orthodontics, we believe that orthodontics goes beyond just fixing misaligned teeth and giving you a pretty smile. We care about your overall well-being, including how well you breathe. We make sure to check for and treat common issues like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Sometimes, issues with the jaws and the presence of certain oral habits can negatively impact your airway and lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) so it's crucial to address them early on.
Early diagnosis, referrals, and treatment are important to prevent complications that can affect a child's growth, cognitive development, behavior, and overall wellness.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep-Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are breathing disorders in which the airway closes off during sleep. This causes the body to go into "fight or flight" survival mode. Cortisol is released, the heart rate increases and muscles are activated to force breathing. Deep restorative sleep is disrupted as the body tries to catch a breath. Relaxation then occurs, and the cycle continues. This is hard on the body and can have a profound impact on quality of life, as it can negatively affect the immune system, hormone production, learning and memory, and other body functions.
A narrow upper jaw and deficient lower jaw can negatively affect your airway too, giving no space for proper tongue position causing it to fall back during sleeping leading to snoring, difficulty breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea. A narrow upper jaw is also associated with increased resistance to nasal airflow leading to mouth breathing and consequently airway obstruction.
Airways Therapy for Young Patients
If your child is having trouble breathing during sleep, your doctor may suspect that there is a blockage in their airway and order some tests to confirm. Then, you will be referred to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, a sleep doctor, and a myofunctional therapist who specializes in mouth and tongue exercises.
Oral appliances can help and are frequently recommended, an orthodontist can create a customized appliance, such as a rapid palatal expander (RPE) or mandibular advancement device (MAD), to address the issue. However, it's important to note that not all children will benefit from these devices, and alternative treatments like the removal of tonsils/adenoids or addressing allergies may be advised.
A team approach is important in these cases. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for your child's sleep apnea.
Signs & Symptoms
Children
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding
- Gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Mouth breathing
- Restless sleep
- ADHD like symptoms like hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Tongue tie
- Failure to grow
- Dry or chapped lips
- History of chronic ear infections
- Chronic allergies, runny nose, or nasal obstruction
- Any cross-bite of the teeth
- Crowded baby teeth
- Anterior open bite (when the front teeth do not overlap)
Adults
- Snoring
- Gasping during sleep
- Teeth grinding
- Frequent waking up at night
- Morning headaches
- Mouth breathing
- Restless sleep
- Difficulty controlling medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, etc.)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Daytime sleepinessIrritability
Network of Specialists
When it comes to your oral health, you deserve the best.
Dr. Sandra works closely with a network of trusted sleep apnea and airway specialists and myofunctional therapists to ensure you receive the care you need to thrive.
Complimentary Consultation
Begin Your Airway Evaluation
Take the first step in proper breathing with a complimentary evaluation. We will provide a comprehensive exam and a 3D airway scan to discover if you have obstructive sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing that is preventing you from getting restful sleep at night. We’ll then outline a treatment plan and work closely with your doctor to solve the problem.
The Airway Orthodontics Treatment Process
Consultation
First, we will have a conversation with you about your overall sleeping habits, breathing patterns, and other symptoms. We’ll also take a look at your medical history and examine your breathing, along with your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. We will take a 3D image of facial structures for airway analysis. If your doctor suspects that there is a blockage in their airway they will order some tests to confirm. Then, you will be referred to a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor, a sleep doctor, and a myofunctional therapist who specializes in mouth and tongue exercises.
Treatment Plan
Depending on your unique condition, we will recommend a personalized airway treatment plan. This could include lifestyle changes, orthodontic intervention, or oral appliances. Oral appliances can help and are frequently recommended, an orthodontist can create a customized appliance, such as a rapid palatal expander (RPE) or mandibular advancement device (MAD), to address the issue. However, it's important to note that not everyone will benefit from these devices, and alternative treatments may be advised.
Regardless of our recommendation, your San Antonio orthodontist will walk you through every step of the plan to make sure you fully understand the process and how it will positively impact your overall health.
Follow-Ups
Dr. Sandra will continue to encourage frequent follow-up appointments to ensure your personalized treatment plan is improving your airway health. To guarantee that you receive the best possible care possible, referrals may be made to other providers.
A team approach is important in these cases. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment for your or your child's sleep apnea.
Before & Afters
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to get treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing?
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It’s underestimated how important airway treatment actually is. Breathing properly will decrease your risk for serious health conditions that arise from sleep-related disorders. With airway orthodontics, you are taking the first step in living a healthy lifestyle.
What are common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing?
When your airway is impacted, the body begins to react in a variety of ways. Some common obstructive airway symptoms include:
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
- Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Unexplained broken crowns or fractured teeth/tooth pain
- Brain fog and daytime drowsiness/chronic fatigue
- Forward head posture
- Headaches
- Face, neck, shoulder, and joint pain
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
Rest assured that our team is fully equipped to address any of your unique symptoms with personalized care. If we believe that you could benefit from an additional provider's expertise, we will make the appropriate referral to ensure you get the treatment you deserve.
Have more questions?
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Find Your Radiance
"Don't hide your smile any longer, book your complimentary consultation online and visit my office so I can get to know you and help you get a radiant, healthy smile."
-Dr. Sandra
