Sleep Apnea - Face Focused Orthodontics

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, can occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood. Sleep apnea affects people of all ages and can have significant health consequences if left untreated.

How Orthodontic issues can contribute to Sleep Apnea:

Narrow Palate: A narrow upper jaw can lead to a restricted airway, increasing the risk of OSA. Orthodontic expansion techniques can widen the palate, improving airway function.

For instance, a narrow upper jaw can cause the lower jaw to shift backward, resulting in the tongue blocking the airway. Additionally, an underdeveloped upper jaw often leads to narrow nasal passages, further restricting the upper airway.

Overbite/Underbite: Jaw misalignments, such as overbite or underbite, can push the tongue backward, obstructing the airway. Correcting these issues through orthodontic treatment can open up the airway and reduce apnea episodes.

Crowded Teeth: Crowded teeth can indicate underlying structural issues that may contribute to a smaller airway. Orthodontic treatment to align the teeth can help alleviate this problem.

Why It’s Important to Address Sleep Apnea Early?

Treating sleep apnea, particularly in children, is essential to prevent long-term health issues. In children, untreated sleep apnea can affect growth, cognitive development, and behavior. For adults, it can lead to serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.

At Face Focused Orthodontics, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. During your initial consultation, we use advanced 3D imaging, X-rays, and a detailed examination of your oral anatomy to identify any structural issues contributing to sleep apnea. We then develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

Palatal Expansion: To increase airway size and improve breathing.
Jaw Repositioning: To correct misalignments that may be obstructing the airway.
Custom Oral Appliances: Designed to keep the airway open during sleep by adjusting the position of the jaw and tongue.

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to seek treatment early. At Face Focused Orthodontics, we are committed to addressing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of orthodontic care, ensuring that our patients not only achieve beautiful smiles but also enjoy improved health and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help treat sleep apnea through advanced orthodontic care. Be sure to check out our What We Do section to find out more.

Airway Orthodontics

Children

Teens

Adults

What is Sleep Apnea?

How Orthodontic issues can contribute to Sleep Apnea:

Why It’s Important to Address Sleep Apnea Early?