Cutting Edge Diagnostics

The Key to Preventing and Treating Compromised Airways, Jaw Problems & Other Orthodontic Issues

The use of cutting edge diagnostics plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional airway centered orthodontic care.

Undiagnosed airway problems are the most common root cause of jaw problems and orthodontic issues. A compromised or under developed airway can lead to habitual mouth breathing, snoring, and sleep related breathing disorders including sleep apnea. These breathing abnormalities can cause the body to compensate by altering the position of the jaw and tongue, which can result in orthodontic problems such as overbites, underbites, and crowded/crooked teeth.

This is where advanced technologies such as the CBCT machine, digital scanner, and sleep screening tools come into play. They enable us to accurately diagnose airway problems and create customized treatment plans that address the root cause of orthodontic and jaw issues, ultimately improving our patients’ quality of life.

Digital Treatment Planning

Our goal is always to optimize treatment for each patient’s unique needs which results in better overall outcomes. We use advanced technologies such as a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine and digital scanner to create 3D models of our patients’ teeth and jaws. These tools allow us to visualize and plan treatment with greater accuracy and precision.

CBCT

High resolution imaging with 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides detailed views of the hard and soft tissues, enabling accurate evaluation of the airway size, shape and location of potential obstructions. This information is vital in determining the most appropriate treatment options to address airway concerns.

Digital Intraoral Scanner

Digital intraoral scanners have revolutionized diagnostics in orthodontic care by offering a range of benefits that enhance the precision, efficiency and patient experience during the diagnostic process. It allows us to capture highly detailed and accurate digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and oral structures, contributing to improved treatment planning and outcomes.

Sleep Screening

Screening for sleep and breathing disorders is an essential part of maintaining good overall health. It can help identify sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea, which can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Early detection and treatment of sleep disorders can lead to better quality of life and improved overall health. Here are several strategies that we use:

Airway Health Questionnaire

We conduct a thorough extra oral exam (examining the head, neck, and airway) and an intra oral exam (examining the teeth, jaws, and oral cavity) to assess for structural abnormalities or factors that may contribute to airway obstruction. By evaluating these factors, we can determine the most appropriate treatment plan to address any potential sleep and breathing issues.

Comprehensive Physical Evaluation

Cephalometric Analysis

Measurements from cephalometric X-rays can help identify anatomical factors that may contribute to airway obstruction and sleep apnea. These include the size and position of the jaws, hyoid bone and airway dimensions.

Home Sleep Screening

We use non-invasive home sleep screenings as a tool to monitor a patient’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep that can help confirm the presence of sleep apnea. If the screening results suggest the presence of sleep apnea, a referral to a sleep specialist is made for further evaluation and treatment.

In certain cases, we may recommend a home sleep study as a screening tool for patients who do not have a sleep physician or are unsure about having a sleep-related breathing disorder. The sleep image ring, which is non-invasive, is worn on the finger to determine if there are any sleep irregularities. Although we do not make an official diagnosis, the results provide us with an indication of the severity of the sleep-related breathing disorder, which can be helpful in determining the next course of action. The final diagnosis is made by a sleep physician.

Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) can provide valuable insights into the autonomic nervous system function, stress levels, and overall health. By using HRV measurements in our office, we can better understand the impact of orthodontic treatment on a patient’s physiological state and tailor treatment accordingly. HRV can also be a useful tool for monitoring patient progress from a physiological perspective. In other words, it helps us predict and analyze how treatments are affecting overall patient health.