When we talk about orthodontics, the first thing that comes to mind most of the time is braces: straight teeth, nicer smiles. But orthodontic care is about more than looks. In fact, is some cases for patients struggling with sleep problems (such as sleep apnea) in Paradise Valley, orthodontics can become an instrumental step not only in maintaining dental health, but also in treating poor quality of sleep. As the connection between craniofacial structure, airway performance and sleep becomes clearer, orthodontic therapies are becoming more visible as potential weapons in the therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. The most common type — obstructive sleep apnea — is due to the muscles in the throat relaxing so much that they temporarily prevent a clear airway in the upper airway. This translates as broken sleep, waking up many times at night and impaired oxygen flowing to the brain. About 22 million Americans are believed to have sleep apnea, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association, which says that 80 percent of moderate and severe cases go undiagnosed. For those in Paradise Valley who want to know What is Sleep apnea, Dr. Sue Makrauer is here to inform you regarding this sleep disorder. If you are a Phoenix sleep apnea sufferer, INBRACE modern orthodontics provides specialized solutions that break the mold of sleep apnea treatment options.
One of the most exciting uses of orthodontics in the treatment of sleep apnea is the possibility of treating structural problems in the mouth and jaw, which can be one of the major causes of airway blockage. Someone with jaw size, teeth alignment, or narrow palatal issues that limit the volume in their mouth’s airway may suffer reduced airway when the muscles and tissues in the mouth relax during sleep. Orthodontic therapies including palatal expanders, mandibular advancing devices, and jaw repositioning appliances can help thicken and widen these parts of the body, and as a result increase the airflow to the lungs.
Jas kids Jaws The most efficient way to perform passive expansion is the use of a "widening screw" (an adjustable appliance that can be cranked by the patient). Orthodontists enlarge the nasal passages and oral cavity to allow for clearer air passages by expanding the upper jaw and reducing the severity of airway obstruction. It can help you, or your child, breathe easy during sleep and promote ideal facial and dental development in the long-run. Adults can also use mandibular advancement appliances (MADs) which reposition the lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping the airway unobstructed and the patient free of apneas.
“Clasp-Free” orthodontic appliances are a choice option for patients who cannot tolerate or would prefer not to use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Although CPAP is the definitive treatment for significant sleep apnea, compliance is generally poor, usually due to discomfort from the noise and difficulty of travelling with the machine. Orthodontic sleep apnea appliances tend to be smaller, more silent, and also generally more comfortable which makes them particularly well-suited for moderate to mild cases of sleep apnea in Paradise Valley.
Recent studies have confirmed that orthodontic treatment can help improve the results of sleep apnea cases. A 2021 review in the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine also concluded that oral appliances led to a significant decrease in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) — the number of breathing disruptions the person has during an hour of sleep — in mild to moderate OSA patients. Moreover, daytime vigilance, snoring, and QoL were improved according to patient questionnaires.
Orthodontic sleep apnea examination starts with a detailed study of the airway, position of the jaws and bite. Advanced imaging, including CBCT, can show the airway and anatomy in detail. The orthodontist can then use this information to develop a customized treatment plan that takes into consideration the patient’s anatomy and how he or she sleeps.
It is important to note that all sleep disorders do not have the same cause, and not all orthodontic treatments are suitable for all cases. That’s why collaboration between orthodontists, sleep specialists and other physicians is necessary to diagnose and manage this condition well. Multidisciplinary care is needed in order for patients to receive the most appropriate therapy including obesity, nasal obstruction, or enlarged tonsils as contributing factors.
Lifestyle Modifications Lifestyle modifications may Influence the success of orthodontic therapy for Obstructive sleep apnea. Keeping a healthy weight, not having alcohol before bed and observing good sleep hygiene principles can help. Orthodontic appliance adjustments and re-evaluations are necessary at regular intervals to control progress and ensure that the treatment is providing continued effectiveness.
In so many ways, orthodontics is a proactive and non-invasive route to better sleep. As we learn more about the structure and function of the jaw and airway, orthodontic treatment is revealed to be so much more than a cosmetic or dental treatment: it can be a way to gain deep, restorative sleep, which can ultimately contribute to our overall good health.
For those suffering from sleep apnea in Paradise Valley, discovering orthodontic treatments is often a life-changing process. If you're experiencing chronic fatigue, loud snoring or waking up frequently in the night, a visit to an orthodontist could help find a solution that works specifically based on your needs. Orthodontics can create a path to peaceful nights and healthful days, with the proper care and customized approach)prepareForSegue.
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