Snoring, sleep disorders, insomnias, and apneas are destructive maladies that directly affect the wellness and health of the individual.

     Obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder that involves the decrease or complete cessation of the airflow to the lungs despite the ongoing effort to breathe, is a sleep problem that occurs as the muscles of the throat and tongue relax when the individual sinks into deeper sleep stages, thereby collapsing the airway.  These partial reductions in air flow [hypopnea] or complete pauses [apneas] last at least 10 seconds but can persist for a minute or more creating major disruption to the oxygen saturation in the blood stream throughout the brain and body.

     This oxygen desaturation creates a cascading effect leading to autonomic nervous system recruitment with major epinephrine [fight or flight adrenaline] outflows throughout the body attempting to re-set the system back into balance.

     This continuous oxygen fluctuation is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and essential hypertension.  In addition, it is contributing to ADD, ADHD, PDD, narcolepsy, type II diabetes, autism, acid reflux, and obesity.

SLEEP STATISTICS

-20% of adults suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea [OSA]

-56 million people are undiagnosed with moderate to severe OSA

-estimated healthcare costs if not treated is $115-$160 billion per year

-estimate cost to treat all OSA patients is $9 billion over the next 10 years

-treating prior to permanent damage to the body will increase the average life expectancy of the individual by 20 years according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

ORTHODONTIC/DENTAL IMPLICATIONS

The position of the teeth and jaws directly affect the activity and posture of the tongue.  The tongue is instrumental in the four oral functions, of speaking, swallowing, chewing, and breathing.

Jaws which are too narrow and retro positioned—teeth which are tipped back and collapsed toward the tongue cause the tongue to be pushed down into the throat creating the first stages of obstruction.

Additionally, enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids can further interfere with proper tongue position leading to obstruction.

SIGNS OF DISORDERED BREATHING:

-forward head posture

-rounded shoulders

-adenoid facies - hanging jaw, long lower face, steep lower jaw angle, retro inclined upper and lower teeth, gummy smile, open bite in front, inability to keep lips closed, flat cheek bones

-dark circles under the eyes

-heavy breathing

-excessive daytime sleepiness

-poor attention span and cognitive skills

-excess work absenteeism

-TMJ, head and neck pains, and other body aches and pains including fibromyalgia

-grinding of the teeth

-bed wetting

-excessive leg and arm movements while asleep 

SOLUTIONS

CPAP—continuous positive air pressure - a device designed to force air down the throat at night to push through the obstructive blockage

INTRAORAL APPLIANCES - appliances inside the mouth designed to position the lower jaw forward to bring the tongue forward and un-cork the airway.  A major advantage of using an intraoral appliance is that it can be used to unlock the airway throughout the day and night.

Both of the below appliances are removable. The removable herbst (left photo) and the FR (right photo) are both designed to reposition the tongue, which results in a greater oxygen intake due to a more open airway.  

Our office is equipped with an ICAT machine which allows Dr. Diers to observe airway structures. This 3D scan highlights areas of the head, neck and TMJ that typical x-rays cannot show, allowing for a more accurate treatment plan. Patients have the convenience of getting their scan done in our office as well as seeing their data immediately. Click on the link below to read more about the ICAT scan and it's benefits.

We would be pleased to evaluate your condition to determine which course of treatment would be best for you or your child.

Call or email our office today for a complimentary exam.

If you would like more information regarding sleep apnea or other obstructive airway issues, please contact our office:

                  Fairfield                                          Colerain                                       West Chester

       1251 Nilles Rd. Ste.14                     3020 Banning Rd.                     7218 Towne Centre Dr.

          Fairfield, OH 45011                   Cincinnati, OH 45239                 West Chester, OH 45069

             (513)829-4400                             (513)923-1800                              (513)777-9040