Snoring & Sleep Apnea
Orthodontist West Chester
 Dental sleep medicine is the area of dentistry where dentists focus on sleep apnea and loud snoring. At Nelson R. Diers Orthodontics we ensure that our team is well-trained and experienced in this field to help patients manage the symptoms associated with these conditions. Sleep apnea can affect your overall health, and bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding) can often be a part of sleep apnea. This can wear down your teeth, affect your jaw and your bite. Contact us today at (513) 829-4400 and enjoy quality dental services without compromising safety.
There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, and refers to when the condition is caused by something in the throat or back of the mouth that hinders the airflow or closes while asleep. The other kind of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea and is caused by an issue with the respiratory signals from the brain. Complex sleep apnea is the third type of sleep apnea, and is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
It is important that you see our professionals for an evaluation if you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. Symptoms can include daytime sleepiness, snoring and gasping, morning headaches, or waking throughout the night. Only a trained healthcare provider can diagnose sleep apnea. Our professionals will evaluate your sleep troubles and refer you to a sleep specialist. Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that may lead to other conditions such as high blood pressure, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, or stroke.
Not all cases of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, in particular, are caused by muscle-related issues. The disorder can also be a result of an orthodontic issue. Studies have shown that the airways aren’t blocked in some patients due to problems in throat muscles, but rather, orthodontic issues. Tooth misalignment, jaw misalignment, and dental arch issues are common orthodontic conditions that can cause sleep apnea.
When an orthodontic issue causes sleep apnea, the expertise of an orthodontist who can prescribe a dental device or treatment as a cure is required. An orthodontist can quickly identify sleep-related breathing issues in all patients using their expertise in facial and jaw development.
Three Orthodontic Treatments for Sleep Apnea
There are three different types of treatments that an orthodontist might recommend based on the exact orthodontic issue causing sleep apnea. These include a rapid palate expander, a mandibular advancement splint, and braces or aligners.
A rapid palate expander is mainly used to treat sleep apnea in children. An orthodontist fixes the device to the upper molars using cemented bands or a bonding technique. The purpose of this device is to help widen the space in the upper jaw. It can also prevent jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and other such habits associated with sleep apnea.
A mandibular advancement splint is a custom-made device that changes the jaw’s alignment while an individual is asleep. It moves the jaw downward and slightly forward. This widens the airway and reduces the symptoms of sleep apnea.
An orthodontist may also recommend braces or aligners to treat sleep apnea that is caused by teeth misalignment. These devices work slowly, but they can gradually move teeth out of their incorrect positions so they do not obstruct the airway. Braces and aligners can both be utilized to cure sleep apnea in children and adults, but adults prefer aligners since they are less noticeable.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy provides much more portability and comfort than a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. Oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea involves a dental appliance that fits in the mouth, holding the tongue, jaw, and palate forward. The appliance is specially designed to keep the airway open and prevent obstruction during sleep. These appliances are custom-designed based on the individual’s mouth and specially fitted to assist with an optimal treatment outcome.
Oral appliance therapy has the highest compliance levels compared to other therapies and is reported to be very effective in treating mild to moderate apnea. It is also effective for severe cases when used in conjunction with a CPAP. To work, they must be properly fitted by our professionals who will ensure that the appliance molds to your mouth and provides maximum benefit. It has a higher compliance rate than CPAP devices because of their comfort and ease of transportation.
What is the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Bruxism? The connection between sleep apnea and bruxism lies in how both conditions impact your body’s stress levels while you’re sleeping. When you have these two problems, it is harder to sleep. Basically, they make each other worse.
These conditions can cause a unique form of tooth wear known as tooth erosion. Since they are both related to oral health, it makes sense that these two conditions would be links. In some cases, sleep apnea may trigger bruxism and vice versa. This is often the case with those who already struggle with one or the other condition independently.
How Do These Conditions Impact Oral Health? Both sleep apnea and bruxism can lead to significant dental problems. In addition, the grinding of teeth during periods where there is no activity in your mouth (such as eating or talking) causes tooth wear over time. This puts you at risk for cavities around the gumline.
Additionally, both conditions are associated with a condition known as periodontal (gum) disease. This involves an uncontrolled bacterial infection that destroys tissues supporting the teeth. Tooth loss becomes more likely after this point if left untreated for too long. Catching the issue early and seeking treatment is key to avoiding more serious dental problems.
Seek Help for Sleep Apnea
If you are experiencing any symptoms of sleep apnea, please make your way to our orthodontist today. Call Nelson R. Diers Orthodontics at (513) 829-4400 to schedule your appointment. Our highly experienced orthodontist will be able to perform a dental exam and diagnose your condition and suggest the best treatment possible. |
