What is Airway Orthodontics?
At [practice-name], we believe that orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth and a beautiful smile. It’s about ensuring the overall health and well-being of our patients. One key area where this philosophy is crucial is when children experience crowded or crooked smiles, which often indicate that the jaw isn’t developing properly.
Oral habits and jaw deformities can contribute to severe health conditions, such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway Orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatments designed to expand a patient’s airway and address these conditions, improving their breathing and quality of life.
Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the airway closes sufficiently during sleep, causing breathing to stop temporarily. This triggers the release of cortisol—the stress hormone that increases heart rate and activates muscles to force breathing. Although the person doesn’t fully wake, they are pulled out of deep restorative sleep to “catch their breath.” This cycle repeats throughout the night, depriving the body of restful sleep.
The Impact of OSA on Health
This repeated disruption to sleep can be compared to running a race all night long. While the individual may not be awake, they wake up exhausted and unrested. Chronic OSA can have a severe impact on the body, affecting:
- The immune system
- Hormone production
- Insulin function
- Gastric acid production
- Learning and memory retrieval
- Overall organ and body function
Symptoms of OSA & SDB
Common signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disordered Breathing include:
- Snoring
- Mouth Breathing
- Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids
- Facial & Jaw Deformities
- Restless Sleep & Drowsiness
- Moodiness & Short Attention Span
- Bed Wetting
Causes of OSA & SDB
The most significant causes of OSA and SDB are:
- Obstructive Tissues: Enlarged tonsils, adenoids, turbinate bones (in the nose), or a deviated septum.
- Lack of Space for the Tongue: Narrow jaws, recessive upper and lower jaws, and tongue-tie can all limit the space needed for the tongue, leading to airway blockages.
Treatment for OSA & SDB
At [practice-name], we treat OSA and SDB using two key approaches:
- Growth-Oriented Orthodontics: This involves jaw expansion and advancement of the upper and/or lower jaws to create more room for the tongue and open the airway. Unlike traditional methods, this approach avoids the need for tooth extractions.
- Reduction of Obstructive Tissues: Removing enlarged tonsils/adenoids, correcting allergies, or using naturopathic treatments can significantly improve airflow.
Research shows that the best results occur when both approaches are combined.
When Should You Assess and Treat?
The sooner you address the problem, the better. While 7-8 years of age is an important age for orthodontic intervention, treatment can be beneficial for children as young as 3-6 years old with early and simple care.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss how Airway Orthodontics can help your child breathe easier and sleep better.