Understanding Airway Orthodontics
At Giardina Orthodontics, we go beyond just straightening teeth and creating beautiful smiles. Our focus is on comprehensive patient health, particularly when issues such as crowded or crooked teeth indicate potential jaw growth problems. These dental misalignments can be associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway Orthodontics involves specialized treatments to expand the airway and address these conditions.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing temporary breathing cessation. This triggers a stress response, elevating heart rate and disrupting deep, restorative sleep. Although the person may not fully awaken, the frequent interruptions lead to daytime fatigue and a host of health issues, including weakened immune function and impaired cognitive abilities.
- Snoring
- Mouth Breathing
- Enlarged Tonsils/Adenoids
- Facial and Jaw Deformities
- Restless Sleep and Daytime Drowsiness
- Mood Swings
- Short Attention Span or ADD/ADHD
- Bedwetting
- Obstructive tissues (e.g., enlarged tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum)
- Insufficient space for the tongue (e.g., narrow jaws, recessed jaw positions, tongue-tie)
Effective Treatments
Growth-Oriented Orthodontics
Expanding the jaw and aligning it to create adequate space for the tongue and opening the airway, often without tooth extraction.
Reduction of Obstructive Tissues
This may involve removing tonsils/adenoids or addressing allergies to alleviate airway blockages. Combining these methods often yields the best results.
When to Seek Assessment and Treatment
Early intervention is crucial. While age 7-8 is a significant period for orthodontic evaluation, we typically see children starting at age 6 with a dentist referral and 7 per AAO standards. Contact Giardina Orthodontics today for a complimentary consultation to explore how airway orthodontics can enhance your child’s health and well-being.
