ProviderUnderstanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and airway issues can be the result of enlarged tonsils, excess weight, or other factors, and have serious health consequences for teens and adults alike.
Do you or your teen find it hard to get through the day without a nap, even with a full eight hours of sleep? Maybe you've noticed uncharacteristic mood swings, signs of depression, or irritability.
These increasingly common symptoms may be an indication of something more serious than teen angst or "the blues". If loud snoring also accompanies the symptoms above, sleep apnea and airway issues could be the root of the problem.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses last for 10 seconds or even longer, triggering the brain to wake the sleeper up in order to breathe - resulting in the loss of essential restorative sleep.
At Douglas Orthodontics, we offer a range of treatments to address these conditions including orthodontics and custom-made appliances.
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
At Douglas Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to essential health care. To help our patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans and convenient financing with CareCredit.
Airway Orthodontics for Teens & Adults
A good night's sleep and the ability to breathe freely are vital to the health of busy adults and growing teens. Our Meridian and Laurel orthodontist takes a non-invasive, client-first approach to addressing this serious health problem.
We will develop a customized orthodontic treatment plan for you or your teen that focuses on improved breathing and airway health while aiming to avoid extractions and surgery whenever possible.
A myofunctional examination will be performed to look for blockages or constrictions, including abnormally sized or positioned tonsils. A sleep study may be recommended, and X-rays may be taken.
In many cases, sleep apnea, snoring and other airway issues can be treated with clear aligners, custom-made dental appliances or other orthodontic treatment options.
In more complex cases, surgery may be recommended, and you will be referred to an oral surgeon for further assessment and treatment.
Appliances to Treat Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Oral appliances for sleep apnea and snoring look much like a sports mouth guard and come with a handy case for storage when not in use, making them easy to use, store and transport.
Although CPAP machines can be essential, life-saving pieces of equipment for some, oral appliances offer an effective and silent way to reduce snoring, and improve nighttime air flow and sleep quality in teens and adults experiencing mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Like other orthodontic treatments, oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea take a week or two to get used to. However, following a brief adjustment period, patients typically notice improved sleep quality and a reduction in daytime sleepiness.
Sleep apnea and snoring appliances are also discreet and easy to use. Custom-made to slip easily over your teeth, they are small enough to fit into a pocket, purse or backpack when sleeping away from home.