Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts. It can present a variety of symptoms, but the most common are snoring, and waking feeling groggy and unrested, even after a full night of sleep. At Elevated Orthodontics, we offer specialized treatments to diagnose, manage, and potentially resolve sleep apnea, improving your sleep quality and overall health.
The Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Improved Sleep Quality
Treatment can significantly reduce sleep interruptions, leading to a more restful and uninterrupted night's sleep.
Enhanced Daily Energy
With better sleep comes increased energy and alertness during the day, improving overall quality of life.
Reduced Health Risks
Effective treatment lowers the risk of serious health issues associated with sleep apnea, including heart problems and strokes.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Expanders
Orthodontic expanders can help widen the jaw, thereby increasing the volume of the nasal cavity and airway passage. This treatment is often used for younger patients whose facial bones are still developing, making it easier to achieve permanent changes that benefit breathing during sleep.
MARPE
(Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) is a more advanced expander designed for older adolescents and adults. It uses mini-implants to facilitate more significant expansion of the palate, which can improve airway size and reduce obstructions typical in sleep apnea cases.
Orthognathic
Surgery Support
For severe cases, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This surgical approach adjusts the bones of the jaw and face to permanently open the airway. This option is considered when less invasive treatments cannot adequately resolve the breathing obstructions.
Airway Analysis
We utilize cutting-edge imaging technology to conduct a thorough airway analysis. This assessment helps us understand the specific anatomical causes of your sleep apnea and tailor a treatment plan that targets these issues directly.
To learn more about sleep apnea treatment from Elevated Ortho, read our FAQ below!
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Sleep Apnea FAQ
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can affect sleep quality, daily energy, focus, and overall health. Common signs include loud snoring, waking up feeling unrested, morning headaches, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.Does Elevated Ortho treat sleep apnea?
Elevated Ortho can help evaluate airway-related orthodontic concerns and provide treatment options that may support healthier breathing during sleep. Depending on the patient’s needs, this may include airway analysis, orthodontic expanders, MARPE, oral appliances, or coordination for surgical treatment when appropriate.What are common signs of sleep apnea?
Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, morning headaches, daytime tiredness, grogginess after a full night of sleep, difficulty concentrating, and restless sleep. Many symptoms are first noticed by a spouse, partner, or family member.Why is sleep apnea a concern?
Sleep apnea can interrupt the body’s ability to get restful, consistent sleep. When left untreated, it may affect energy, mood, focus, and overall quality of life. It can also be associated with more serious health risks, including heart-related problems and stroke.How can orthodontics help with sleep apnea?
Orthodontic treatment may help when airway restriction is related to jaw development, palate width, bite alignment, or facial structure. By evaluating the airway and jaw relationship, Elevated Ortho can recommend options that may help improve airway space and reduce obstruction during sleep.What is an airway analysis?
An airway analysis uses advanced imaging and evaluation to better understand the size, shape, and structure of a patient’s airway. This helps the doctor identify possible anatomical factors contributing to sleep-disordered breathing and create a more personalized treatment recommendation.What are orthodontic expanders?
Orthodontic expanders are appliances designed to widen the upper jaw or palate. For some patients, expansion can increase space in the nasal cavity and airway passage, which may support better breathing during sleep. Expanders are often used for younger patients whose facial bones are still developing.What is MARPE?
MARPE stands for Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion. It is an advanced type of palatal expansion often used for older adolescents and adults. MARPE uses small temporary implants to help widen the palate more effectively, which may improve airway size and reduce certain types of obstruction.Can children benefit from sleep apnea-related orthodontic care?
Yes. Children with signs of airway issues, snoring, mouth breathing, restless sleep, or jaw development concerns may benefit from an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment may help guide jaw growth, improve oral development, and support healthier breathing patterns as the child grows.Can adults receive sleep apnea-related orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Adults may benefit from airway analysis, oral appliance options, MARPE, or referral for additional medical or surgical evaluation depending on the cause and severity of the airway concern. Elevated Ortho can help determine whether orthodontic treatment may be part of the solution.What is orthognathic surgery?
Orthognathic surgery is corrective jaw surgery that may be recommended for severe cases when jaw or facial structure contributes to airway obstruction. This surgical approach adjusts the bones of the jaw and face to help open the airway more permanently. It is usually considered when less invasive options are not enough.Will sleep apnea treatment improve my energy during the day?
Many patients experience better daily energy and alertness when their sleep quality improves. Because sleep apnea can repeatedly interrupt breathing and rest during the night, effective treatment may help patients feel more rested, focused, and energized during the day.How long does it take to notice improvement?
Some patients notice improvements soon after beginning treatment, while others may need more time depending on the severity of their condition, the treatment approach, and how consistently the treatment is used. Elevated Ortho will explain what to expect based on the recommended plan.Do I need a sleep study before treatment?
A sleep study may be needed to formally diagnose sleep apnea and determine its severity. Elevated Ortho can evaluate airway-related orthodontic factors, but patients may also need to work with a physician, sleep specialist, or other healthcare provider for diagnosis and medical management.How do I know if I should schedule a sleep apnea consultation?
You should consider scheduling a consultation if you or your child snores regularly, wakes up tired, has morning headaches, struggles with daytime sleepiness, breathes through the mouth, has restless sleep, or has been told there are pauses in breathing during sleep. Elevated Ortho can evaluate orthodontic and airway factors and help guide the next step.
