What is Airway Orthodontics?

Our focus is on the comprehensive health of our patients, with special consideration given to situations where a child's smile appears crowded or misaligned, signaling potential issues with jaw development. Such conditions, often arising from specific oral habits and jaw irregularities, may contribute to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway Orthodontics encompasses orthodontic approaches designed to expand the airway, thereby addressing OSA and SDB concerns.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial blockage of the upper airway during sleep. This obstruction can lead to disruptions in breathing, resulting in decreased oxygen levels in the blood and fragmented sleep patterns. Symptoms often include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and morning headaches. OSA can have serious health implications if left untreated, including increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and positional therapy, and medical interventions like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, orthodontic treatment or oral appliances. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Symptoms of OSA and SBD

  • Loud or frequent snoring

  • Episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, witnessed by a partner or family member

  • Gasping or choking sensations during sleep

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness Fatigue

  • Irritability or mood changes

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering

  • Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

  • Restless sleep or frequent awakenings during the night

  • Night sweats Frequent need to urinate during the night (nocturia)

  • Depression or anxiety

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

Causes of OSA and SBD

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can have multiple underlying causes, often involving a combination of factors. Some common causes include:

  • Anatomical factors: Structural abnormalities in the upper airway, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a deviated septum, or a narrow airway due to genetics or constricted upper jaw structure, can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep.

  • Excess weight: Obesity or excess body weight, particularly around the neck and throat area, can increase the risk of OSA by putting pressure on the airway and obstructing airflow.

  • Muscle tone: During sleep, relaxation of the muscles in the throat and tongue can lead to collapse of the airway. The lack of adequate space for the tongue, which can result from narrow jaws, recessive upper and lower jaws, or being tongue-tied, contributes to obstructive sleep apnea.

  • Family history: There may be a genetic predisposition to OSA, as certain anatomical features or traits that increase the risk of airway obstruction can be inherited.

How we can help

Children and teens: Our orthodontic approaches focus on growth enhancement, such as expanding and advancing the upper and/or lower jaws to accommodate the tongue and improve airway patency.

Adults: We are among the few orthodontic providers offering Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) procedures. MARPE entails an orthodontic approach using devices to widen the upper jaw, or maxilla, and augment the arch perimeter of the palate without needing the full orthognathic jaw surgery. If jaw surgery is necessary, we collaborate with highly skilled surgeons to ensure optimal outcomes for addressing your OSA and SBD.