Breathe Easier and Healthier with Airway Orthodontics
Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth and a beautiful smile—it’s about improving overall health and quality of life. Airway orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) by expanding the airway. Dr. Sebastian Baumgaertel conducts this specialized care, which can make a significant difference in your or your child’s long-term health and well-being.
What Are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
OSA is a common sleep disorder caused by temporary relaxation of throat muscles, such as the tongue and soft palate, which block the airway. These blockages disrupt breathing throughout the night, leading to snoring, gasping, or choking episodes. While these disruptions may not fully wake you, they prevent the body from reaching deep, restorative sleep.
Impact on Health:
- Reduced oxygen levels in the blood
- Increased cortisol (the “stress hormone”), raising heart rate and blood pressure
- Chronic exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue
- Potential headaches, anxiety, depression, and weight gain
- Children may experience attention and learning difficulties, behavioral issues, or poor academic performance
OSA has also been linked to serious conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and suppressed immune function.
Common Symptoms of OSA and SDB
If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms, airway orthodontics may be a solution:
- Snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Mouth breathing
- Hyperactivity, short attention span, or ADD/ADHD
- Restless sleep or daytime drowsiness
- Snorting, coughing, or choking at night
- Night sweats or bedwetting
- Sleep terrors or nightmares
- Behavioral or learning problems
What Causes OSA and SDB?
Several factors can contribute to airway obstruction, including:
- Enlarged tonsils or adenoids
- Narrow jaws or recessive jaw structure
- Tongue-tied condition (restricted tongue movement)
- Obesity (more common in adults)
Treatment Options for Airway Orthodontics
Treatment often focuses on expanding or improving the airway to restore healthy breathing. Common treatments include:
- Removal of obstructive tissues: Removing enlarged tonsils or adenoids to promote nasal breathing.
- Growth-oriented orthodontics involves expanding the jaw or advancing it forward to increase airway volume and tongue space. These methods help create proper alignment and improve airflow.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
The sooner the issue is identified and treated, the better. Growth modification techniques are most effective when started around age 6 or 7. Early orthodontic treatment can help guide proper skeletal development, prevent future issues, and improve sleep quality.
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of OSA or SDB, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you breathe better and live healthier!