Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a severe sleep disorder characterized by repeated episodes of complete or partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns and reduced oxygen intake. In orthodontics, OSA is of particular concern due to its association with craniofacial abnormalities, such as a narrow or recessed airway, enlarged tonsils, or a retruded lower jaw, which can contribute to airway obstruction. Orthodontists play a crucial role in managing OSA by evaluating and addressing underlying anatomical issues that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Treatment approaches may include orthodontic appliances to expand the dental arches, reposition the jaws, or optimize facial structure to alleviate airway constriction and improve breathing patterns during sleep, promoting better overall health and quality of life.
MADs are custom-made oral appliances worn during sleep to reposition the lower jaw (mandible) forward. By advancing the mandible, MADs prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway, maintaining airway patency throughout the night. Due to their noninvasive nature, MADs are effective for mild to moderate cases of OSA and are well-tolerated by patients.
Like MADs, tongue-retaining devices are oral appliances designed to hold the tongue forward during sleep. By preventing the tongue from falling backward and obstructing the airway, these devices help improve airflow and reduce the incidence of apneas and hypopneas (pauses in breathing) characteristic of OSA.
Palatal or rapid maxillary expanders are orthodontic appliances that widen the upper dental arch and palate. By creating additional space in the oral cavity, palatal expanders alleviate crowding of the tongue and allow for improved nasal breathing. This expansion can help reduce airway resistance and facilitate better airflow, particularly in individuals with a narrow maxilla (upper jaw).
In severe cases of OSA with significant craniofacial abnormalities, orthognathic surgery may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves repositioning the upper and lower jaw to correct skeletal discrepancies contributing to airway obstruction. Orthognathic surgery aims to create a more balanced facial profile and improve the alignment of the upper airway, thereby reducing the severity of OSA symptoms.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a complex sleep disorder that requires comprehensive evaluation and management to improve sleep quality, overall health, and quality of life. Visit Dental Specialists of New York PC at 150 East 58th Street, New York, NY 10155, 110 York Street Brooklyn, NY 11201, or 476 48th Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11220, to discover how orthodontic solutions can help manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea and enhance your quality of life. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (212) 661-2192.
476 48th Street 3rd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220
Phone: (212) 661-2192
Email: info@dentalspecialistsofny.com