Airway disorders. More common than you think.

Breathing is the single most important action you do every day.

The air you breathe supplies your body with the oxygen that you need to survive, to thrive, and to function optimally. Millions of people of all ages aren’t breathing well due to airway insufficiencies. Airway insufficiencies cause disordered breathing and result in an inadequate oxygen supply to every cell of your body.

Disordered breathing is usually most pronounced during sleep. Approximately 42 million American adults suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). An alarming 75% of severe SDB cases go undiagnosed.

Our bodies can’t function properly without enough oxygen. When left untreated, disordered breathing can cause or aggravate a long list of potential symptoms and serious health complaints.

Disordered breathing often worsens over time and can become life-threatening. Fortunately, airway insufficiencies can be successfully diagnosed and treated.

Airway-Centered Dentistry is a comprehensive and noninvasive approach to restore functional breathing.

Functional breathing moves freely and silently through the nose, even during sleep. Airway insufficiencies disrupt functional breathing and are often the result of underdeveloped structures in the teeth, jaws, temporomandibular joints (TMJ), face, or airway.

Underdeveloped craniofacial structures can leave the mouth too small to accommodate the tongue, which can cause upper airway blockages during sleep. The tongue collapses against the soft palate, and the soft palate collapses against the throat. This blockage cuts off normal airflow and interrupts deep sleep.

Airway-Centered Dentistry addresses the root cause of disordered breathing. Using an advanced dental appliance, the jaws and dental arches are gradually expanded to accommodate the tongue, while preventing or reducing airway collapse during sleep.

Your dental appliance is completely removable and customized to meet your unique situation and needs. Worn at night, the dental appliance keeps your airway open as it remodels targeted bones in your mouth, head, and face. The appliance works by activating your natural genetic intelligence and by encouraging the optimal orthopedic development of your mouth and face. As your dental appliance encourages bone growth (not just moving teeth), your results generally provide you with positive, permanent change.

Our practitioners are passionate about helping their patients experience the life-changing benefits of functional breathing.. As a specialist in Airway-Centered Dentistry, they can determine if you would benefit from airway treatment.

1. Evaluation. Understanding your airway starts with a thorough dental evaluation, postural analysis, symptom review, and evaluation of your health history.

2. Sleep Study. If an airway insufficiency is suspected, a convenient, at-home sleep study through SleepTest.com will be prescribed. The team at SleepTest.com will coordinate your sleep study and insurance billing. You will receive a sleep study device to wear for two nights. The device will collect data on your breathing and sleeping patterns. Once you return the device, a board-certified sleep doctor will analyze your data and will share the findings of your sleep study with your practitioner.

3. Mapping. High-resolution photos of your mouth and face will be taken and advanced 3D scanning technology will be used to map and measure your craniofacial structures. An extensive reviewing process is done to diagnose the root cause of disordered breathing and to chart a detailed, personalized plan to treat airway insufficiencies.

4. Customization. Your diagnostic results and treatment plan are shared with a specialized lab that will craft your custom dental appliance.

5. Treatment. Your treatment plan will precisely reflect your unique needs and desired clinical outcomes. Most patients wear their dental appliance for 12-16 hours per day, from dinner to breakfast, for an average of 18 months. Your dental device will be essentially invisible and usually provides a comfortable wearing experience. Your dental appliance is equipped with springs, which you’ll regularly adjust at home to promote the desired change. Your practitioner will strategically guide you on how and how often to adjust your dental appliance.

6. Milestones. To support treatment success, you will meet with your practitioner every 4-6 weeks as you move through your treatment plan. During each appointment, they will measure your expansion progress and the improvement of symptoms, in addition to addressing concerns, refining your treatment plan, and updating your dental appliance, if needed.

7. New Beginnings. The end of your treatment plan is the beginning of the immediate and long-term health benefits that result from functional breathing. Your practitioner will help you address any remaining oral function or tissue concerns (such as abnormal swallowing, tongue ties, lip ties, or other oral habits). You may also undergo custom orthodontic treatment with clear aligners to restore function to your bite or to achieve the straighter teeth you desire.

Functional breathing gives your body what it needs for vibrant, healthy living. The benefits you’ll experience from airway treatment can profoundly enhance your overall health and your daily quality of living. Those benefits include:

• Reduced and eliminated snoring, teeth clenching, and OSA
• Enhanced appearance and alignment of teeth and dental arches
• Pain relief
• Better posture
• Restorative sleep
• Mood boost
• Increased energy, focus, and mental acuity
• Improved cardiovascular, metabolic, and hormonal health
• Ability to achieve and maintain a healthy weight

If you or someone you love suffers from airway issues please check our holistic resources to find a local practitioner.