At Marc Allen Orthodontics in Huntersville, NC, our belief is that orthodontics is more than just about straightening teeth — it’s about improving your overall health. That’s why we prioritize the airway in our diagnostic process. Certain oral and jaw structures can lead to conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway Orthodontics aims to address these issues by expanding the airway and promoting healthier breathing patterns.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
OSA occurs when the throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking your airway and momentarily cutting off breathing. This leads to snoring, gasping, or choking and disrupts your sleep cycle. Over time, OSA can cause fatigue, irritability, and serious health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Children with OSA may also experience difficulty focusing, behavioral issues, or poor performance in school.
Common Symptoms of OSA and SDB:
- Snoring or choking during sleep
- Mouth breathing
- Daytime drowsiness
- Hyperactivity or trouble concentrating
- Restless sleep or bedwetting
What Causes OSA?
OSA can be caused by enlarged tonsils, a narrow jaw, or tongue-tied conditions, limiting space for proper airflow. In some cases, obesity may contribute to OSA, especially in adults.
Treatment Options for OSA
Airway Orthodontics offers effective solutions like:
- Jaw expansion or advancement to create more space for the tongue and airway.
- Tonsil and adenoid removal to improve nasal breathing.
Intervention, especially for children, is critical. Growth modification techniques are most successful when started around age 6 or 7.
Get a Free Consultation
If you or your child experience symptoms of OSA, contact Marc Allen Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation and start your journey to better health.
