ProviderUnderstanding Breathing Problems During Sleep
A variety of factors can lead to sleep apnea and airway issues during sleep that can lead to even more serious health consequences for patients.
If you're finding it hard to get through the day without a nap, even though you've had eight hours of sleep, or you're noticing uncharacteristic mood swings, depression, or irritability, it could be because you aren't getting restful sleep. Sleep apnea or airway issues could be the cause.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses may last for 10 seconds or even longer, triggering the brain to wake the sleeper up in order to breathe – resulting in the loss of essential restorative sleep.
At Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics, our orthodontists will perform a sleep apnea screening at your initial exam, and see if you may be suffering from sleep apnea caused by orthodontic issues such as a narrow jaw or misaligned teeth. They can also determine if you need further diagnostic evaluation. Either way, they're here to help.
Flexible In-House Payment Plans
To help patients manage the cost of orthodontic treatment, Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics offers zero-interest payment plans and low down payment options.
Airway Orthodontics
A good night's sleep and the ability to breathe freely are vital to our overall health. Our orthodontists in Seattle and Bellevue take a non-invasive, client-first approach to addressing this serious health problem.
If your sleep apnea is caused by orthodontic issues, we can help get you on the path to breathing better, while avoiding extractions and surgery if possible.
We ask our patients to complete a sleep questionnaire, and then may refer them back to their general doctor to get a sleep study for a proper diagnosis.
In many cases, orthodontic treatment can help improve improve the airway which may aid in sleep apnea, snoring and other airway issues.
In more complex cases, surgery may be recommended, and you will be referred to an oral surgeon for further assessment and treatment.
Sleep Apnea & Snoring Appliances
Sleep apnea can affect patients of all ages. Our orthodontists will perform a sleep apnea screening at your initial evaluation.
Early orthodontic diagnosis and intervention in children can help manage sleep apnea and prevent it from progressing. Our orthodontists can help determine if at-risk patients could also benefit from further diagnostic evaluation.
Your orthodontist plays a key role in diagnosing sleep disorders, and will partner closely with your medical team to help manage symptoms.
You might have sleep apnea if you experience:
- Loud snoring, have a narrow airway, or grind and clench your teeth
- Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep
- Gasping for air during sleep and waking up with dry mouth
- Morning headaches, have dark circles under your eyes, and are carrying excess weight
- Difficulty staying asleep and daytime fatigue/attentiveness issues