Airway Orthodontics

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) is a medical condition in which a person’s breathing when sleeping becomes irregular and shallow. Sleep Apnea is a form of SDB in which a person’s breathing stops when they are sleeping. This results in reduced oxygenation and a variety of symptoms in adults and children.

TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN

Sleep disordered breathing affects a large number of children. Some children who are diagnosed with attention deficit disorder are actually suffering from sleep disordered breathing. Apnea may also be associated with delayed growth and cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea is most commonly found in children between the ages of 2 and 6 but can occur at any age.

Dr. Goldman, as a Board Certified Orthodontist and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine with the Qualified Dentist Designation, is not only concerned with the esthetics of a our patients but also with your overall health and well being. Frequently jaw size, structure and position can cause and/or contribute to sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea. Our initial examination includes airway evaluation. When discovered in young children growth guidance treatment, in consultation the child’s physician (pediatrician, sleep doctor, ENT or pediatric somnologist), can be a significant part that your child’s health care. This treatment can have lasting, positive effects on your child’s breathing which can provide your child with a lifetime of healthy breathing.

Symptoms in children can include

• Snoring
• Difficulty waking up in the morning
• Hyperactivity
• Poor attention span
• Behavioral issues
• Daytime sleepiness
• Mouth breathing
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Breathing pauses during sleep
• Bedwetting
• Chronic nighttime restlessness, waking or nightmares
• Feeling unrested upon waking in the morning
• Dozing off during the daytime
• Poor school performance

TREATMENT FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS

In adults and adolescents, also working with your sleep physician or ENT, we provide oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea. We make custom-fit appliances which can be adjusted to your individual needs which can improve your sleep, restore your alertness and revitalize your health.

Oral appliances are worn at night and support the lower jaw in a forward position. This opens the airway facilitating normal breathing.

In patients where jaw size and position are significant factors in the sleep apnea corrective jaw surgery, working with maxillofacial surgeons, can be a part of an effective treatment plan.

Symptoms in adults can include

• Loud snoring
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Experiencing mood changes such as depression or irritability
• High blood pressure
• Nighttime sweating
• Decreased libido

When you are ready to learn more about how orthodontic/orthopedic treatment can help you or your child achieve the happiest, healthiest smile call us at Stamford Office Phone Number 203-329-2712