Working closely with local ENT’s, our doctors have incorporated the protocols recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists regarding the evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing.
The WHOLE patient is what we think about every day. When evaluating an adult, adolescent, or child, the first thing our doctors focus on is the airway. Sleep-disordered breathing is extremely common, serious, and in children, potentially life-altering. Children with obstructive sleep apnea may experience impairment to their cognitive development, may get misdiagnosed with ADHD, experience bedwetting, and grow into adults that rob them of a quality life. Our doctors look, care, and treat.
Sleep apnea is an increasingly common medical condition where the patient stops breathing while they sleep. In some cases, this only happens from time to time, while for others, it can occur as much as 30 times an hour. This condition has the ability to cause or contribute to numerous other health issues.
One of the biggest problems resulting from sleep apnea is how much it disrupts sleep. Every time the patient stops breathing, the central nervous system notes the lack of oxygen and the change in normal respiratory function, alerting the brain. This pulls the patient out of deep sleep and possibly wakes them up completely. Those who experience the cessation of breathing frequently during the night may be unable to achieve deep sleep, which then results in feeling drowsy and having low energy levels when awake.
Signs of Sleep Apnea
Because most patients are only awake for a brief moment due to their breathing difficulties, they often do not realize that they are suffering from sleep apnea. Instead, they need to look for other signs that indicate there might be a problem. If you observe any of the following signs, make an appointment with us.
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Loud snoring at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
- Headaches upon waking in the morning
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Extreme drowsiness throughout the day
Sleep Apnea Risk Factors
Some people are more at risk of developing sleep apnea than others. Men develop sleep apnea more often than women do, and it tends to affect those over the age of 40 more than the general population. Other factors that increase the risk of developing sleep apnea include obesity, smoking, drinking, sedative use, and family history. Central sleep apnea is more prevalent in those with heart disorders, neuromuscular disorders, strokes, or brain tumors.
The Dangers of Sleep Apnea
There are many risks associated with sleep apnea. Those who suffer from it and go without treatment tend to develop high blood pressure. As a result of this, heart failure and stroke become more likely. The severe fatigue caused by disrupted sleep can also make it difficult to succeed at work and school and may also make it dangerous to complete certain daily tasks, such as driving.
It can also be problematic when being treated for other issues. For example, medications that suppress the central nervous system can cause the patient to quit breathing at all should they also have sleep apnea. And in surgical settings, the combination of sedation and lying flat can make complications more likely.
Treatments for Sleep Apnea
The manner in which sleep apnea is treated depends on the severity of the case and the type of apnea the patient is presenting with. At the most basic level, treatment is behavioral. Patients work on weight loss, changing habits such as smoking, or side sleeping instead of sleeping on their backs.
If this alone does not work, oral devices that change the position of the mouth may work. Oral sleep appliance therapy is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A custom-designed appliance is made for you and is worn when sleeping. From there, CPAP machines and surgery may be considered.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
In order to formally diagnose sleep apnea, a sleep study must be conducted. We work with a board-certified sleep physician to complete this part of the treatment. Legally, sleep apnea can only be treated if an official diagnosis has been made. As such, while we are happy to work with you, the first step after your initial appointment with us will be the sleep study.
If you dream about waking up feeling refreshed rather than feeling like you need to go back to bed, we want to help you.
Rothenberg Orthodontics Reviews
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Very successful adult Invisalign experience. Everyone on staff was helpful, patient and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
The staff and doctors were all wonderful. We actually loved our appointments and will miss going there. The results were beautiful. Every single member of the staff was compassionate and competent. We would recommend Rothenberg Orthodontics without hesitation.
Wonderful provider! Great, friendly and caring staff!! Clean office, efficient scheduling for appointments and they can always see you when you need brackets fixed, etc!!!!
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