ProviderAirway Issues & Sleep Apnea
Understanding Breathing Problems During Sleep
Sleep apnea and airway issues during sleep can be the result of enlarged tonsils, excess weight, or other factors and have serious health consequences for teens and adults alike.
Do you find it hard to get through the day without a nap, even with a full eight hours of sleep? Maybe you've noticed uncharacteristic mood swings, signs of depression, or irritability. These symptoms may indicate something more serious than a case of the blues. Sleep apnea or airway issues could be the root of the problem.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for 10 seconds or even longer, triggering the brain to wake the sleeper in order to get them breathing properly again. This pause/wake cycle results in the loss of essential restorative sleep.
At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we can fit you for airway orthodontics designed to help adults and teens overcome these issues and get a better night's sleep.
More About Airway Orthodontics Watch Our Airway Treatment Video
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Investing in a straighter, healthier smile has never been easier. At Nalchajian Orthodontics, we help patients and their families manage the cost of orthodontic treatment with flexible in-house payment plans and convenient financing with CareCredit.
Airway Orthodontics
A good night's sleep and the ability to breathe freely are vital to the health of busy adults and growing teens. Our Fresno and Clovis orthodontists take a non-invasive, client-first approach to addressing this serious health problem.
We will develop a customized orthodontic treatment plan focused on improving breathing and airway health.
A myofunctional examination will be performed to look for blockages or constrictions, including abnormally sized or positioned tonsils or adenoids. A sleep study may be recommended, and X-rays may be taken.
In many cases, sleep apnea, snoring, and other airway issues can be treated with clear aligners, custom-made dental appliances, palatal expansion, or other orthodontic treatment options.
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
Oral appliances for sleep apnea and snoring look much like sports mouth guards and come with a handy case for storage when not in use, making them easy to use, store, and transport.
Although CPAP machines can be essential, life-saving pieces of equipment for some, oral appliances offer an effective and silent way to reduce snoring and improve nighttime airflow and sleep quality in teens and adults with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea take a week or two to get used to. However, after a brief adjustment period, patients typically notice improved sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Sleep apnea and snoring appliances are also discreet and easy to use. Custom-made to slip easily over your teeth, they are small enough to fit into a pocket, purse or backpack when sleeping away from home.
While we don't make these devices ourselves, we can refer out if you need one.