Dental Sleep Medicine & Airway Orthodontics
How can orthodontics improve sleep?
At Buena Vista Orthodontics, we recognize that healthy breathing is fundamental to overall health, sleep quality, and facial development. Through dental sleep medicine and airway-focused orthodontics, we evaluate the relationship between the teeth, jaws, airway, and breathing patterns to identify underlying factors that may contribute to snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, and obstructive sleep apnea. Using advanced 3D CBCT imaging, we are able to visualize the airway, assess jaw structure and facial anatomy, and identify areas of constriction that may not be apparent on traditional dental radiographs. By combining detailed diagnostics with personalized treatment solutions, our goal is to support healthier breathing, more restorative sleep, and long-term wellness for patients of all ages.
Advanced technologies and treatment techniques
Sleep Appliances
We offer custom oral appliances, including ApnoDent®, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) used to treat obstructive sleep apnea by gently repositioning the lower jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep, along with custom snore guards to improve airflow and promote more restful sleep.
Orthodontic Expanders
Many adults with narrow jaws, airway restrictions, or crowding can benefit from orthodontic skeletal expansion techniques and appliances. We provide advanced MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and MSE (Maxillary Skeletal Expander) treatment to create additional space, improve nasal airflow, and support optimal facial and airway development, often avoiding traditional surgery.
Sleep-disordered breathing assessments
Our comprehensive airway and sleep assessments evaluate the relationship between facial development, airway anatomy, and breathing patterns to identify factors that may contribute to snoring, poor sleep quality, and sleep-disordered breathing. This personalized approach helps us develop treatment solutions tailored to your unique needs.
What are Sleep Breathing Disorders or Sleep Apnea and how do adults know if they have it?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because many symptoms happen while you’re sleeping or feel like other common problems. The most obvious sign is loud, chronic snoring followed by periods of silence where you stop breathing, then gasping or choking sounds as you start breathing again – though a partner usually notices this more than you do.
What you might feel during the day: Waking up exhausted even after a full night’s sleep, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, falling asleep during quiet activities like watching TV, reading, driving, and feeling irritable or depressed. Many people also wake up with a very dry mouth or sore throat.
What happens at night: Frequent trips to the bathroom, tossing and turning, grinding your teeth, or waking up feeling like you’re choking or can’t catch your breath. Some people wake up sweating or with their heart racing. A sleep study is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis.
As part of our comprehensive airway-focused approach, our orthodontist can screen for signs and risk factors associated with sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea, and when appropriate, coordinate referrals to sleep physicians, ENTs, and other specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
Case study: this patient’s airway volume increased after treatment with palatal expansion and lower jaw advancement
Before
After
Addressing Airway Disorders Through Orthodontics
At your initial evaluation and throughout treatment, let the doctor know if you feel that you are having airway or sleep breathing issues. During your initial airway or orthodontics consultation, we will go over your overall health history and do a clinical exam. If needed, we will recommend will necessary records or imaging or referrals. X-rays, 3D imaging and other records may be ordered to further identify the root causes of airway problems. After this evaluation, we will create your personalized treatment plan so you have the chance to breathe easier!