Sleep Apnea & Airway Therapy
The Airway Epidemic
Unfortunately we are in a massive airway epidemic with sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing numbers climbing every year. These are completely preventable (in children) and treatable in all ages!
Some signs that you may have sleep apnea:
- Chronic Snoring
- Gasping Episodes
- Breathing Stops
- Mouth Breathing
- Daytime Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Chronic Pain
- ADD/ADHD Diagnosis
- Mood Swings / Anxiety / Depression
- Memory Issues / Dementia / Alzheimers
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Asthma
- Chronic Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
If any of these signs are piquing your interest: take our screener!
Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment Options
Medical Sleep Devices
We make Mandibular Advancement Devices like this one to gently open the airway by pulling the mandible forward. We can bill almost all medical insurance through our sister company, Western Sleep Solutions. These devices are incredibly effective at treating sleep apnea and snoring. Patients are highly compliant with them due to their comfort and ease. Ditch the CPAP, hose and forced air with a mandibular advancement device. We can scan your teeth and have this custom device within three weeks made just for you.
Maxillary Expansion
The goal with maxillary expansion in adults is to treat the root cause of airway issues, which is usually a maxilla that is too small, thereby forcing the tongue and soft palate back into the airway space. We have several orthodontic options for maxillary expansion. The easiest one is using Candid Clear Aligner Therapy. This is a product that is very easy to use and effective at actually remodeling bone. They have an airway specific protocol that Dr. Hilary uses along with the Candid Airway Orthodontists to specifically design a case to meet your specific needs.
Vivos Appliances
Vivos Appliances: Expanding Possibilities for Better Breathing and Health
Our practice proudly offers Vivos appliances to bring effective, non-surgical airway and jaw expansion solutions to adults and teens over 14. By focusing on gentle palatal expansion, Vivos treatments can significantly improve both nasal breathing and overall airway health, addressing not only alignment and aesthetics but also breathing function and sleep quality.
Why Vivos? Remodeling the Roof of the Mouth, Supporting the Nose and Airway
The roof of the mouth is also the floor of the nose, making palatal expansion a powerful tool for improving nasal breathing. By expanding the palate, we can remodel the nasal floor to help open the nasal passages and enhance airflow through the nose. Additionally, expanding the upper jaw creates more room for the tongue, allowing it to sit naturally at the roof of the mouth instead of blocking the airway. This improvement in airway volume means that patients can enjoy clearer, easier breathing while achieving ideal tongue posture.
FDA-Approved Appliance for Severe Sleep Apnea
In addition to palatal expanders, Vivos offers an innovative appliance that functions as both an expander and a mandibular advancement device. This FDA-approved solution is designed specifically to treat severe sleep apnea, promoting safer, more restful sleep by repositioning the lower jaw to prevent airway obstruction. We work with our sister company, Western Sleep Solutions, to help our patients obtain medical insurance benefits for this appliance, making it more accessible for those with severe sleep apnea.
Holistic Solutions for Long-Term Health
Vivos appliances offer a safe and effective way to address underlying structural concerns in the mouth and airway. By working with natural bone growth and development, these devices not only improve breathing but also contribute to better sleep and overall wellness. With Vivos, weโre able to offer a holistic, personalized solution to help each patient breathe, sleep, and live more comfortably.
Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional Therapy: A Lifetime Investment in Your Airway Health
Myofunctional therapy is a powerful tool to support airway health and the long-term success of orthodontic treatment. By training proper tongue posture and functional breathing patterns, myofunctional therapy can significantly enhance breathing quality, reducing Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) by up to 50%. This therapy not only promotes optimal airway function but also plays a vital role in preventing relapse and crowding after orthodontic treatment.
Why Good Tongue Posture Matters
Good tongue posture is essential for maintaining a stable, open airway. When the tongue rests properly against the roof of the mouth, it helps to support and shape the upper jaw, contributing to a wider airway and more stable results after orthodontic treatment. Without myofunctional therapy, many patients may experience relapse and crowding over time, even after successful orthodontics, as the lack of proper tongue posture can allow teeth to shift back.
Achieve Long-Lasting Results with Myofunctional Therapy
By incorporating myofunctional therapy into your care, you are investing in a treatment that supports your airway and enhances the longevity of your orthodontic results. Our approach focuses on building strong habits for tongue posture, breathing, and swallowing that will keep your smile beautifully aligned and your airway clear for a lifetime.
Supporting Better Breathing and Health
Beyond orthodontics, myofunctional therapy has benefits that extend to overall wellness. By encouraging proper breathing patterns and airway stability, myofunctional therapy can support better sleep, increase energy levels, and contribute to a more balanced, healthy lifestyle.
How to Get Started With Treating Your Airway
Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and get started on your customized treatment path!