Breathe Easier With Treatment From Miller Orthodontics
Your Airway Orthodontics Experts in Inver Grove Heights and Hastings, MN
At Miller Orthodontics, we understand how disruptive snoring and sleep apnea can be for you and those around you. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve restful, consistent sleep with our personalized approach to potential nasal/airway issues. From innovative oral appliances to comprehensive orthodontic solutions, we can tailor an expert treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Ready to put those restless nights to bed and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant you?
Miller Orthodontics is committed to helping you breathe easier and sleep better!
What Is Airway Treatment?
Did you know that orthodontic treatment can do so much more than just make your smile look amazing? While having gorgeous results is definitely something to celebrate, a skilled orthodontist understands that a healthy smile goes beyond just straightening teeth. It’s also about making sure your jaw develops correctly, which is very important to your overall health, especially when you’re young and the bones in your face are still developing.
When a patient has a crowded or crooked smile, this is a sign that their jaw is not growing properly. If left untreated, certain oral habits and jaw deformities can lead to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB). Airway orthodontics refers to orthodontic treatment methods that expand the arch forms to treat patients who experience airway and sleep issues like OSA and SDB.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)?
You may be familiar with the “fight or flight” response. This release of cortisol is triggered when the airway closes during sleep and causes breathing to stop for a few seconds, or in some instances, even minutes! This stress hormone increases your heart rate and activates muscles to force breathing. It is a survival reflex that keeps you alive, waking you up just enough to resume breathing or “catch your breath.” Once you begin to relax, this pattern repeats itself, preventing you from reaching deep, restorative levels of sleep.
As you can imagine, this is extremely hard on the body. Not only can this make you feel like you ran a marathon all night, but if left untreated, can lead to several negative side effects such as:
- Weakened immune system
- Memory loss
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease or stroke
- Diabetes
- Hormone and gastric acid production
- Insulin function
What Are Symptoms of Sleep Apnea or Sleep Disordered Breathing
Symptoms of OSA or SDB in adults and children may include:
- Loud snoring
- Enlarged tonsils/adenoids
- Facial and jaw deformities
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking
- Restless sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating (ADD/ADHD)
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Frequent nighttime urination
How Does Miller Orthodontics Help Treat Airway Issues?
Our doctor is dedicated to helping his patients breathe better without the need for surgery. He uses appliances such as expanders, braces, or clear aligners to widen/advance the jaws to create more room for the tongue.
Our doctor may recommend reduction of obstructive tissues (having your tonsils/adenoids removed) to treat OSA and SBD. We work with ENTs and myofunctional therapists to help provide specific exercises for each patient and their individual needs.
To find out if you or your child could benefit from airway treatment, simply schedule a free consultation today!
We Help Patients Breathe Better in Inver Grove Heights and Hastings!
Sleep disordered breathing can seriously impact the quality of life for both children and adults, and it can lead to various health complications if left untreated. At Miller Orthodontics, we understand how crucial a good night’s sleep is for your overall well-being and happiness. That’s why we specialize airway orthodontics, offering compassionate and effective solutions customized to your unique needs.
If you suspect that you or your child may have sleep apnea or another sleep disordered breathing condition, we invite you to reach out to us for a comprehensive evaluation. Our friendly and dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Take the first step towards restful, rejuvenating sleep by scheduling a consultation with us today. We’re committed to helping you achieve better sleep and a healthier, happier future.