Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be a sign of a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. It means that the airway is not fully open and the snoring noise comes from efforts to force air through the narrowed passageways. This is sometimes referred to as airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

• 1%-4% of adults have sleep apnea
• 5 to 10 times more common in males than females
• Progressively worsens with aging
• Progressively worsens with increasing weight
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Apnea is the cessation of breath during sleep. Sleep apnea increases the risks for stroke, heart attack and hypertension. Usually, we think of elderly men, when we think of snoring. However as many as 500,00 children ages two to eight may be affected. Lack of sleep has been linked to learning problems, stunted growth, high blood pressure, even bed-wetting and ADHD. Children who snore usually compensate for the lack of oxygen by sleeping with their mouths open. Even during the day, they may breathe through their mouths. This not only stunts their overall growth, but it stunts the growth of the jaw. Because, bones are most malleable when children are young, snoring and jaw growth deformities can be treated as early as four years of age.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children and adults can often be improved with orthodontic treatment. One of the treatment options can be using an expander in order to expand the lower dental arch to create more room for the tongue, which can lead to an increased airway diameter on both sides which can result in a significant improvement of Sleep Apnea.

Call us today at 415-459-8006, or contact us to setup a thorough 30+ min exam so we can provide you with several treatment options.