ProviderUnderstanding Breathing Problems During Sleep
Sleep apnea and airway issues during sleep can often be caused by things like enlarged tonsils, excess weight, or a few other factors. It's important to be aware that these conditions can lead to serious health concerns for children, teens and adults.
Do you find it difficult to get through the day without a nap, even after getting a full eight hours of sleep? Perhaps you've experienced unusual mood swings, signs of depression, or irritability. These symptoms may suggest something more serious than just a case of the blues. Sleep apnea or airway issues could be the underlying cause.
Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for 10 seconds or even longer, prompting the brain to awaken the sleeper to breathe, which results in the loss of essential restorative sleep.
At our Green Bay locations, we offer airway orthodontics, sleep apnea, and snoring appliances to help children, teens, and adults overcome these issues and get a better night's sleep.
Preventive Treatment for Children Aged 3 - 6
Dr. Melanie is a passionate 'airway-aware' orthodontist who considers jaw size, airway health, sleep quality, and various other factors that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Dr. Mark and Dr. Melanie practice together at our Green Bay locations and see each other's patients. Dr. Melanie, however, has a special focus on treating children aged three to six who present with breathing and airway concerns.
Airway Orthodontics
A good night's sleep and the ability to breathe freely are essential for the health of busy adults and growing teens. Our Green Bay orthodontists adopt a non-invasive, client-first approach to tackling this serious health concern.
We will create a personalized orthodontic treatment plan that prioritizes improved breathing and airway health while seeking to avoid extractions and surgery whenever possible.
A myofunctional examination will be performed to look for blockages or constrictions, including abnormally sized or positioned tonsils. A sleep study may be recommended, and X-rays may be taken.
In many cases, sleep apnea, snoring, and other airway issues can be addressed with clear aligners, custom-made dental appliances, or various 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 resemble sports mouth guards and include a convenient case for storage when not in use. This makes them easy to use, store, and transport.
While CPAP machines can be critical and life-saving for some, oral appliances provide an effective and quiet solution to decrease snoring, enhance nighttime airflow, and improve sleep quality in teens and adults dealing with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea take a week or two to get used to. However, following a brief adjustment period, patients typically notice improved sleep quality and reduced daytime sleepiness.
Sleep apnea and snoring appliances are discreet and easy to use. They are custom-made to fit comfortably over your teeth, and their small size allows them to fit easily into a pocket, purse, or backpack when sleeping away from home.