“Apnea” comes from the Greek word apnea, which means “without breath.” Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and may repeatedly occur throughout the night.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the airway becomes blocked or partially blocked during sleep, preventing air from getting into the lungs. Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics provides OSA treatment through oral appliance therapy.
Sleep Study
Polysomnography (PSG), also called a sleep study, is a comprehensive test used to diagnose sleep disorders. Dr. Buck may recommend a sleep physician to administer a take-home sleep study to screen and make an initial evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing. Depending on the results, the sleep physician may advise the need for an overnight in-lab study or may qualify the patient for oral appliance therapy. We can provide highly accurate medical grade take home sleep study that is interpreted by a board certified sleep physician, and we can review these findings with you to determine the best course of action.
Alternatively, if no PSG has been completed, Dr. Buck will require referral to a sleep center to complete a PSG or ambulatory take home sleep study, and physician interpretation before oral appliance therapy begins. It is critical to carefully and thoroughly manage this deadly disease with a team approach.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues around the throat collapse during sleep, obstructing the airway. This includes the tongue reverting to its original position, obstructing the airway. OSA can also occur when the jaw is underdeveloped, leaving little room for the tongue.
Epigenetic science treatments by Dr. Buck can help by fully developing the jawbones, improving the impediment that causes OSA.
What to Do If You Have OSA
If you have sleep apnea, Dr. Buck can use oral appliance therapy to fully develop your jaw bone, eliminating the blockage that causes OSA.
Oral appliance therapy is a standard treatment for sleep apnea. It involves wearing a device that fits into the mouth and helps keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is effective, safe, and very well tolerated by patients. These appliances are medically tested and certified as effective in managing mild to moderate OSA.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Do you have OSA? With oral appliance therapy, you can finally get a good night’s sleep.
For more information on treating OSA, contact Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics today. Please visit our website or call us at (425) 409-2291. We would be happy to answer any of your questions.
