Airway and Sleep Related Disorders
Meet Dr. Scott
His focus in the practice is on prevention- this means several things.
1. He is dedicated to early intervention with children to ensure their airways and jaws are developing in a way to give them success throughout their lives.
2. He is always going to be looking at your whole body health to ensure we are getting to the root cause of pain/failing dental work/ sleep issues.
3. He is ready to take on TMJ pain patients or people with an unstable bite with a variety of interventions.
4. Implant patients – including patients needing more stability with their dentures or people wanting to replace teeth they have lost
5. Encouraging regular hygiene visits to keep your gums healthy and maintain good bone .
Services Dr. Scott is offering:
Early intervention orthopedic development in children– growing the jaws/airway.
Orthodontics– braces and clear aligners.
Airway consultations– how he can assist with a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Adult appliances – including neuromuscular orthotics, mandibular advancement devices, and VIVOS for TMJ pain management and sleep related issues.
Check-ups – he is always happy to see your family for an annual visit.
Unraveling the Connection Between Sleep Apnea, TMJ and Tongue Ties
• Sleep Apnea and TMJ: Individuals with TMJ disorders often experience disrupted sleep patterns, which can aggravate sleep apnea. Conversely, those with sleep apnea may develop TMJ issues due to clenching and grinding teeth during sleep..
• Sleep Apnea and Tongue Ties: A tongue tie can obstruct the airway, leading to or worsening sleep apnea. Treatment of tongue ties can sometimes alleviate airway obstruction, improving sleep quality.
• TMJ and Tongue Ties: The muscle tension and alignment issues caused by TMJ disorders can be compounded by a tongue tie, affecting oral posture and potentially impacting breathing during sleep.
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If you can help fix the sleep apnea, the TMJ problem will likely get better
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If you just fix the TMD issue, the sleep apnea does not get better.
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If you address the tongue tie, they should get long-term resolution of both.
Common Issues Linked to Mouth Breathing
• Bruxism (teeth grinding): Chronic mouth breathing can exacerbate or lead to teeth grinding.
• Hindered facial growth in children: Mouth breathing may affect the development of the facial skeleton, potentially leading to long-term changes in appearance.
• Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
• Thumb sucking: Often linked to mouth breathing and improper oral habits in children.
• Nasal obstruction: Mouth breathing may indicate blockages in the nasal passages.
• Shoulder and neck misalignment: Incorrect tongue and mouth posture can impact posture and alignment.
• TMJ dysfunction: Habitual mouth breathing is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
• Speech problems: Improper tongue positioning can hinder speech development and the ability to clearly articulate words.
• Sleep disorders: Issues like snoring and sleep apnea often stem from mouth breathing.
• Headaches and facial pain: Poor muscle posture can contribute to headaches and discomfort.
The Role of Myofunctional Therapy
Myofunctional therapy addresses tongue posture and ensures the muscles of the mouth and face are in harmony. With personalized exercises, patients can focus on establishing better oral habits—including keeping the tongue in the correct resting position (lightly resting on the roof of the mouth) and breathing through the nose. While myofunctional therapy can be very effective, it’s essential to consult a dentist or doctor for a thorough evaluation before starting any program. Personalized care is critical for achieving the best outcomes and addressing underlying issues.
Explore our Appliance Collection for Airway and Breathing
Myobrace® System
The Myobrace® system consists of a series of removable intra-oral appliances that are worn for just a few hours during the day and overnight while sleeping. The use of these appliances not only aims to straighten teeth without braces but also focuses on improving the function of the entire oral and facial system. This approach is particularly beneficial for children whose jaws are still developing, as it fosters better oral habits early on, potentially reducing the need for extensive dental work in the future. By addressing the root causes of orthodontic issues, the Myobrace® system emphasizes the importance of preventive care and long-term health, making it a valuable option for patients seeking an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments. Additionally, the Myobrace® system is customizable for each individual’s unique needs and can be combined with other dental treatments to achieve optimal results. With its innovative approach to orthodontic care, the Myobrace® system offers a gentle and natural way to straighten teeth and improve overall oral health, without the need for braces or invasive procedures.
Spark Aligners
Spark Aligners utilize innovative, advanced technology to provide a clear and comfortable orthodontic treatment option. Made from TruGEN™, a state-of-the-art material, these aligners are designed to be more transparent and stain-resistant than other brands, offering a nearly invisible solution for teeth straightening. The precision fit of Spark Aligners allows for effective and consistent pressure distribution, which helps achieve optimal tooth movement. Additionally, Spark’s software allows orthodontists to design personalized treatment plans, making it possible to predict and visualize the desired dental outcomes. This combination of cutting-edge materials and technology makes Spark Aligners a popular choice for those seeking a modern, discreet approach to orthodontic treatment..
*Available for adults, teens and children providing they have all their permanent teeth.
Healthy Start
The HealthyStart® System offers a groundbreaking approach to improving airway function and aligning teeth through a non-invasive and painless method that eliminates the need for traditional braces. With over five decades of research and practical experience, HealthyStart® has successfully treated over 4 million children worldwide. The system stands out from typical orthodontic aligners by providing an affordable solution for straightening teeth while simultaneously addressing Sleep Disordered Breathing symptoms.
In addition to these immediate benefits, the HealthyStart® System also has long-term advantages. By promoting proper airway development and aligning teeth at an early age, it can prevent future dental issues such as overcrowding and malocclusion. This means fewer visits to the orthodontist later in life and potentially avoiding more invasive procedures like tooth extractions.
VIVOS SYSTEM
The VIVOS system stands out not only for its effectiveness but also for its non-invasive approach to addressing sleep-related breathing disorders. At its core, VIVOS utilizes personalized oral appliances that are custom-fit to each patient’s mouth, ensuring comfort and maximum efficacy. These appliances work by gently expanding the upper jaw and airway space, facilitating improved oxygen flow during sleep. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as it addresses the root cause of airway obstruction. Moreover, the system is part of a holistic treatment plan that may include lifestyle modifications and collaboration with healthcare professionals from various fields. The VIVOS system empowers patients with the potential to REDUCE or even ELIMINATE reliance on CPAP machines or other surgical interventions.
Hyrax Appliance
Twin Block Appliance
The Twin Block appliance is a versatile orthodontic device primarily used for correcting Class II malocclusions, where the upper jaw protrudes beyond the lower jaw. This functional appliance consists of two separate parts, fitting over the upper and lower teeth, and works by positioning the lower jaw forward. The Twin Block appliance encourages natural, progressive changes in jaw alignment by guiding facial growth and improving bite. Additionally, it can enhance facial aesthetics and boost patient confidence by aligning the jaw more harmoniously. Typically used in growing adolescents, the Twin Block appliance is highly effective in modifying jaw positioning and facilitating the natural growth of the lower jaw, ultimately contributing to a well-balanced bite and improved function