Airway Issues

A healthy airway is important for optimal health at any age. Airway issues, such as sleep apnea, occur when the upper airway becomes blocked while you are asleep. Patients with this condition usually report that they feel drowsy during the day or have a difficult time concentrating. While some severe cases require a dramatic surgical approach, many patients can address airway problems with small changes in their lifestyle or by seeing a specialist for treatment. 

At Nalchajian Orthodontics, our team of experts is specially trained to treat this condition through orthodontic care. Dr. Greg Nalchajian and Dr. Nicole Nalchajian can treat sleep-disordered breathing through orthodontics in Fresno, CA, and Clovis, CA. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we will create a treatment plan based on your unique needs.

Sleep Apnea in Children and Adults

Patients of all ages suffer from sleep-disordered breathing. Many people are surprised to learn that this condition can begin at such an early age. As children develop and grow, there are a number of sources which can cause the obstruction, such as large tonsils or adenoids, dental crowding, an abnormally narrow palate, allergies, and other common respiratory ailments. Adults can develop this issue as they age, or may have had the issue for years but have been unaware of the problem. 

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are three types of sleep apnea: 

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes blocked, causing temporary lapses in breathing. 
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which occurs because the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. 
• Mixed Sleep Apnea, also known as complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of OSA and CSA. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of OSA, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Some people with CSA do not snore, but experience other symptoms as a result of decreased oxygen levels. Symptoms of either type of sleep apnea can include one or more of the following:

• Loud snoring that often involves gasping or choking, causing a person to briefly wake up
• Breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches 
• Morning sore throat or dry mouth
• Frequently waking up to urinate

Symptoms while sleeping are often reported by a bed partner because an individual with sleep apnea may not be aware of the problems at night. If you have experienced any of these symptoms or have been told by others that you snore loudly, wake up with gasps, or stop and start breathing repeatedly while sleeping, we encourage you to contact us. Treating sleep apnea promptly will ensure that you experience a healthy, restful night's sleep for the years to come.

Treatment for Sleep-Disordered Breathing

During your first visit with Dr. Greg or Dr. Nicole, we will take 3D scans of your face and mouth. Some patients develop sleep apnea because of improper or disproportionate facial growth and development. Advances in imaging technology allow us to identify issues and monitor facial growth. In some cases, we may refer your child to an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat specialist, to evaluate whether it is appropriate to remove tonsils and adenoids.

There are many treatments for sleep-disordered breathing and the right treatment for you will depend on the severity and details of your condition. Mild conditions may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss. For adults, we work with medical specialists who are experts in sleep apnea diagnosis. A sleep study will confirm the diagnosis, and in some cases, a palate expander can help open the airway.

Airway Issues Diagnosis in Fresno and Clovis, CA

By treating sleep apnea now, you can sleep better, feel better during the day, and reduce the risk of serious health complications. Once we diagnose your sleep condition, Dr. Greg and Dr. Nicole will work with your dentist, oral surgeon, or sleep specialist to develop the optimal treatment plan that’s right for you. We look forward to providing every patient with the care they need to live a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. Contact Nalchajian Orthodontics today to schedule your appointment and start feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep!