Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Sleep-disordered breathing, also known as sleep apnea, is a common but potentially high-risk condition that can result in daytime drowsiness due to ongoing pauses in breathing and/or shallow breaths while asleep. This condition can affect adults and children alike. Because sleep-disordered breathing causes disruptions in the sleeping pattern with periodic waking, it can cause low blood oxygen levels in the sleeper and, because of this, carries medical risks such as high blood pressure, heartbeat irregularities, and even strokes.

There are many treatments for sleep-disordered breathing, depending on the severity of the condition. Mild conditions may be treated with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss. In some instances, treatment with orthodontics at our practice may be the recommended solution. During your initial consultation at one of our five convenient Panhandle practice locations, you will receive a comprehensive examination, including imaging of the airway and its supporting structures. Once diagnosed, we work with your dentist, oral surgeon, or sleep specialist to develop the optimal treatment plan for you or your child.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

If you are suffering from any combination of the following symptoms, we suggest you make an appointment for an evaluation at our practice so that we can work with you to create a plan to get your health on track:

• Non-restorative sleep
• Insomnia
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory problems
• Anxiety/Irritability/Depression
• Unexplained headaches
• Difficulty performing work/school duties
• Disruption of the sleep of a bed partner

At Harwell & Cook Orthodontics, our team is trained and experienced in the orthodontic treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, as many patients develop this type of disorder due to improper or disproportionate facial growth and development. Advances in imaging technology and oral appliances allow us to correct many of these issues, as well as effectively map and track facial growth during critical periods of a child’s development to prevent problems from arising in the first place. Visit our page on Early Orthodontic Treatment to learn more about this.

TREATMENT FOR SLEEP APNEA/SLEEP-DISORDERED BREATHING IN THE TEXAS AND OKLAHOMA PANHANDLES

Orthodontic treatment for prevention and/or correction of sleep-disordered breathing can be very effective and vastly improve a patient’s quality of life and overall health. If you believe you or your child’s health would be improved with treatment for sleep apnea at our practice, or if you have been recommended for sleep apnea treatment, please contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted orthodontists, Dr. Anthony or Dr. Cook. We work closely with other members of our patient’s care team to develop a treatment for a successful result.