Airway Health Services at Rejuvenation Dentistry in New York, NY
Boost Immunity, Longevity, and Overall Health
Airway health is a key component of health. When you improve the function and structure of your airway, you can improve your immune system, reduce your risk of tooth decay and periodontitis, and live a longer, more vibrant life.
Our dentists take an integrative approach to improve airway health — that’s why we offer dental appliances, CPAP machines, and surgical options to patients struggling with sleep-disordered breathing (including sleep apnea).
A Silent Epidemic
Sleep apnea and other airway issues impact people throughout Manhattan and the United States. Many of them don’t even realize it’s happening!
- 20% of people in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- 3 out of 4 people have some form of sleep-disordered breathing
- 75% severe cases of OSA are undiagnosed and 1 in 15 adults suffer from severe OSA
- A quarter of middle-aged men have sleep apnea
- At least 20-21% of women of any age may have obstructive sleep apnea or upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS)
Dentistry & Airway Health: A Perfect Pair
Dentists are ideal health care providers for airway health — in fact, a dental professional may recognize these health issues years before a medical doctor.
- Why should you see a dentist for breathing disorders?
- Dental health is the foundation for airway health
- Specialty dental appliances like the DNA appliance address the root cause of airway problems
A Biologic Approach to Airway Health
We take a biological approach to airway health on the Upper East Side, which means we treat every part of the body as part of the interconnected whole — including your airway. When your airway is even partially blocked during the day and/or night, many health issues can result.
- Eliminating sleep-disordered breathing will lead to a wide range of health benefits, such as:
- Increased nitric oxide levels
- Resolution of dry mouth
- Better oral health
- Less daytime fatigue
- Improved overall health
Airway Health for the Immune System
When your airway is optimally developed, your immune system gets stronger. Respiratory health and immune health go hand in hand. Obstructive sleep apnea prevents you from getting the restorative sleep you need every night. You need high-quality sleep for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is healthy immunity.
Nasal breathing produces nitric oxide, which is a hugely important antioxidant and a critical ally to your immune system. Restorative sleep also offers your body a daily opportunity to repair molecular damage that occurs throughout the day due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Without this necessary “reset”, your immune health will worsen dramatically over time.
Common Symptoms of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Often, OSA stems from a “six-foot tiger, three-foot cage” problem (a term coined by dentist Felix Liao, DDS). The six-foot tiger is your tongue. The little room that the tongue has to occupy is the three-foot cage. When you have too narrow a mouth, too small a jaw, and too high a palate, your airway health suffers because your tongue sits further back and obstructs breathing.
The arches of your teeth may be narrow due to orthodontic treatment or certain nutritional deficiencies during gestation and development. When your palate is expanded to allow your tongue to sit further forward, it’s easier to breathe as intended.
- Fatigue during the day
- Loud snore
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Sudden awakening, with choking or gasping
- Stopped breathing during sleep
- Frequent nighttime urination
Dangers of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
OSA is both a sleep disorder and a breathing disorder. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) can significantly affect your quality of life. That’s why we put a special emphasis on the treatment of airway issues — with a biological dentist’s unique twist.
Complications of untreated OSA may include:
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Congestive heart failure
- Higher risk of stroke
- Reflux disease
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Impotence
- Diabetes
- Increased risk of automobile accidents
- Decreased job performance
The DNA Appliance
The DNA appliance is an adjustable device that treats the root cause of obstructive sleep apnea. This airway-centric treatment option is a gradual process that is more permanent and more effective than CPAP machines. Instead of treating symptoms alone, the DNA addresses the underlying cause: your airway obstruction.
DNA stands for “Daytime Nighttime Appliance”. DNA is an FDA-regulated method of expanding the palate and is a simple, painless process. It looks very similar to a Hawley retainer.
Over time, the oral appliance is able to safely and naturally “stretch” your arches. Patients report that the DNA improves the aesthetic of their smiles in addition to their sleep apnea. DNA is not rapid palatal expansion (RPE) but gradual, steady arch development which activates stem cells for bone growth. This is not cranking the jaw back open. It expands in every direction — painlessly.
The DNA is adjustable to allow for gradual expansion. Each patient has their own unique pace they are comfortable with. This treatment may take a year, but it is more than worth it. After the oral appliance works its magic, your tongue will have more room, your smile will look even better, and you will breathe again.
Visit Rejuvenation Dentistry for Airway Health Services
Rejuvenation Dentistry is not just a dental office — we are innovators that implement sleep medicine into biologic dental practice, treating you as a whole person to prevent a lifetime of health problems.
What goes on in your mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body.
We utilize the best, cutting-edge knowledge of dental sleep medicine — and our patients’ experiences confirm it. We are excited to walk with you on your journey towards better overall health.
