Beyond their dazzling appearance, straight teeth can improve your overall health. Turns out, a straight smile is a healthier smile. Keep reading to learn why.
At Smashing Smiles Orthodontics in Washington, D.C., patients are getting straight teeth and better sleep thanks to Allena Willis Kennerly, DMD. While she treats all dental issues, she treats sleep apnea as well.
If you have sleep apnea, you may not know it, but your partner will. They may tell you that you snore loudly or make weird snorting sounds. But even if no one is near you to hear it, there may be signs you just aren’t recognizing. Do you wake up after a full night’s sleep feeling exhausted? Or are you irritable during the day and find it hard to concentrate or focus at work? If so, you may have sleep apnea. If this sounds like you, it’s time to get in touch with Smashing Smiles Orthodontics.
If you have sleep apnea, your breathing stops for about 10 seconds multiple times a night. You may wake up gasping for breath, coughing, or feel like you’re choking. It can be scary for you and your partner. Causes of sleep apnea include:
Sleep apnea is serious, because it can put extra stress on your heart and can lead to high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and diabetes, and other conditions.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common, and it occurs when tissue in your nose or throat blocks airflow. Central sleep apnea is rare. In this type, your brain doesn’t send breathing signals to your lungs. Some people have a combination of both types called complex sleep apnea.
Dr. Willis includes sleep apnea screenings in her patient assessments. She may ask you questions about your sleep habits and whether or not you snore. Furthermore, Dr. Willis is an expert on the makeup of facial structures, so she’ll notice any structural abnormalities when she examines you.
If your jaw is not aligned correctly, Dr. Willis may recommend that you wear an oral appliance at night called a mandibular advancement splint. The device gently brings your jaw and tongue forward while opening your airway, which should help you breathe better. Some patients report snoring less, sleeping better, and having more energy during the day. If this method doesn’t work, Dr. Willis may refer you to a sleep specialist for further testing and treatment.
If you have sleep apnea or want to see if you do, book an appointment online or over the phone with Smashing Smiles Orthodontic and start on the path to restful sleep.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Beyond their dazzling appearance, straight teeth can improve your overall health. Turns out, a straight smile is a healthier smile. Keep reading to learn why.
Invisalign Teen® has telltale technology that lets the orthodontist know if teens are wearing the clear, removable trays as long as they should. And that’s just one cool thing about the teeth-straightening system
We're offering traditional braces for only $125.00 a month for 30 months with no down payment required! To upgrade to clear brackets there will be a required $500.00 down payment. Call to schedule an appointment and mention the summer special!!!
Teenage years are challenging enough without feeling embarrassed about a crooked smile. But straight teeth are about more than just aesthetics — they also have a direct impact on your teen’s oral health. Invisalign® makes it easy to get both.
Though we applaud most DIY efforts, some areas truly benefit from professional oversight, which is especially true of your child’s teeth. Here’s why Invisalign® Teen is the smarter choice.
What teen doesn’t prefer removable, clear plastic aligners from Invisalign Teen® to a mouthful of metal? The only question you as a parent may have is: What’s the best age to start? Read on to learn this and everything else about Invisalign Teen.