Sleep apnea and other sleep-related concerns cause daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, and symptoms that impact your day to day. Dr. Justin Deckard has focused his postgraduate training and education on diagnosing sleep problems.
His goal is to help patients address sleep disorders. These conditions affect how they feel, their ability to perform at their jobs, and other aspects of their lives to restore health and wellness. Many patients with these concerns may have undiagnosed sleep apnea. But more patients experience the effects of poor-quality sleep and don’t have sleep apnea.
For these patients, Dr. Deckard offers the benefit of his advanced training in Airway Dentistry. He has taken courses taught by Mark Cruz, a leading dental professional in the field of Airway Dentistry. Our office also provides additional general dental services to new and existing patients.
What Is Airway Dentistry?
Airway Dentistry focuses on the function of a patient’s oral structure and how it relates to breathing. One of the key elements of sleep-disordered breathing is mouth breathing.
Dr. Deckard looks for the signs of mouth breathing. He’ll look for abnormal oral development concerns such as tooth wear, tongue position, and the appearance of soft tissues in the back of the throat.
Identifying sleep-disordered breathing early can resolve symptoms and improve health. It will also reduce the risk of sleep apnea, which carries with it a risk of heart attack and stroke.
Dr. Deckard may identify a patient at risk during a routine dental exam, where he looks for the common oral signs of sleep disorders. He’ll also take the time to discuss your lifestyle habits and medical conditions because they could impact your oral health.
This complete approach is a hallmark of DC Precision Dentistry’s dental care. It is part of our effort to help patients enjoy good oral health that supports their overall well-being.
If you’re at risk of a sleep disorder or notice symptoms of one, Dr. Deckard will use tools and testing to evaluate your breathing patterns to gain a diagnosis.
Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing
In most cases, sleep-disordered breathing results from airway resistance. It happens when the muscles relax and collapse on the pharynx. While patients with what is known as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) do not cease breathing as occurs in sleep apnea, this resistance disrupts normal breathing patterns.
A patient can then not enter REM sleep. REM is an important part of the sleep cycle that helps your brain function.
Dr. Deckard works with patients to diagnose their condition and provide right treatment. We can often restore normal breathing and better sleep with a custom oral appliance.
Therapies and advanced treatment options are also available to treat each patient’s unique oral health condition. Our approach will meet your needs, address oral structural issues, and help you breathe more easily while you sleep.
ALF Appliance Therapy
ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) appliance is an orthodontic tool used in airway-focused dentistry. It helps promote healthy facial development and improved breathing. Made from a light and flexible wire that rests behind the teeth, the ALF appliance gently guides the natural growth of the jaws and dental arches.
This approach can create more space in the mouth and airway. It also supports better tongue posture and nasal breathing. Unlike traditional braces, the ALF works with the body’s natural movements for better function and balance in the cranial and facial structures.
ALF therapy benefits both children and adults. Early treatment can support proper facial and airway growth in children. It can prevent long-term issues like mouth breathing, poor sleep, and jaw misalignment. The ALF appliance can help address these concerns in adults:
- TMJ dysfunction
- Chronic headaches
- Apnea
- Posture-related issues
Because it is discreet and removable, the ALF offers a comfortable and low-maintenance option for patients who want holistic dental care. This innovative treatment goes beyond straightening teeth. ALF appliances support overall health by optimizing the airway and promoting long-term structural balance.
“I always have a great experience here. Everyone is kind and welcoming. Dr. Deckard is very calming and takes time to explain everything to patients. Highly recommend this practice.” – Madeline Hanson
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about airway dentistry? We can help. Read answers to common questions we get about sleep apnea in Washington, DC.
Are sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing the same thing?
No. Sleep apnea means the airway is fully blocked and breathing stops at night. Sleep-disordered breathing occurs when the airway is restricted and interrupts normal breathing patterns without full cessation. It makes it hard for the body to enter the REM sleep cycle.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea or sleep-disordered breathing?
Many symptoms coincide with both conditions. Being very tired throughout the day or waking up tired even after a good night’s sleep isn’t normal. Both of these conditions can cause these problems.
If you have sleep apnea, you may snore but also wake up gasping for air in the night. You may also notice that you wake up with morning headaches or are more irritable than normal.
Is there a sleep position that can help with these conditions?
Yes. One way to help with airway problems is to sleep on the right side. This promotes blood flow and discourages snoring. We also recommend that you sleep with your head elevated on your pillow.
What does sleep apnea have to do with dentistry?
Dentists are trained to find signs of sleep apnea. Dr. Deckard looks for signs such as teeth grinding, worn enamel, a small airway, or jaw-positioning issues at routine exams. If he notices these signs, he can refer you for a sleep study. Then he’ll work with you after your diagnosis.
One of the most common dental treatments for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. You wear these custom-made devices in the mouth to gently move the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. Oral appliances also provide a convenient, noninvasive solution compared to CPAP machines.
How does airway dentistry improve sleep and overall health?
Airway dentistry helps fix problems that block airflow while you sleep. These problems can cause snoring, sleep apnea, and poor sleep. By keeping the airway open, airway dentistry helps you breathe better at night.
Dentists use special exams to check the jaw, tongue, and airway. If the airway is too narrow, breathing can stop and start during sleep. Airway dentistry treatments help keep the airway open so air can move freely through the nose and throat.
Better airflow means more oxygen reaches your body and brain. Many patients feel less tired, have fewer headaches, and feel more alert during the day. When you sleep better, your overall health improves. Good sleep supports heart health, boosts your immune system, and helps improve focus and mood.
What are the different treatments that airway dentistry provides?
Airway dentistry offers treatments to help patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and related conditions. Some common options include:
- Oral appliance therapy
- Orthognathic surgery
- Nasal and sinus treatment
- Myofunctional therapy
- Positive airway pressure therapy (PAP)
- Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS)
The right treatment for you will depend on your needs and conditions. We’ll work with you to find the best option to reduce your symptoms. You can also use a combination of solutions so you can sleep well.
Schedule a Visit
Get sleep disorder treatment at DC Precision Dentistry in Washington, DC. Call Dr. Deckard at (202) 851-7554. You can also request an appointment online. Let us know if you have current concerns and we’ll be happy to help.
