Sleep & Breathing Wellness
We are passionate about sleep and breathing wellness because we know that with better sleep comes a better quality of life. Sleep plays an important role in overall health and wellness. We help our patients of all ages with a non-invasive, nonsurgical treatment options for the treatment of mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, snoring, and sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Gardner will use the latest in dental technology to create personalized therapy to restore your optimal sleep and breathing health.
Sleep and Breathing Wellness in Adults
More than 80% of people who suffer from the effects of mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea are completely unaware. There are variety of symptoms which may indicate you suffer from interrupted sleep. Obvious signs include morning headaches, mouth breathing, snoring, gasping episodes, weight gain, fatigue, forgetfulness, and daytime drowsiness. Not so obvious signs include morning headaches, chronic depression and anxiety, chronic pain and fibromyalgia. Left untreated, over a long periods of time sleep disorder breathing can lead to a number of very serious health and psychological ailments such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression and obesity.
If you feel you or someone you know may be suffering from undiagnosed sleep disorders contact our office today.
Sleep and Breathing Wellness in Children/Adolescents
Obstructive sleep apnea is when a child briefly stops breathing while sleeping. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent complications that can effect children's growth, cognitive development and behavior. Sleep apnea in children often goes misdiagnosed. A recent study by Dr. Karen Bonuck showed that sleep disordered breathing children were 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed with and treated for ADD/ADHD.
Symptoms of sleep issues vary from individual to individual and include:
- Behavioral Issues (ADHD, ADD, Hyperactivity, Irritability, Violent outbursts, Poor Impulse control, Learning Disabilities, Suicidal thoughts)
- Disruptive Sleep (Snoring, Stopping breathing, Choking Gurgling Sounds, Teeth Grinding, Unusual Sleeping Position, Restless Sleep, Sleep Walking, Mouth breathing)
- Bedwetting
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Difficulty Waking up in the morning
- Stunted growth
- Crowded Teeth, Under Developed Jaws and Misalignment
- Chronic problems with tonsils and adenoids
If your child suffers from any of the above symptoms contact of office to have them assessed.
Sleep Wellness Assessment
Your journey toward sleep wellness begins with a comprehensive sleep health assessment. This will include a complete health history, photographs, and measurements. An in home sleep study using advanced biometric measuring technology may be used to evaluate your current sleep pattern.
Advanced Medical Imaging
Dr. Gardner will use the latest cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and three-dimensional oral scanner to take precise measurements of the hard and soft tissues of your pallet and airway. This information will be used to diagnose and create a personalized therapy plan.
Personalized Therapies
Upon analysis of your scans and sleep study, Dr. Gardner will prescribe a custom oral appliance which you will wear while you sleep for an estimated period of between twelve and twenty four months. He may also prescribe exercises to help train your tongue to assume proper position.