Del Mar Airway Dentistry

Breathe Easier

Airway Dentistry in
Del Mar

At Del Mar Dental Studio, we understand that your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. That’s why we offer expert airway dentistry to treat issues like sleep apnea and upper airway resistance syndrome. Healthy breathing is a major part of healthy living, and Dr. Pizzi will work closely with you to help resolve your airway problems. Call today to schedule a consultation!

Del Mar Airway Dentistry

Signs & Symptoms

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the tissues of the throat and palate sagging during sleep, blocking proper respiration and interrupting breathing for 2-10+ seconds at a time. In the short term, this can cause issues like drowsiness, dry mouth, and poor quality sleep. In the long term, symptoms become more severe. Since sleep apnea causes the same physiological effects that accompany panic, this stress during sleep and lack of proper respiration can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other Symptoms

Recognizing Breathing Disorders

Upper airway resistance syndrome is an issue similar to OSA. However, rather than being completely obstructed, the airway becomes very narrow. This can decrease airflow and impair blood oxygenation, leading to similar symptoms and health problems. 

Symptoms that may indicate the presence of a breathing disorder include snoring, especially when accompanied by choking and gasping noises. Other common signs include insomnia, poor quality sleep, inability to feel rested even after 7-8 hours of sleep, daytime drowsiness, irritability, and decreased libido.

Airway Dentistry in Del Mar

Dr. Pizzi’s Approach

Treating OSA & UARS

In most cases, OSA and UARS can both be treated with oral appliances from our Del Mar dental office. An oral appliance is a device similar in shape to a mouthguard or retainer. It’s designed to shift the position of your jaws and prevent tissue from sagging or collapsing, which helps alleviate the symptoms of OSA and UARS. Orthodontic treatment can also help with these conditions, in some cases.

Prevent Airway Development Issues

Myobrace

Myobrace corrects poor oral habits to guide proper facial growth and oral development in children and adults.  It is the first phase of orthodontic treatment in children in conjunction with myofunctional exercises. Some signs to look out for that may indicate that your child has a sleep breathing disorder include:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring
  • Restless sleep
  • Night terrors
  • Dry lips

The earlier you notice that your child may have oral development issues, the better the chance is that we can help solve the problem. To learn more about Myobrace and see if it’s right for your child, contact Dr. Pizzi for a pediatric orthodontic consultation in Del Mar today.

BREATHE EASIER