Sleep Apnea Treatment in Bend, OR
Open Your Airway
The Problem
What is Sleep Apnea?
At least 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. This condition can increase your chances of developing or intensifying several comorbid conditions such as: hypertension, cardiovascular disease, greater stroke incidence, earlier mortality, cancer, obesity, and insulin resistance. It is a highly under-diagnosed disorder affecting an estimated 30% of the male and 15% of the female population. For more information on the connections between quality of sleep and systemic health, visit this resource.
Obstructive sleep apnea has many signs and symptoms–some are so common that we ignore them or even consider them normal. The following are a few of the most common signs that you are someone you love could be suffering from sleep apnea:
- Snoring
- Tooth crowding
- Frequent sleep interruptions
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Mouth breathing
- Bed wetting
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- ADHD/ADD
The Cause
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea has many contributing factors. However, there is a common link between those with a compromised airway. Frequently, the underdevelopment of the upper and lower jaws and their surrounding structures can contribute to a compromised airway, which can lead to sleep apnea.
We are working on an educational video, which will be posted here in the future. Until then, check out the recommended videos linked below, and remember that many circumstantial (environmental) and biological factors can contribute to underdevelopment and sleep apnea. However, there is a solution for those who suffer from underdevelopment.
What Happens To Your Body And Brain If You Don't Sleep
The Story of Headgear
The Solution
A Multifactorial Approach
Here at Breathe Deep Dental, we believe there is more to patient care than just fixing teeth (although those are important too). Your body is a complex network of various systems working together. It is important to make sure all these moving parts function together properly, so that the entirety of you is healthy. It is our job to benefit your physical well-being in any way we can.
Breathing impacts so many of the systems of the human body, so breathing wellness is a top priority in our treatment plans. Because sleep apnea is a multifactorial disease, we like to approach it from many directions to help you be the healthiest you. This is why we use The Vivos System – a comprehensive and customized plan to tackle the many aspects that contribute to achieving healthy sleep.
The Benefits of Vivos Therapy
Sleep apnea affects every aspect of our lives. You’ll be amazed at the difference an effective breathing wellness program can have on your life and the lives of your family. It may reduce fatigue and anxiety, increase productivity, lessen the frequency and severity of headaches—the list goes on and on. Not only does the quality of life improve, but an effective breathing wellness program can reduce the risk of dangerous conditions such as hypertension, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. Breathe new life today!
Sleep Better
Reduce Fatigue & Anxiety
Improve Your Quality of Life
How Vivos Works
Vivos Therapy consists of a multi-step process that will result in better sleep and improved overall health.
Exam
Dr. Diepenheim will first evaluate your anatomy and airway condition through the use of bite and teeth records, photos, a 3D volumetric x-ray, and a Home Sleep Test.
Plan
Dr. Diepenheim will share with you the results of the evaluation and her recommendations for your customized breathing wellness plan and if you are a candidate for The Vivos System or if another treatment pathway is recommended for you.
Treat
Treatment with The Vivos System takes on average 12-18 months, and all along the way you will be supervised and supported by our amazing team here at Breathe Deep Dental. The journey to health is exciting and we are here to help you succeed!
Why Dentists?
Dentists are uniquely qualified to help patients with sleep apnea because:
Dentists regularly evaluate jaw morphology
Dentists are qualified to prescribe, fabricate, and treat people with intraoral devices
Who Else?
To achieve our goal of whole-body health, we often work with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care, including:
Sleep Physicians
MDs/NDs/DOs
Chiropractors
Myofunctional Therapists
Nutritionists
Research & Science
Treating Airway Obstruction
The Vivos System is a multi-disciplinary treatment protocol that may treat sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing issues for children and adults. In addition to the other aspects of The Vivos System, we utilize proprietary (experimental?), FDA approved oral appliances to help develop a proper anatomy of the mouth and lower face to reduce anatomical obstructions to the airway. This specialized appliance therapy, called Pneumopedics®, Biomimetic Oral Appliance Therapy, or Epigenetic Orthodontics, is a method of orthodontics that is painless and uses removable appliances to help unlock the body's potential to grow the jaws to the correct size. Pneumopedics® is the physiologic enhancement of the upper airway via naturally occurring and treatment-induced changes over time. The Vivos System incorporates the science of Pneumopedics® in its treatment protocols for addressing maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular retrusion.
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