Did you know the structure of your mouth plays a crucial role in your ability to breathe and sleep well? Issues such as clenching, grinding, snoring, and sleep apnea often stem from how your mouth, jaw, and airway are aligned. These problems can lead to more than just restless nights—they can impact your overall health.
At My Smile Health Centre in Burnaby, Dr. Ivy Yu and her team specialize in airway dentistry, an approach designed to address breathing and sleep disorders. By providing comprehensive education and therapies, they help patients achieve better breathing, restful sleep, and an improved quality of life.
The Link Between Your Mouth and Airway Health
Your mouth is more than a tool for eating and speaking; it’s also a key part of your airway system. Issues like an improperly aligned jaw, narrow dental arches, or crowded teeth can restrict airflow, leading to problems such as:
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Clenching and grinding (bruxism)
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
These conditions aren’t just disruptive—they can have long-term effects on your physical and mental health. Airway dentistry addresses the root causes of these problems, offering solutions that go beyond traditional dental care.
The Vivos® Therapeutics System: Advanced Sleep Apnea Treatment
One of the cutting-edge solutions available at My Smile Health Centre is the Vivos Therapeutics System, a revolutionary approach to treating sleep apnea. Here’s how it works:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Dr. Yu and her team start with a detailed sleep evaluation to understand your symptoms and identify the underlying issues.
- CBCT Imaging: Using a state-of-the-art CBCT scanner, they capture precise images of your airway, jaw, and mouth structure to create a customized treatment plan.
- Custom Appliance: Based on your assessment, a custom-fitted appliance is prescribed. This device is worn while you sleep and works to reposition your jaw and optimize your airway.
Unlike traditional CPAP machines, the Vivos System is non-invasive and designed to be a long-term solution. Most patients only need to wear the appliance for 1-2 years, with the goal of resolving the condition entirely.
By using the Vivos System, patients often find relief from symptoms like headaches, grinding, and interrupted sleep, allowing them to wake up refreshed and energized.
Airway Dentistry for All Ages
Airway health isn’t just an issue for adults; children can also experience problems like sleep apnea and mouth breathing. Early intervention is key to preventing complications later in life.
At My Smile Health Centre, Dr. Yu provides airway dentistry for patients of all ages, helping children overcome symptoms such as:
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Poor sleep quality
- Hyperactivity or behavioral issues
- Bedwetting
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Lip or tongue tie
Through early treatment, such as myofunctional therapy or dental appliances, Dr. Yu can help your child develop healthier airway function, setting the stage for better sleep, improved focus, and overall well-being.
Could Your Airway Issues Have a Dental Solution?
If you’re struggling with snoring, sleep apnea, or other breathing-related issues, it might be time to consider a dental solution. Airway dentistry, as practiced at My Smile Health Centre, focuses on addressing the structural causes of these problems, offering effective, non-invasive treatments tailored to your needs.
Take the first step toward better breathing, restful sleep, and improved health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ivy Yu at My Smile Health Centre in Burnaby today. Together, you can explore how airway dentistry can transform your life – one breath at a time.