Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a serious medical condition characterised by cessation of breathing or reduction of airflow during sleep. It affects both adults and children and snoring can be an evident part of the sequelae.
Adults with OSA have the feeling of being tiredness when waking up in the morning and report increased somnolence during the day, which leads to increased risk of car and other accidents and neurocognitive and/or cardiovascular problems such as myocardial infarction. All the above are the result of recurrent central nervous system arousals, asphyxia during sleep and reduced hours of deep sleep that do not allow real rest and recovery of the body. The overall prevalence of OSA is 10% – 40% in adults while the condition worsens in overweight and older individuals in all populations.
The detrimental effects of OSA on general health are evident not only on adults but also on children as paediatric OSA restricts normal somatic growth and causes similar to the adult tiredness and cardiovascular effects such as hypertension and reduced cardiac function. Additionally, OSA can be responsible for neurocognitive and behavioural deficits such as learning problems, attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity, bed wetting at night and snoring. Paediatric OSA affects 1% – 10% of children.
Despite the relatively high prevalence of OSA, it is an under-diagnosed condition as at least 80% of people with moderate to severe sleep apnoea syndrome are undiagnosed. This means that both adults that suffer from the problem as well as parents of children with OSA are not aware of the condition and its significance. The serious general health issues that accompany OSA highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
The “gold standard” for OSA diagnosis is polysomnography, a test that counts how many times during the night there is a stop in breathing, the reduction of airflow and the concentration of oxygen in the blood. This test is performed by specialized medical doctors. However, during our initial orthodontic diagnosis we apply scientifically documented screening methods that raise the “red flags” of a possible sleep related breathing disorder. In such cases, we collaborate with medical specialists who provide invaluable assistance for a holistic approach in the management of each individual case.
Several dentoskeletal malocclusions are accompanied by anatomic deficiencies of the upper airways (nose and pharynx) such as constrictions and obstructions. Several orthodontic interventions ameliorate the anatomic dimensions and functional parameters within the upper airways, which translates to improved airflow.
Except for the various therapeutic orthodontic interventions, OSA in adults can be managed with specially designed orthodontic removable appliances that are worn at night. These appliances keep the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep, significantly reduce the incidence and severity of OSA while in some cases completely resolve the problem, under the condition that patients comply and wear them.
Given our international recognition with scientific research awards on the effects of various orthodontic interventions on the upper airways and our extensive clinical experience in the application of the most evidence-based, cutting-edge clinical methods in the management of OSA, a consultation with us will provide you with all the relevant information you may need for yourself or for your child about the best possible solutions related to orthodontics, the upper airways and sleep related breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea.