Airway Dentistry & Sleep Apnea

Airway dentistry looks beyond the teeth to consider something even more foundational: how well you breathe. Breathing should be effortless, especially during sleep. For many people, it’s compromised in ways they may not recognize. Signs like snoring, clenching or grinding, restless sleep, fatigue, and difficulty focusing can all point to an underlying airway issue.

Sleep-related breathing issues like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) are surprisingly common, yet often go undiagnosed. Both involve some level of obstruction in the upper airway during sleep, which can interfere with breathing and disrupt the body’s ability to rest deeply. In OSA, the airway collapses partially or completely, leading to repeated pauses in breathing. UARS tends to be more subtle—there’s no full collapse, but the airway becomes narrow enough to cause frequent sleep interruptions, often without noticeable drops in oxygen. Even though these conditions may not always seem severe at first, their impact builds over time. Poor-quality sleep can take a toll on nearly every system in the body, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, blood sugar imbalances, anxiety, and brain fog. The link between airway health and overall health is well documented, which is why early detection and proper treatment can make such a meaningful difference.

As dental professionals, we’re in a unique position to identify subtle signs of compromised airway function. Features such as narrow arches, a scalloped tongue, recessed jaw structures, and wear from clenching or grinding can indicate an airway that's working too hard. When these patterns emerge, we coordinate care with trusted sleep physicians, ENTs, and myofunctional therapists to ensure patients receive the full spectrum of support.

Treatment may involve a custom oral appliance, an effective alternative to the CPAP, to help maintain an open airway during sleep, or a referral for further evaluation and diagnostics. Our goal is to help you breathe easier, sleep more soundly, and support your health from the inside out.