If you struggle to breathe freely at night, wake up repeatedly, or feel exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, airway expansion may offer relief where traditional treatments have fallen short. Yes, airway expansion can help many adults with sleep apnea reduce or eliminate their dependence on a CPAP machine by addressing the underlying structural issues that cause breathing difficulties.
At Floss & Co., we help patients explore alternatives to CPAP therapy through advanced airway expansion techniques. Our team understands how sleep apnea impacts your quality of life, and we’re committed to finding solutions that work for your unique needs. As one of the leading practices focused on airway expansion in the Chicago area, we’ve helped numerous adults reclaim restful sleep through this innovative approach.
How Airway Expansion Addresses Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. Sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans, yet many struggle with traditional treatment options. While CPAP machines work by forcing air through this obstruction, airway expansion takes a different approach by actually widening the space where breathing occurs.
The Structural Solution
The treatment works by gradually expanding the upper jaw and nasal passages, creating more room for air to flow naturally. This structural change can reduce or eliminate the tissue collapse causing your sleep apnea. Many adults find this approach addresses not just their symptoms, but the underlying anatomical restrictions causing their breathing problems.
For adults whose sleep apnea stems from a narrow palate or restricted airway, expansion creates permanent changes. Unlike CPAP machines that must be worn every night indefinitely, the benefits of airway expansion continue long after treatment concludes. Your jaw maintains its new shape, and your breathing passages remain open.
Benefits Beyond Better Sleep
Expanding your airway doesn’t just improve nighttime breathing. The changes create positive effects throughout your daily life that extend well beyond sleep quality.
Patients often experience improvements in several areas:
- Easier nasal breathing during daytime activities and exercise
- Reduced or eliminated chronic headaches and jaw pain
- Decreased snoring that benefits you and your sleeping partner
- Better focus and mood stability from truly restorative sleep
- Potential improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular health
These benefits extend well beyond simply feeling more rested in the morning. The cascade of health problems linked to untreated sleep apnea may improve as your breathing normalizes, creating better overall wellness.
The Treatment Process
Airway expansion for adults typically involves custom orthodontic appliances worn to gradually reshape your jaw and palate. The process is controlled and comfortable, with adjustments made at regular intervals. Treatment duration varies based on the extent of expansion needed, but many patients begin noticing improvements within weeks.
During your initial consultation, we assess your airway dimensions and jaw structure to determine how much expansion could benefit you. Digital imaging helps us plan your treatment based on your unique needs, ensuring optimal results.
Is Airway Expansion Right for Your Sleep Apnea?
Not every sleep apnea case is the same, and airway expansion works best for specific types of breathing obstructions. Adults with narrow upper jaws, restricted nasal passages, or mild to moderate sleep apnea often see the most dramatic results.
Determining Your Candidacy
A thorough evaluation helps determine if you’re a good candidate for airway expansion. We examine your jaw structure, airway dimensions, and sleep patterns to create a personalized treatment plan. Some patients combine airway expansion with other therapies for optimal results, creating a comprehensive approach to managing their sleep apnea.
The key difference between this approach and CPAP is the payoff. While CPAP provides temporary relief each night you use it, airway expansion creates lasting structural changes. Once your jaw and airway have expanded, the benefits continue without ongoing intervention.
Comprehensive Approach to Airway Health
Many patients also appreciate that airway expansion addresses multiple concerns simultaneously. Beyond sleep apnea relief, you may see improvements in your bite alignment, facial aesthetics, and overall oral health. The treatment takes a holistic view of your airway health rather than simply masking symptoms with external devices.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep With Airway Expansion at Floss & Co.
Living with sleep apnea affects every aspect of your health, from your energy levels to your cardiovascular wellness. If you’re frustrated with CPAP or looking for alternatives before starting machine therapy, airway expansion deserves your consideration. Our orthodontic services include comprehensive airway evaluations and treatment options designed for adult patients.
We combine state-of-the-art technology with personalized care to help you breathe better and sleep more soundly. Our team stays current with the latest advances in airway dentistry, giving you access to effective treatments backed by research and clinical success. With locations serving the Midway and Chicago community, we make it convenient to get the care you need. Ready to explore whether airway expansion can help your sleep apnea? Contact us today to schedule your consultation.