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Sleep apnea disrupts millions of lives nightly, leaving sufferers gasping for breath and partners losing precious rest. This serious condition occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse during sleep, blocking airflow and causing repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night. Many people struggle for years with CPAP machines, oral appliances, or other temporary solutions without addressing the root cause of their airway obstruction.
At Floss & Co., we offer a different approach to sleep apnea treatment through airway expansion therapy. Our dentists in Garfield Ridge, Chicago focus on creating more space in your airway by expanding the upper jaw, allowing for improved breathing during both day and night hours. This innovative treatment may help reduce or eliminate your de
How Does Airway Expansion Help Sleep Apnea?
Airway expansion works by increasing the size of your nasal passages and upper airway. When the upper jaw is too narrow, it can restrict airflow and contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. By gently widening the palate, we create additional room for your tongue and soft tissues, reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.
The process involves using specialized orthodontic airway appliances that gradually expand the upper jaw over several months. As the palate widens, the nasal passages also increase in size, improving nasal breathing. Better nasal breathing often leads to improved sleep quality and a reduction in snoring. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have a sleep disorder.
Who Can Benefit From This Treatment?
Both children and adults may benefit from airway expansion therapy. In children, early intervention can prevent the development of severe sleep apnea later in life. Adult patients often find expanding their airway reduces their reliance on CPAP machines or eliminates the need for them.
The Treatment Process
Our approach begins with a comprehensive airway assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for expansion therapy. We utilize advanced imaging to assess your current airway dimensions and pinpoint areas where improvement is possible. The actual expansion process is gradual and comfortable, allowing your body to adapt naturally to the changes that occur.
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms occur during sleep. However, recognizing the warning signs can help you seek timely treatment and prevent serious health consequences.
Common nighttime symptoms include loud, persistent snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, and frequent awakenings. Your bed partner may notice pauses in your breathing or restless tossing and turning throughout the night.
Daytime Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Daytime symptoms can significantly impact your daily functioning and productivity. Morning headaches, excessive daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are hallmark signs of sleep apnea. You may also experience mood changes, irritability, and difficulties with memory.
Many people with sleep apnea report feeling tired despite getting what seems like an adequate number of sleep hours. This persistent exhaustion can affect work performance, driving safety, and overall life satisfaction.
Airway expansion may address several key symptoms associated with sleep apnea. Our patients commonly report the following improvements after treatment:
- Reduced snoring and sleep disturbances
- Improved energy levels throughout the day
- Better concentration and mental clarity
- Decreased morning headaches
- Enhanced mood and emotional stability
These improvements occur because expanded airways allow for more consistent oxygen flow during sleep, leading to deeper, more restorative rest periods.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Health?
Sleep apnea triggers a cascade of health problems that extend far beyond poor sleep quality. Each breathing interruption triggers stress responses in your cardiovascular system, leading to increased blood pressure and strain on your heart.
The National Library of Medicine reports that sleep apnea affects over 22 million Americans, with many cases remaining undiagnosed. Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases your risk of developing severe health conditions.
These health risks include:
- High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders
- Stroke and irregular heart rhythms
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Weakened immune system function
The repeated oxygen deprivation also affects your brain’s ability to function correctly, leading to cognitive impairment and increased accident risk.
Long-Term Health Consequences
Chronic sleep apnea puts tremendous stress on multiple body systems simultaneously. Your heart works harder to pump blood while receiving less oxygen, potentially leading to heart failure over time.
The condition also disrupts hormone production, affecting everything from appetite regulation to stress management. This hormonal imbalance can contribute to weight gain, which often worsens sleep apnea symptoms, creating a challenging cycle.
What Treatment Options Are Available for Sleep Apnea?
Modern sleep apnea treatment offers several practical approaches tailored to individual needs and severity levels. The most appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the type of sleep apnea, its severity, and your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Traditional CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy remains the gold standard for many patients, particularly those with moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, oral appliance therapy has emerged as a comfortable, convenient alternative for many individuals.
Oral Appliance Therapy Benefits
Oral appliances represent a revolutionary approach to treating sleep apnea, offering a more discreet and quieter alternative to CPAP machines. These custom-fitted devices gently reposition your jaw and tongue to maintain open airways during sleep.
The appliances are comfortable, portable, and silent, making them ideal for travel and partner comfort. Most patients adapt quickly to wearing the device and report significant improvement in sleep quality within weeks of beginning treatment.
Long-Term Benefits
Airway expansion offers the potential for lasting improvements to your breathing and sleep quality. Once your airway has been expanded, the structural changes remain permanent. This means you may experience continued benefits without the need for nightly devices or ongoing maintenance treatments.
Comfort and Convenience
Our patients appreciate the gradual, comfortable nature of airway expansion treatment. The process doesn’t require surgery or lengthy recovery periods. Most people can continue their normal daily activities throughout the treatment period while experiencing progressive improvements in their breathing.
When Should You Consider Airway Expansion?
Many adults assume sleep apnea treatment options are limited to CPAP machines or surgery. However, airway expansion may be suitable for patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea caused by structural airway restrictions. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea but struggle with traditional treatment methods, expansion therapy might offer an alternative solution.
Children with sleep-disordered breathing, chronic mouth breathing, or narrow palates may also benefit significantly from early airway expansion. Addressing these issues during childhood can prevent more serious problems from developing as they grow.
The best candidates for airway expansion are those whose sleep apnea is caused by upper jaw narrowness or restricted nasal passages. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and discuss whether this treatment approach aligns with your needs and goals.
How Do We Create Your Custom Treatment Plan?
Our comprehensive approach begins with a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and sleep patterns. We collaborate closely with sleep medicine physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment coordination.
During your consultation, we conduct a detailed airway assessment and discuss your treatment preferences. Our team uses advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to understand your unique airway anatomy and determine the most effective treatment approach.
Treatment Monitoring and Adjustment
Successful sleep apnea treatment requires ongoing monitoring and fine-tuning to ensure optimal results. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your oral appliance.
Our team collaborates with your sleep physician to monitor treatment effectiveness through follow-up sleep studies as needed. This collaborative approach ensures you receive the most comprehensive care possible for your sleep apnea condition.
Experience Better Sleep From Airway Expansion at Floss & Co.
Airway expansion for sleep apnea represents a proactive approach to addressing the structural causes of breathing difficulties during sleep. By creating more space in your airway, this treatment may help reduce your dependence on traditional sleep apnea devices while providing lasting improvements to your breathing and overall health. The comprehensive approach we take ensures each patient receives personalized care based on their unique airway anatomy and treatment goals.
Our team at Floss & Co. combines advanced technology with a patient-centered approach to help you achieve better breathing and improved sleep quality. We welcome patients of all ages and backgrounds, creating a comfortable environment where you can explore your treatment options without pressure. Call our office at (773) 586-5522 or complete a contact form to schedule a consultation and discover how airway expansion might transform your sleep and daily life.
Meet Dr. Izzy Naem
Dr. Naem is a dedicated general and cosmetic dentist specializing in advanced dental technologies with personalized patient care. With his expertise in airway expansion and comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Naem ensures every aspect of your dental experience meets the highest standards of excellence. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, airway expansion, and innovative treatments, Dr. Naem uses cutting-edge technology to help patients enjoy optimal health while maintaining the highest standards. His practice philosophy emphasizes building meaningful relationships with patients, taking time to understand their unique needs, and creating treatment plans that are both functional and aesthetically exceeding expectations.
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Located in the heart of Chicago, Floss & Co. combines state-of-the-art technology with warm, patient-centered care. Dr. Naem and his team provide comprehensive dental services, from preventive care to advanced cosmetic and implant dentistry, all designed to keep your smile healthy and confident.
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The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional dental care, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental condition or treatment. Please don't hesitate to contact our office directly if you have any questions about our services, treatments, or policies.
- Last Updated on October 22, 2025
- Medically Reviewed
