Dr. Elena Black uses a holistic approach to orthodontics by stressing the importance of a person’s overall health and well-being, and how each part of the body works together to offer optimal, lifelong health.
As a medical professional, Dr. Black prioritizes her patients’ health. She understands that each patient is different and has unique needs, and goes above and beyond to improve patients’ sleep health, dental health and overall well-being.
Why See An Orthodontist For Sleep-Disordered Breathing
In 2017, the American Dental Association stated, “Dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy.” The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM) also emphasizes that oral appliance therapy is a proven, effective treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The AADSM encourages treatment of these conditions to be provided by qualified dentists trained in dental sleep medicine.
Why Choose Dr. Elena Black
Dr. Elena Black is a dentist, an orthodontist, and a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Whether you come to her as an orthodontist at Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg or a sleep specialist at Sleep Wellness Associates of Lynchburg, she is qualified to meet your needs. When you are looking for an alternative and non-invasive treatment for sleep apnea or snoring, she can provide customized oral appliances.
How An Orthodontist Helps Sleep-Disordered Breathing
An orthodontist fulfills several roles in the science of sleep medicine. Dr. Elena Black is an expert with specialized knowledge regarding the growth and development of orofacial and dentofacial structures. An orthodontist is the ideal specialist to handle orthopedic, orthodontic and surgical correction of the jaws and other supporting tissues so that your sleep-disordered breathing can be managed effectively through treatment.
Identification Of Risk Factors Of Sleep-Disordered Breathing
An orthodontist is often the first to see issues that may contribute to sleep-disordered breathing. Dr. Elena Black can identify issues that a dentist may not notice due to her extra training in the maxillofacial complex. With the help of the following information, Dr. Black will be able to identify if you or your child needs to see a sleep doctor:
- Health and history form— including birth history, sleep habits, oral habits, breathing and speech difficulties
- Sleep questionnaires
- Clinical evaluation of maxillo-facial growth, dental and periodontal health, tongue position, shape and posture, nasal breathing and tooth alignment
- Paraclinical evaluation using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging to show jaw growth, nasal obstruction, tonsils size and airway dimensions
Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Treatment options for sleep apnea include:
- Surgery— Sometimes, orthodontic surgery is required to move the upper and lower jaws forward to open the upper airway and stabilize the jaw in its new position
- Oral Appliance— A custom-fitted oral appliance feels comparable to a mouth guard or retainer. They are designed to gently reposition the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula during sleep. By preventing the collapse of tissue in the back of the throat, oral appliances keep the airways clear and help regulate breathing during sleep.
Monitor And Adjust Oral Appliances
Once an oral appliance has been specifically created and tailored to a patient, Dr. Elena Black must then monitor and adjust the oral appliance annually or as needed. If the appliance no longer provides the correct positioning of the jaw, it may need to be modified or replaced.
Oral Appliances Must Be Provided By A Qualified Professional
To ensure your oral appliance provides the necessary support and prevention of your sleep-disordered breathing, your device must come from a qualified professional. If not, your health may be jeopardized, as your breathing is not being adequately managed by your device. Furthermore, if your appliance does not adjust your jaw and tissue correctly, it can do more harm than good.
A qualified professional is:
- Qualified by the Dentists by American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)
- Diplomate in Dental Sleep Medicine American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
Dr. Elena Black of Appalachian Orthodontics of Lynchburg and Sleep Wellness Associates of Lynchburg is a qualified professional. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or snoring, or suspect that your child may suffer from sleep-disordered breathing, come see us! Call us today at 434-515-0370 or request a complimentary consultation on our website.