Dr. Ratti Handa is a leading local dentist in Acton, MA. She is one of the only dentists is this area that treats the symptoms and effects sleep disorders. She provides consultative dental care using an airway centered approach for both children and adults. Dr. Handa has advanced training in Airway Dentistry and is a VIVOS® certified dentist.
Airway Dentistry is an evolving area in the dental field. It can provide solutions for a wide range of oral and overall health problems. Dr. Handa has dedicated her dental practice to the implementation of Airway Dentistry. It is her hope to help patients of all ages improve their quality of life.
- Biorejuvenation Dentistry
- Myofunctional Healing
- Oral Appliance Therapy
- Homeoblock™ Appliance
- The POD®
- Sleep Apnea Treatment
- Sleep Disorders in Children
- TMJ Treatment & Symptoms
- VIVOS®
- What is Airway Centered Dentistry?
How Can Airway Dentistry Help Patients?
Many patients ask this question when presented with a solution to a problem that they may not have known existed. Sleep disorders can often go undetected or undiagnosed. This is simply because the symptoms are mistaken as other problems. Symptoms can be different for everyone. However, most patients suffer from the the effects of constant interrupted sleep:
- Snoring, waking in the night
- Night terrors in young children
- Daytime fatigue
- Irritability, moodiness
- Headaches
- Behavior changes or behavior issues in young children
- Bedwetting in children
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, have been told that you routinely snore while sleeping or have undiagnosed headaches or chronic facial pain, Dr. Handa can work with you to explore a possible sleep problem.
Airway focused dentistry seeks to find the cause of a sleep problem. Most of the time, it is something blocking the airway or making it narrow. Dr. Handa uses digital technology and 3-D scans to look at a patients airway and to look for other signs of a sleep related disorder.
It is very important to treat your sleep disorder. If it goes untreated, it can lead to life threatening health concerns, especially in adult patients. These can include high blood pressure, heart disease, weight problems, diabetes and a higher risk of sudden stroke or heart attack.
Treatment Options
The goal of your treatment is to restore normal function to the airway. We use advanced and minimally invasive treatments. Dr. Handa works with each patient on an individual basis to find the right solution for them.
We offer many treatment options that can help open up your airway. This includes oral appliances and orthodontics. We may also suggest certain lifestyle changes. The goal is to keep the airway open while you sleep so you can breathe normally. This is the key to restoring your health and well being.
The Benefits
The benefits of successful treatment through airway dentistry will offer an improved quality of life:
- Better, quality sleep
- Improved daily energy levels
- Ability to concentrate better on tasks
- Less irritability
Airway Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of airway orthodontics?
Some benefits of airway orthodontics are it will improve breathing, better sleep, and prevention of facial growth issues. It also eliminates oral conditions and corrects them. Airway orthodontics can also enhance tongue space and improve overall health by promoting proper breathing and addressing airway problems.
What is the most common source of airway obstruction?
The most common sources of airway obstruction can vary. However, some of the top causes are asthma, chronic diseases of the tonsils, lung cancer, forms of chronic ischemic heart disease, and acute upper respiratory infections. These conditions can cause difficulty breathing due to the blockage or narrowing of the airways. The prevalence of these conditions can vary based on factors like gender and overall health. Consult with a dentist or a healthcare provider if you experiencing difficulty breathing.
What are 4 diseases that cause airway obstruction?
Four diseases, including asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis, can trigger airway obstruction. In addition, if you inhale or swallow a foreign object or a small object gets lodged in your nose or mouth, you might experience airway obstruction. If you have any of these problems, contact your dentist or healthcare provider today.
What is considered an oral appliance?
An oral appliance is a device that you wear in your mouth. It’s typically a custom-made removable device. It can serve various purposes. Some appliances help to straighten teeth or correct bite issues. Braces or retainers are good examples of those appliances. Also, mouthguards are another oral appliance that protects teeth during sports or nighttime grinding. Lastly, there are also oral appliances that help with sleep apnea and snoring.
What are three signs of airway obstruction?
Three signs that could indicate an airway obstruction are difficulty breathing, wheezing sounds when exhaling, and a high-pitched sound when inhaling. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Airway obstruction can be serious. However, with prompt treatment, it’s manageable.
Does Homeoblock straighten teeth?
Yes, the Homeoblock appliance can straighten teeth, but it is not its primary purpose like traditional braces. Instead, designed as a palatal expander for adults. Homeoblock promotes facial development and possibly enhances the airway. While it might indirectly lead to some degree of teeth alignment, patients seeking significant orthodontic changes may need additional treatments. It’s best to consult your dentist to determine the right treatment for you.
Ready to learn more about Airway Dentistry?
If you would like to talk about a recent diagnosis of sleep apnea, TMJ or have concerns about your dental health please schedule a visit with Dr. Handa. Our Acton dentist office welcomes new patients of all ages.
Dr. Handa is committed to helping both children and adults restore their overall health, well-being and quality of life using an airway centered approach. Contact our office at 978.212.3783 to schedule an appointment and learn more about the benefits of Airway Dentistry.