Airway Dentistry in South Charlotte, NC
Airway dentistry examines the connection between your oral and facial structures and how they impact your airway, particularly during nighttime breathing.
Your airway dentist in Charlotte understands how the mouth, throat, jaws, and even your teeth can impact the way you breathe and why breathing correctly is vital to many body systems and your overall health.
Signs of airway breathing issues may include, but are not limited to:
- Snoring
- Restless sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Mouth breathing
- Tooth wear
- Dry mouth
- Tooth decay
- Jaw or face pain
Airway dentistry focuses on treatment planning and solutions to help you sleep safely and comfortably throughout the night, allowing for regular, patterned breathing.
Quick Facts: Airway Dentistry at a Glance
- Primary Focus: Evaluating how your oral anatomy (jaw, tongue, and teeth) impacts your breathing and sleep quality.
- Common Symptoms: Snoring, daytime fatigue, mouth breathing, and chronic jaw or neck pain.
- The Goal: To prevent the collapse of airway tissues during sleep and restore natural, patterned breathing.
- Key Conditions: Often used to treat Sleep Apnea, TMJ disorders, and narrow dental arches.
- Treatment Options: Range from myofunctional therapy (exercises) and custom oral appliances to orthodontics.
- Long-Term Benefits: Reduces the risk of severe health complications like stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrest.
Why Choose Dental Wellness of Charlotte for Your Airway Dentistry Needs?
Personalized Treatment Planning
Consider Maxillofacial Expertise
Ongoing Education and Innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
We serve patients from all locations, but many come to us from nearby neighborhoods, such as:
- Ballantyne
- Dilworth
- Myers Park
- North Davidson
- Plaza Midwood
- And So Many Others
The Dental Wellness team of Charlotte loves the community and outlying areas and is always thrilled to welcome new patients and families.
About Dental Wellness of Charlotte, NC
We are a family dental practice treating patients of all ages, including children, seniors, and everyone in between.
Besides general dentistry, we’re pleased to offer advanced services to our area patients, including:
- Laser Dentistry
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Emergency Dentistry
- Tooth Replacement
- Cosmetic Restorations
- TMJ Therapy
- Bruxism Treatment
- Sedation Dentistry
- Orthodontic Treatment
As much as possible, we like to keep your dental care in a single location with the team you trust. When you visit Dental Wellness of Charlotte, you can count on a warm greeting and team members who are genuinely happy to see you. You’re our friend, and never a name and number on the daily schedule. We enjoy answering your questions and caring for your smile.
Contact Your Dentist in South Charlotte Today
To learn more or to book your first appointment, contact a dental team member at (704) 317-7337 to get started. Remember to ask about our Dental Wellness Club and current specials.
Common Conditions Linked to (or that Cause) Airway Breathing Issues
Most of the airway issues we diagnose and treat deal with anatomical anomalies caused by the following issues:
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing multiple times during the night. Without a diagnosis and treatment, sleep apnea can lead to severe health complications, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, weight gain, and high blood pressure.
Signs of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Daytime sleepiness
- Mood changes
Without treatment, sleep apnea presents a serious health risk.
TMJ
TMJ refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joints, which connect your lower jaw to your skull. When these joints are inflamed or compromised, you may hear a popping sound when opening and closing your mouth, jaw locking, and head, neck, ear, and shoulder pain. If TMJ is related to bruxism (teeth grinding), you may also experience tooth wear, tooth decay, and fractures.
Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic issues are not always obvious. Bite alignment issues or a narrow arch may not be immediately noticeable. However, specific orthodontic problems contribute to TMJ, bruxism, mouth breathing, tooth fractures, and decay. Alignment issues can lead to airway breathing disorders.
Anatomical Issues
Anatomical abnormalities may be present at all times. However, in conditions like sleep apnea, the tissues collapse over the airway during sleep, leading to recurring episodes of breathing cessation.
Our Team
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Dr. Sergei Shirman DMD
Dr. Sergei Shirman developed a passion for dentistry at the age of twelve, combining his artistic interests with his medical aspirations. He attributes his appreciation for the artistry of dentistry to one of the most fulfilling aspects of his profession.
Dr. Shirman earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Cleveland State University. During his undergraduate studies, he actively participated in a genetic research project that was subsequently published in a scientific journal. He graduated from Case Western Reserve ...
Read More
Your Airway Evaluation and Treatment
Your Charlotte dentist is a maxillofacial expert, so who better to evaluate your patterned breathing or assess you for airway dentistry intervention?
After a comprehensive consultation and potential diagnosis, your dentist creates a personalized treatment plan specifically tailored to you.
Treatments may include, but are not limited to:
- Targeted exercises
- Myofunctional therapy
- Oral appliance therapy-airway
- A nightguard
- Orthodontics
- Surgical intervention
Your dentist will lay out all treatment options suitable for your case and discuss them with you. This helps you make an informed and collaborative decision about your care.
For Airway Dentistry in Charlotte, Contact Us Today
We are committed to providing you with a safe and comfortable sleep and a normal breathing experience through the airway. To learn more or schedule a consultation with the dentist, please contact us today at (704) 317-7337. Alternatively, you can reserve an appointment slot online.
Remember to ask about our current specials and exclusive Dental Wellness Club.
