Welcome to Evergreen Orthodontics


	Click here to learn about Dr. Papir's Professional Background and Expertise		Dr. Papir and his staff are committed to diagnosing and treating patients with Snoring and Sleep Apnea. It is estimated that more than 80 million people in North America snore while sleeping. National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 30% of the population under 40 years of age snores, while 50% over the age of 60 snores. Spouses and children are often repeatedly disturbed during their sleep cycles by a snoring family member, which can lead to tensions and animosity. 98% of those who snore exhibit some apnic tendencies. 24% of males and 18% of females suffer from snoring. 60% of males and 40% of females over the age of 60 snore (female snoring increases after menopause). Loudness of snoring may reach as high as 90db (85db is considered hazardous noise by The Worker’s Compensation Board). Hypertension is present during wakefulness in approximately 50% of people with sleep apnea. Over long periods, sleep apnea results in intellectual and memory deterioration. Dr. Papir initially diagnoses each potential Sleep Apnea patient with a computerized analysis instrument worn on the wrist in the patient's natural home environment during sleep. This instrument is known as the Watch PAT-100 which monitors peripheral arterial tone, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation and body motion detection. It is worn on the wrist during the sleep cycle at home and then the data is later downloaded to the office computer and a sleep analysis report is then generated. Following this sleep analysis, airway obstruction and airway collapsibility of the patient is then analyzed in the office with the use of a Pharyngometer and a Rhinometer. The Pharyngometer is a high tech instrument which measures an echo sound rebounding from your upper airway, and it determines the location and extent of the airway obstruction. The Rhinometer is also an echo measuring high tech instrument which is useful in the evaluation of your nasal airflow. The Rhinometer determines the location and extent of the airway obstruction. A custom-made oral appliance is then fabricated for the patient by a professional lab, to position the lower jaw in the most optimum position as determined by the Pharyngometer, in order to achieve the minimal airway obstruction during the sleep cycle. If this obstructive Sleep Apnea is left untreated, it can result in future serious health problems such as: Hypertension Cardio vascular disorders Strokes Death during the sleep cycle Sleep apnea and snoring can be frustrating for patients and their loved ones. Lack of sleep and the associated physical affects can be life altering or life ending. Recent studies have linked a high percent of patients with sleep apnea and snoring with an increase in arteriosclerosis of the carotid arteries of the neck. This can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke. Snoring can kill you, according to a UCLA School of Dentistry study: The struggle for breath can result in soaring blood pressure, which can damage the walls of the carotid arteries and increase the risk of stroke. Snoring and sleep apnea can also worsen serious health problems including hypertension leading to stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, and puts the patient at an increased risk for sudden death. The National Council on Sleep Disorders attributes 38,000 cardiovascular deaths per year to consequences of sleep apnea. What are the symptoms Snoring and Sleep Apnea? Waking up after a full night in bed and feeling tired While you sleep, do you jump or jerk Waking with a headache Feeling sleepy during the day Falling asleep during the day Waking during the night with a feeling of gasping for air Unable to concentrate during the day Decrease in psychomotor behavior such as sexual activity Snore loudly or erratically How can snoring and sleep apnea be treated? Depending on the severity of your snoring and sleep apnea several approaches can be used. Often they are used in combination to eliminate the problem. Oral appliances worn during sleep can be used either alone or following surgery to help increase the airway space. Continuous positive airway pressure (C-pap) involves the use of a mask worn over the nose during sleep that blows air into your throat to maintain an open airway decreasing airway collapse. Surgical approaches include; trimming of the soft palate and uvula with a laser called laser assisted uvuloplasty (LAUP). Radio-frequency devices have been used to shrink tissues in the throat and nose. Correction of deviated septum and trimming of the bony turbinates of the nose has been used to increase nasal airflow.