In order to provide you with the best care possible, we must do a thorough evaluation that assesses your structural, functional, and behavioral patterns. The evaluation provides us with the information we need to assess the following:
The pertinent data that is collected allows us to develop the most comprehensive treatment plan that specifically addresses your needs.
CBCT Scan:
A Cone Beam Radiological Assessment provides us imaging that gives the doctors the ability to view your airway three-dimensionally, to include your nasal and sinuses passages, trachea, and windpipe. This imagine allows the doctors to screen and measure your tonsils, adenoids, turbinates, and more!
HRPO:
High Resolution Pulse Oximeter is a monitoring device that is taken home and is worn on the wrist with a finger attachment for four nights. Each night the device collects data while you sleep, reporting your heart rate and oxygen levels. This allows the doctors to see if you’re getting deep sleep and adequate oxygen, as well as determine if there is any distress.
Study Models:
Impressions are taken to create models of your teeth. These models not only give us a “starting point” reference, but also are used for measurements and assessing how your teeth come together when you bite. Additionally, we use them to determine the proper appliances that may be used in treatment.
Structure Evaluation:
We evaluate your structures (i.e., teeth and bone) to access your current growth and development. You will be given several questionnaires to fill out, which help inform us of your symptoms and best possible treatment. Photographs and measurements will also be taken to better diagnose any structural underdevelopment and areas for possible concern.
Myofunctional Assessment:
We evaluate your soft tissues (i.e., tongue, lips, and cheeks) to assess their abilities and strengths. We also assess your swallow function and lip and cheek competencies to determine whether the tongue and orofacial muscles are functioning properly.
The Airway Screening includes all of the above and is accomplished typically in three appointments lasting about an hour each:
The 1st appointment:
Includes the CBCT scan, study models, structural evaluation, and HRPO
The 2nd appointment:
Myofunctional assessment (note this appointment can sometimes be done in tandem with appointment number one)
The 3rd appointment:
Consult appointment where we go over all the data collected and discuss recommended treatment. This appointment can be in person or via zoom.