Debunking Myths Made by So-Called “Biological” or “Airway-Friendly” Practioners: Do Dental Extractions Cause Sleep Apnea and Do Biological Appliances Cure It?

Debunking Myths Made by So-Called “Biological” or “Airway-Friendly” Practioners: Do Dental Extractions Cause Sleep Apnea and Do Biological Appliances Cure It?

22 November 2024

In recent years, some self-proclaimed “biological” or “airway-friendly” practitioners have been making alarming claims that dental extractions cause sleep apnea or that so-called “biological appliances” can cure it. These assertions, often spread on social media, are designed more to frighten and attract attention than to provide accurate, science-backed advice. When we examine the available evidence—or the lack thereof—it becomes evident that these claims are not only baseless but also dangerously misleading. Let’s break this down so you can separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions about your health.

The Role of Buzzwords and Marketing Stunts

A key tactic used by “biological” or “airway-friendly” practitioners is branding through terminology or buzzword marketing. This involves coining catchy terms like “airway-friendly dentist” to create the illusion of a unique expertise or niche. The goal is to package an idea, product, or service in a way that appears innovative or aligned with health-conscious values, even when it lacks scientific credibility.

This tactic works because it simplifies complex problems into easy-to-understand terms, giving patients the impression that these dentists possess groundbreaking knowledge or revolutionary solutions. In reality, it’s often just marketing—an attempt to carve out a niche and attract attention.

Red Flags: Common Themes Among “Biological” or “Airway-Friendly” Practitioners

• Strong Claims Without Evidence: Bold assertions are made, but rarely backed up with peer-reviewed, credible research. Instead, they rely on single case reports or anecdotal stories that are scientifically unreliable.
• Simplistic Solutions to Complex Problems: They present quick fixes, such as the use of “biological appliances,” for multifaceted conditions like sleep apnea. While this may sound reassuring, such solutions are rarely effective.
• Theories Over Facts: Many of their claims are based on personal opinions or unproven theories with no foundation in rigorous research. Terms like “cranial bone flexing” are entirely pseudoscientific.
• Appeals to Emotion: They use fear-based language to create scepticism about established, evidence-based care, which can mislead patients into doubting trustworthy providers.
• Generalists Pretending to Be Specialists: Many of these practitioners have no formal postgraduate training in cranial growth, development, or airway science. Instead, they brand themselves as specialists through creative terminology, giving the illusion of authority without the rigorous education or credentials to back it up.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that disrupts breathing during sleep. It is caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Obesity: A leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• Jaw or Airway Anatomy: Some people have smaller airways or specific jaw shapes that make breathing more difficult at night.
• Muscle and Nerve Issues: Problems in the brain’s ability to control the muscles involved in breathing.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor sleep hygiene can exacerbate sleep apnea.

Blaming dental extractions—or any single dental procedure—for sleep apnea oversimplifies this complex condition and ignores its true multifactorial causes.

Do Dental Extractions Cause Sleep Apnea?

No, they don’t. Some “biological” or “airway-friendly” practiotioners claim that removing teeth during orthodontic treatment affects jaw or airway size, causing sleep apnea. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

While extractions may slightly alter the shape of the dental arch or facial profile, these changes do not significantly impact airway size or function. In fact, millions of people who’ve had teeth extracted (e.g., for braces or wisdom teeth removal) never develop sleep apnea and many patients with full set of teeth have sever form of breahting discorders and sleep apnea.

Can “Biological Appliances” Cure Sleep Apnea?

Some practitioners market devices like “Bio-Blocks” or “Bio-Modulators,” claiming they can:

• Expand the upper jaw to improve the airway.
• Position the tongue for better breathing.
• Allow the cranial bones to “Flex” for better function.

While these claims sound appealing, there’s no scientific evidence to back them up.

Here’s the reality about these devices:

1. They Don’t Provide Lasting Results: The changes they produce, such as jaw expansion, are often temporary and reverse over time due to uncontrolled tooth movement (known as “tipping”).
2. No Cranial Bones Are “Flexing”: This claim is completely pseudoscientific. Cranial bones do not flex in the way these practitioners suggest.
3. They’re Not Revolutionary: These appliances have existed for decades in orthodontics, and they are far from the groundbreaking tools these practitioners claim them to be.

Simply put, “biological appliances” do not effectively treat sleep apnea or significantly improve breathing.

What Dental Treatments Actually Work for Sleep Apnea?

The only dental treatment proven to reliably address sleep apnea is double jaw surgery (also known as maxillomandibular advancement). This complex procedure repositions both the upper and lower jaws forward, significantly enlarging the airway and improving breathing.

Other treatments may help manage sleep apnea, including:

• CPAP Therapy: A machine that maintains airflow during sleep.
• Mandibular Advancement Device: A device that holds the lower jaw forward to open the airway, often used for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
• Tonsils or adenoid removal
• Weight Loss: Effective for people whose sleep apnea is linked to obesity.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Collaboration with sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and, in some cases, surgeons is often necessary to address this multifaceted condition.

While certain orthodontic interventions, like jaw expansion, may assist with breathing in select cases, they are not cures for sleep apnea.

Why Are These Myths So Popular?

These myths thrive because they are easy to sell. Many “biological” or “airway-friendly” practionioners use fear-based language and exaggerated claims to stand out on social media. They capitalize on patients’ concerns, linking unrelated issues like extractions or orthodontics to sleep apnea without any scientific proof.

At the same time, they promote devices with fancy names that sound like miracle cures but lack the research to support their claims. Unfortunately, these tactics are designed more to attract attention than to provide meaningful help to patients.

What You Need to Know

Here are the key takeaways:

• Dental extractions do not cause sleep apnea.
• “Biological appliances” cannot cure sleep apnea.
• Sleep apnea requires proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified professionals.

If you’re worried about sleep apnea or breathing issues, consult a trusted orthodontist, dentist, or sleep specialist who relies on evidence-based care—not fear-mongering or unproven devices.

Conclusion

The idea that dental extractions cause sleep apnea or that “biological appliances” cure it is nothing more than a myth. Sleep apnea is a serious and complex condition that requires scientifically backed treatments—not oversimplified solutions or pseudoscience.

As healthcare providers, we have a responsibility to base our advice on facts, not marketing gimmicks. If you have concerns about your oral health or breathing, seek guidance from a professional who will prioritize evidence-based care and your overall well-being.