You’ve spotted the signs—wear, scalloping, fragmentation, maybe even a low AHI—but what does that really mean?
When the data doesn’t match the symptoms, how do you move forward?
And how do you integrate airway into full mouth rehab without compromising function, stability, or predictability?
In this episode, Jaz is joined by Dr. Aston Parmar (https://www.instagram.com/astonparmardentalsleep/) to explore the real-world application of airway dentistry. They discuss how to help patients own their problem, why sleep testing matters, and how airway influences diagnosis, treatment planning, and long-term outcomes.
Protrusive Dental Pearl: Nasal Breathing and Simple Screening
- Nasal airflow can be a major limiting factor in sleep quality.
- Simple test: flare nostrils → if breathing improves, nasal resistance may be present.
- Nasal dilators can be a cheap, low-risk intervention for selected patients.
- Not all patients need mandibular advancement — sometimes the issue is nasal.
- Second pearl: test snoring improvement by advancing the mandible.
- If forward positioning reduces snoring sound → mandibular advancement may help.
Key Takeaways
- Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) has limitations—context and patterns matter more than raw scores
- Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is common but underdiagnosed
- Sleep fragmentation can exist even with low AHI scores
- Myofunctional therapy improves compliance and outcomes
- Multi-night sleep testing provides more accurate insights
- Collaboration with ENT specialists improves diagnostic accuracy
- Dentistry should be airway-sympathetic, not just tooth-focused
- Mandibular advancement devices are effective but require careful titration
- Morning occlusal guides help reduce bite changes from appliances
- The environment (airway, function, biology) matters more than the teeth
Highlights of this episode:
00:00 – Teaser
00:35 – Introduction to Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
03:00 – Pearl: Nasal Breathing and Simple Screening
08:17 – Recap: Myofunctional Therapy and Indications
10:15 – Patient Communication and Case Acceptance
14:34 – Frictional chewing pattern:
23:53 – Sleep-Disordered Breathing Spectrum
24:23 – Apnea vs Hypopnea and Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) Limitations
30:15 – Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS)
35:59 – Management of UARS
37:15 – Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD)
39:15 – Maxillary Expansion and Surgical Options
41:16 – Midroll
44:37 – Treatment Pathway and ENT Involvement
01:02:48 – Airway-Sympathetic Dentistry
01:05:16 – Treatment Philosophy and Case Selection
01:12:16 – Managing Side Effects of MAD
01:15:16 – Career Insight and Final Reflections
01:21:55 – Outro
Want to learn more?
Watch part 1 of this episode: PDP262 - Implementing Sleep, Airway and Myo to Restorative Dentistry Part 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGbgbW8muUI)
Also, check out Stop Blaming Bruxism with Dr. Sandra Hulac – PDP142 (https://protrusive.co.uk/ccp-part-2)
🦷Master Airway Dentistry in Practice
Join Dr. Aston Parmar’s course on 8th May in Cardiff
- Learn how to screen, test, and manage airway patients
- Understand real-world workflows and patient communication
- Build confidence in integrating airway into your practice
👉 Book via: https://dentalsleep.co.uk
🦷 Ergonomics Day – Dentistry Without Back Pain!
Join us Saturday, 13th June, Heathrow with Dr. Anikó Ball, world-leading ergonomics expert! Learn proper posture, positioning, and techniques to prevent back problems while practicing dentistry.
💺 Hands-on workshop with a mobile dental chair
📸 Live camera demo on a big screen
💻 Can’t attend in person? Join online with live stream & replay
🎟 Early bird tickets include a full event video!
👉 Grab your spot now (https://splintcourse.samcart.com/products/dentist-early-unbreakable-london-2026)!
#PDPMainEpisodes #CareerDevelopment #OrthoRestorative
This episode is eligible for 1.25 CE credit via the quiz on Protrusive Guidance (https://protrusive.co.uk/ultimate).
This episode meets GDC Outcome C
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