Snoring & Sleep Apnea Solutions
You might find yourself struggling to stay awake during your morning commute, afternoon meetings and even your favorite activities, or perhaps, your partner’s snoring keeps you awake through the night. In spite of your healthy sleep routine, you never feel rested. Why are you so tired?
It could be Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
What Is Sleep Apnea?
A serious sleep disorder, sleep apnea can interrupt breathing up to 300 times per night. When an individual has sleep apnea, the soft palate and tongue put pressure on the back of the throat, obstructing airflow. When breathing stops or is blocked, the brain wakes the body to gasp for breath. The frequent waking associated with sleep apnea prevents an individual from getting enough restorative REM sleep. In addition, sleep apnea elevates blood pressure and heart rate, putting excessive stress on the heart. The disorder also drastically reduces blood-oxygen levels.
- Individuals with sleep apnea experience the following symptoms:
- Frequent, loud snoring
- Daytime drowsiness
- Sleep disruptions
- Choking or gasping in the night
- Nightmares and/or insomnia
- Depression and anxiety
- Headaches and migraines
- Dry mouth in the morning
In addition to a lower quality of life, individuals with untreated sleep apnea are also at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, anxiety, depression and even death.
Need an Effective CPAP Alternative? Ask about Sleep Apnea Therapy
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are commonly prescribed for sleep apnea treatment. These machines deliver constant airflow, preventing the collapse of airways. Worn throughout the night, CPAP machines are bulky and noisy, and many patients find them uncomfortable. All of these factors end up preventing patients from getting the restful sleep they need, making a good night’s sleep the stuff of dreams.
Supported by countless scientific studies and over 30 years of effective use, oral appliances provide patients with comfortable, non-surgical alternatives to sleep apnea treatment with the CPAP. Worn at night oral appliances work by repositioning either the patient’s jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction.
What to Expect During Your Sleep Apnea Appointment
During your sleep apnea appointment, our dentist will discuss with you your specific sleep apnea condition and treatment options. We will discuss the different types of oral appliances available for you, helping you to choose the right appliance for your treatment. Our dentist will then perform a thorough examination of your teeth, bite and jaw joint. To manufacture a completely personalized and comfortable oral appliance, we will take impressions of your teeth and photographs of your bite.
