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SNORING & SLEEP APNEA

Snoring isn't just annoying, it can be deadly. The sound you hear when someone snores is literally the sound of their airway collapsing. Snoring is the most noticeable sign of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a dangerous medical condition that restricts airflow during sleep.

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When airflow is restricted during sleep can lead to short pauses in breathing called apneas. In severe cases these pauses can last as long as 30 seconds! Or as many as 30 times per hour!

 

Cutting off airflow during sleep deprives the brain of oxygen, which triggers the body to wake up and begin breathing again. This results in the sleep cycle being continually interrupted throughout the night, preventing the sleeper from getting restful sleep. This puts stress on the immune system and can lead to a range of other symptoms and conditions.

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Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring

  • Daytime sleepiness

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Forgetfulness

  • Depression

  • Feeling irritable

  • Night sweats

  • Restless sleep

  • Gasping for air

  • Headaches in AM

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What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea affects a staggering number of Americans: 1 in 5 adults has mild OSA and 1 in 15 has moderate to severe OSA1. As many as 60 million Americans could be living with undiagnosed OSA and not even know it. For those with sleep apnea, collapsed tissue within the throat obstructs the airway resulting in interrupted breathing during sleep.

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  • Pauses in breathing typically last 10 seconds

  • Severe cases may last up to 30 seconds

  • Loud snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea

  • Pauses can recur throughout the sleep cycle

  • May result in frequent awakenings and sleep fragmentation

 

Sleep apnea is commonly associated with other serious medical conditions like:

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  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Hypertension

  • Heart-failure

  • Stroke

  • AFib

  • Alzheimer’s

  • Depression

  • ADHD


If you already have one of these conditions, OSA can make it worse by placing additional stress on your body and immune system due to lack of restful sleep.​

Oral Appliance Therapy


Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) uses a custom fitted dental appliance, similar to a retainer, to ensure unrestricted airflow during sleep. The device positions the lower jaw forward, which moves the base of the tongue slightly to ensure the airway remains open during sleep. The appliance fits in the palm of your hand, uses no power and has no hoses or pumps.​

Oral Appliance Therapy consists of four steps:
 

  • Screening and home sleep test schedule on first visit

  • Home sleep test results are reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician who makes a diagnosis and therapy suggestion

  • Delivery of custom-made oral appliance

  • Easy follow-up maintenance once or twice a year
     

Do not mistake OAT with a drugstore snoreguard, which is not FDA cleared for treating OSA. Attempting to treat OSA with an unapproved device and not under the care of a trained professional could exacerbate the condition leading to potentially serious complications.​

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DreamSleep Certified

Our office has been DreamSleep Certified for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. DreamSleep is a national network of Dentists and Physicians working together to raise awareness and treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

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How it Works

  1. Schedule a screening at our office

  2. If the screening indicates you are at risk for OSA, we will arrange a Home Sleep Test

  3. Sleep in your own bed while the device monitors your sleep

  4. Results from the test are downloaded and sent to a board-certified Sleep Physician for review and diagnosis

  5. If the physician recommends Oral Appliance Therapy, we will take impressions of your teeth and create a custom device for you

  6. After the device is made, it may require adjustments to ensure optimal airflow

  7. A follow up home sleep test is used to verify the device is working as intended

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