SLEEP DENTISTRY & SNORING APPLIANCES
While snoring is a common symptom, sleep apnea is much more serious than a simple snore.
There are two types of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea is caused by your brain sending incorrect signals to your muscles in your sleep—it usually requires the help of a sleep specialist. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and is caused by the tongue or jaw or some other oral obstruction blocking the airway during sleep. This results in the patient stopping breathing periodically through the night and can have severe impact on overall health over time. Obstructive sleep apnea can often be successfully treated in a dentist's office.
Oral appliance therapy is by far the most common and effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. There are more than 80 different sleep apnea oral devices on the market today. Similar in appearance to a double retainer, they are designed to either shift the lower jaw forward or retain the tongue to keep it from falling back into the throat. Oral appliances are typically worn at night and are custom fit to each patient.
Some severe forms of apnea require more invasive treatments, procedures and surgeries. Our team is proficient at diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea. We will walk you through a thorough consultation process to help you decide the very best option for your unique situation.