Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Get More Sleep!
Dental treatment of sleep apnea involves using oral appliances to manage airway blockages, offering an alternative to the commonly used CPAP machines.While snoring is generally harmless, sleep apnea can be more severe. It occurs when the airway is blocked by the tongue and relaxed throat muscles during sleep, causing breathing pauses and reduced oxygen to the brain.
This condition isn’t typically fatal as natural reflexes often awaken the person, however, it poses significant risks to those with cardiac conditions, increasing the heart’s workload and potentially leading to a heart attack.
Treatment often starts with a CPAP machine, which uses forced air to keep the airway open. However, many find it bulky and uncomfortable.
As an alternative, dentists can create oral appliances that adjust the jaw position to prevent airway collapse during sleep. These devices are usually covered by medical insurance, particularly if a CPAP has been ineffective. Many cardiologists recommend this dental intervention, sometimes even before trying a CPAP.
Schedule an appointment today to see what we can do to help you sleep better so you wake up feeling rested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We make custom oral appliances that adjust your jaw position while you sleep so your airway doesn’t collapse. Many cardiologists recommend this dental route, sometimes even before trying a CPAP.
You’re not alone, plenty of people find CPAPs bulky and hard to sleep with. A custom oral appliance is a much smaller device that keeps your airway open by repositioning your jaw. Come in and we’ll see if you’re a fit.
No. Snoring on its own is generally harmless. Sleep apnea is when your tongue and relaxed throat muscles actually block the airway, causing pauses in breathing and reduced oxygen to the brain. It’s riskier for people with heart conditions, so if your snoring comes with gasping or you wake up exhausted, get checked.