Loud snoring, waking up tired, morning headaches, and excessive daytime fatigue may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Left untreated, this common sleep disorder can affect your overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.
At First Class Smiles, we provide oral appliance therapy for eligible patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Working in coordination with your physician and sleep specialist, we create custom appliances designed to help keep your airway open while you sleep.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax during sleep, causing the airway to become partially or completely blocked. These repeated interruptions can reduce oxygen levels and disrupt healthy sleep throughout the night.
Many people don’t realize they have sleep apnea until a bed partner notices loud snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- Loud, persistent snoring.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Pauses in breathing noticed by another person.
- Morning headaches.
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
If these symptoms sound familiar, a medical evaluation and sleep study may be recommended.
How Can a Dentist Help Treat Sleep Apnea?
Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine can provide custom oral appliances for patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and are appropriate candidates for this type of treatment.
These appliances are worn while you sleep and gently reposition your lower jaw to help keep your airway open throughout the night.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for some individuals with severe sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy.
Your physician and dentist will work together to determine whether this treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis and medical history.
How Is an Oral Appliance Different from CPAP?
A CPAP machine uses continuous air pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep. Oral appliance therapy works differently by gently repositioning your jaw to reduce airway obstruction.
Many patients appreciate that oral appliances are small, quiet, portable, and easy to travel with. The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, preferences, and your physician’s recommendations.
What Should You Expect During Treatment?
After your sleep apnea diagnosis has been confirmed, we’ll take detailed records of your teeth and bite to fabricate a custom oral appliance. Once it’s ready, we’ll carefully adjust the appliance to provide a comfortable fit and explain how to use and care for it.
We’ll also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your comfort, evaluate the fit, and make adjustments as needed.
Why Is Treating Sleep Apnea Important?
Treating obstructive sleep apnea can improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms such as daytime fatigue and morning headaches. It may also help lower the risk of health complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Addressing the condition early can have a meaningful impact on both your sleep and your overall well-being.
Why Choose First Class Smiles?
We understand that successful sleep apnea treatment requires personalized care and close collaboration with your medical providers. Our team designs custom oral appliances that prioritize comfort while supporting effective treatment for eligible patients.
From your initial consultation through ongoing adjustments, we’re committed to helping you sleep more comfortably and wake feeling more refreshed.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or are looking for an alternative to CPAP therapy, request an appointment with First Class Smiles today. We’ll discuss your options and determine whether oral appliance therapy may be right for you.
