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Sleep Apnea

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Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics: A Medication-Free Way to Treat Sleep Apnea for Better Sleep Health and Overall Health

At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe in caring for the whole person, and this includes sleep health. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects millions of people, with many unaware they have it. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to many serious health problems, including stroke, heart attack, and high blood pressure. The good news is that we in the dental field can help our patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with safe, comfortable, and effective medication-free sleep apnea appliances.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Sleep Apnea Diagnostic medical device Kit
Obstructive sleep apnea disorder (OSA) is a sleep disorder involving episodes of interrupted breathing during sleep. Interrupted breathing occurs due to the relaxation of the throat, tongue or soft palate muscles leading to disruption of airflow during sleep. These blockages of air lead to episodes of interrupted breathing lasting anywhere from a few seconds to up to a minute or longer. If the oxygen drops low enough low, the brain wakes the body up just enough to allow for normal breathing to occur again. These awakenings are often so short, the person does not remember it, but could happen hundreds of times throughout the night to prevent restful sleep or return to sleeping.
Common symptoms:
  • Loud snoring
  • Choking or gasping during sleep
  • Morning Headaches
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Irritability or mood changes
Anyone can develop OSA, but some risk factors include obesity, large tonsils, thick neck or family history of sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more than just a sleep disturbance, it may be a serious health risk. Here are some of the potential established ways in which sleep apnea can contribute to conditions and risks:

Heart Attacks and Stroke

Patients with sleep apnea are more predisposed to heart attack and stroke. The diminished oxygen levels from sleep apnea is taxing on your cardiovascular system, and can increase the risk of both.

Diabetes

Reduced sleep quality as a result of OSA may affect your ability to control your blood glucose, and increase your risk of Type 2 diabetes by extension.

Traffic Accidents

Daytime sleepiness and fatigue that patients experience with sleep apnea can affect functionality, including driving, and increase your risk of traffic incidents.
The legit variety of risks to your health and quality of life due to OSA means it is worth getting diagnosed and treated at the first opportunity.

The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Medical treatment with breathing mask in ENT office
Sleepless, woman suffering from insomnia, sleep apnea or stress, headache or migraine

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

In most cases, OSA is diagnosed using a sleep study; a sleep specialist tracks brain wave activity, breathing, and some vital signs while you sleep. Sleep studies may occur in sleep labs, or some cases allow you to do a home sleep study. Your sleep physician will use the study to determine how severe your sleep apnea is and what treatment options are available for you.
There are several treatment therapies depending on the severity of your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The most common treatment options are:

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Therapy

CPAP machines are typically suggested for moderate to threats. CPAP machines use pneumatically controlled air pressure to assist in keeping the airway open while sleeping. Many patients find CPAP machines difficult to endure, uncomfortable, etc.

Oral Appliance Therapy

For patients with OSA-mild to moderate (or cannot tolerate CPAP), oral appliance therapy could be a very good option. Oral appliances are custom-fit devices designed to gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while sleeping.

Surgery

There may be times when surgery needs to be performed to remove elements blocking the airway or in the case where the jaw needs to be repositioned.

Treatment Therapy Options for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Portrait of tired sick child sleeping after suffering medical recovery surgery
Woman Sleeping In Bed At Night

How Can Dentists Help with Sleep Apnea?

Long define our diplomate status by sleep medicine, our training allows us to be able to treat it with oral appliance therapy for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine considers oral appliances a primary treatment for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and patients with severe sleep apnea who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a dental device specifically designed to maintain an open airway while you sleep. Oral appliances work by repositioning the jaw (mandible) forward and/or the tongue, preventing airway obstruction. An oral appliance is similar to a mouthguard that takes the place of a CPAP during sleep and is easy to wear, comfortable, and discreet.
Root Canal Treatment. Muslim Female Dentist Showing Xray Picture On Digital Monitor

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy:

Professional dentistry team preparing for patient consultation

Non-Invasive and Comfortable

Oral Appliances present a comfortable, non-invasive intervention with a more preferable comfort level than a CPAP machine for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

Easy to Use

Oral appliances are portable and convenient for traveling patients who routinely cannot or do not want to use CPAP during travel.

Effective for mild to moderate OSA

Oral appliances can help positively improve many mild to moderate patients with components of their diagnosis and eliminating their symptoms, improving sleep and overall health.

Custom Fit

Each oral appliance is custom made to fit one’s mouth for comfort and efficacy.

What Your Dentist Can Do For Sleep Apnea

If your sleep doctor has diagnosed you with OSA and recommended an oral appliance therapy, the entire Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics team will coordinate with them to provide you with the best care. We will provide you with a comfortable oral appliance that is tailored to your specific anatomy and its position will keep your airway open all night.

During your consultation, we will take impressions for your bite, teeth, and jaw so that we can fabricate your oral appliance. Once your oral appliance is ready, we will adjust and calibrate any outrageous positioning issues and make any needed adjustments. Follow-up visits after that will determine if you are improving and whether you need adjustments.

Dentist explaining dental care to male patient using a tooth model. Health consultation,

FAQ :

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockages. These interruptions are often caused by relaxed throat muscles, the tongue, or soft palate blocking airflow. People with OSA may wake up hundreds of times per night without realizing it, resulting in poor sleep quality and fatigue during the day.

How can sleep apnea affect my overall health?

Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk for several serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and Type 2 diabetes. It can also lead to chronic fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and even accidents due to drowsiness.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed through a sleep study. This may be done at a sleep center or at home using a portable sleep test. The study records your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and brain activity while you sleep to determine whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.

What are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea?

Common signs include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime sleepiness, and irritability. Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea until a partner notices irregular breathing patterns during sleep.

What treatment options are available for sleep apnea?

The main treatment options include CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy, and in some cases, surgery. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in medication-free treatment using custom oral appliances for mild to moderate OSA, or for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP.

How does an oral appliance help with sleep apnea?

An oral appliance works by gently repositioning your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. It’s a small, custom-made device that fits like a mouthguard and allows you to breathe comfortably without the noise or bulk of a CPAP machine.

Is an oral appliance as effective as a CPAP machine?

For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be just as effective as CPAP therapy. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognizes oral appliances as a primary treatment for these cases. They’re more comfortable, portable, and easier to use—especially for patients who struggle with CPAP compliance.

What are the advantages of choosing oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliances are non-invasive, quiet, and easy to use. They don’t require electricity or a mask, and are travel-friendly. Many patients prefer them because they improve sleep quality without the discomfort often associated with CPAP therapy.

How does Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics create a custom oral appliance?

Once your sleep physician recommends oral appliance therapy, our team collaborates closely with them. We take impressions of your teeth and jaw, then fabricate a custom-fit device tailored to your anatomy. During follow-up visits, we adjust the appliance for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

Can dentists really treat sleep apnea?

Yes. Dentists trained in sleep medicine, like the team at Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, are qualified to provide oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. This collaboration between dentists and sleep physicians offers patients a safe, effective, and medication-free way to restore healthy sleep.

Schedule Your Consultation for Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t wait to seek treatment. Sleep apnea can have serious health consequences if left untreated, but the good news is that it’s highly treatable. At Bright Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to help you get a good night’s sleep and protect your health with effective, non-invasive treatment options like oral appliance therapy.

Call us at (678) 941-5151 or visit our website to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations in Dawsonville, Cumming, or Lawrenceville, GA. Let us help you achieve better sleep and improved health with personalized care for sleep apnea.

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