Snoring Appliances

Do you snore??? 
CPAP not working for you???

If you answered yes to either of these questions or know someone who would, we might be able to help you determine the best course of action.

Why you should be concerned about snoring & sleep apnea
 

            Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 1 out of every 8 individuals.  While snoring can be harmless, it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).    Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep.  OSA occurs when the tongue and soft tissues fall back into the throat during sleep, completely blocking the airway.  Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with cardiovascular problems as well as daytime sleepiness.

Causes of OSA are physical.  OSA sufferers often have these characteristics

Ø      Smaller than normal jaw

Ø      Large tongue

Ø      Enlarged tonsils

Ø      Overweight

Ø      Tissues that partially block the opening to the breathing passage

Ø      Men with a large neck circumference

Medications and alcohol can make sleep apnea worse.  Tranquilizers, sleeping pills taken at bedtime and alcohol relax the throat muscles making the breathing passage more likely to close.  The consequences of this can be dangerous, so make sure your physician is aware that you have OSA. 

Warning signs of OSA in adults

v     Excessively loud snoring

v     Pattern of snoring interrupted by pauses and gasps (indicates breathing stopping & starting)

v     Falling asleep at inappropriate times

v     Inability to concentrate, irritability, forgetfulness, depression or anxiety

v     Headaches and/or nausea in the morning

v     Frequent night urination

Treatment Options

Once you have been correctly diagnosed, snoring & obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a medical device called a CPAP, oral appliances, surgery or a combination of these approaches.  CPAP doesn’t work for everyone.  We can work with your doctor to assure you receive appropriate treatment.

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is recommended as a first line treatment option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea and for patients with CPAP intolerance in cases of severe OSA.  This therapy involves the selection, design, fitting & use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat.  Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or mouth guards.  Oral appliances work by

• Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula
• Stabilizing the lower jaw & tonue
• Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue

If you think you may be a candidate for an oral appliance,

allow us to help you set up an appointment for a screening.