Sleep Apnea

Our Practice is pleased to announce that we are charter members of Detroit Dental Sleep Network. We are taking advanced training to treat our patients with problems associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea can affect your quality of life including but not limited to confusion, loss of memory, agitation, depression, hypertension, diabetes, stokes, cardiovascular disease and acid reflux.

Why should I be concerned about snoring and sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 1 out of every 8 individuals. Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless, it can also be in the sign of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 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.

What are my treatment options?

Once you have been correctly diagnosed, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a medical device know as CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), with oral appliances, through surgical options, or by a combination of these approaches.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves the selections, sesign, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains and 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 sports mouth-guards. Oral appliances work by:

• Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvulva
• Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
• Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue