Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment & Snore Guards

Many people suffer from snoring.  It happens when the soft tissues of your throat narrow enough to cause vibration as air passes through.  This restriction in air flow can be severe enough to cause sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person repeatedly stops and starts breathing during sleep. The stoppage of breathing happens when the throat closes shut, preventing the movement of air through the airway. The resulting start-up of breathing happens when the person is aroused enough to literally gasp for air. This happens several times throughout the night, often without the person aware they are doing it, and leading to a lack of restful sleep.

High blood pressure, weight gain and depression are just a few things that are being linked to a lack of a good night's sleep. If you (or your spouse) are aware of a snoring or sleep apnea problem, a custom appliance can be made to help minimize or eliminate your snoring or sleep apnea. It helps by gently moving your lower jaw forward and holding it in that position as you sleep, opening your airway.

After a discussion with your dentist, you will most likely need to have a simple sleep study done with a sleep specialist.  Once that has been done, the appliance can be made.  The process consists of impressions of your upper and lower teeth and some measurements taken to assess the movement of your jaw.  The appliance is made within 2 weeks, and you will return to the dental office for a fitting appointment.  You deserve a good night's rest, so give us a call if you have any questions.