Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that prevents you from properly breathing throughout the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax to the point of obstructing your airway.

The periods of breathlessness that sleep apnea patients experience can last from seconds to minutes, and can happen up to hundreds of times over the course of one night. These episodes are very dangerous since they deprive your body of essential oxygen.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The most pronounced symptom of sleep apnea is the cessation of breathing while you sleep. Since you’re not conscious of these moments, though, it can be particularly hard to recognize. 

Many people also find themselves jolted awake gasping for air, or waking up in the morning with a sore or dry throat.

Some of the other symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches, fatigue, and mood changes. Since sleep apnea can also produce loud snoring, your sleep partner might be able to notice the signs. 

How do you treat sleep apnea?

One of the more traditional treatments for sleep apnea is a device called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. This device pumps humidified air into a mask that you wear over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The pressure of the air keeps your airway open, enabling oxygen to freely flow in and out.

Many people, however, find the CPAP to be obstructive and difficult to sleep with, which is why Expressions in Dentistry offers a number of effective alternative treatments, like:

VIVOS

VIVOS® is a revolutionary sleep apnea treatment that gradually increases the size of your upper jaw to correct the structure of your airway without the need for surgery. It’s a removable device that you wear while you sleep for 12-24 months, when your airway will be permanently reshaped and your sleep apnea permanently treated.

VIVOS is also a great preventive treatment for children who are at risk for developing sleep apnea. It’s been shown to even have benefits in treating ADD and bed-wetting in children, in addition to helping with anxiety and depression in the general population. 

Mandibular advancement device

This is a custom-fitted mouthpiece, much like an athletic mouth guard, that you wear on your teeth while you sleep. It’s designed to gently push your lower jaw slightly forward, which opens up your airway and mitigates apneic episodes.

To learn more about how the team at Expressions in Dentistry can treat your sleep apnea, schedule a consultation today by calling the office or booking a visit online.