Sleep Health

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway. This causes repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night, leading to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• Irritability and mood changes
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy involves wearing a custom-fitted device during sleep that gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These appliances are similar in size to a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer and are comfortable to wear.

• Custom-fitted for optimal comfort and effectiveness
• Small, portable, and easy to travel with
• Silent — no motors, masks, or hoses
• Non-invasive treatment option
• Effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring
• Can be used as an alternative to CPAP or in combination with it

Getting Started

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea or a snoring problem, speak with your dentist or physician. A sleep study may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity. Once diagnosed, your dentist can fabricate a custom oral appliance and monitor your progress.

Treating sleep apnea is important for your overall health. Untreated OSA is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

Frequently Asked Questions