Sleep apnea is a common but often overlooked sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can cause snoring, unrestful sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness—even after what seems like a full night’s rest. Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it, as the symptoms are often noticed first by a bed partner or family member.
The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
We screen all of our patients for sleep apnea and offer multiple treatment options. For many patients, a custom oral appliance—a device worn in the mouth at night—can help keep the airway open by repositioning the jaw or tongue. This is especially helpful for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
In some cases, we can identify and address underlying causes—such as jaw position, airway anatomy, or excess tissue—so that patients may not need to rely on appliances long-term. If you snore, feel tired during the day, or have been told you stop breathing at night, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider. Effective, comfortable treatments are available, and addressing sleep apnea can greatly improve your health and quality of life.