What is Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the muscles in the throat, jaw, and mouth naturally relax. When a patient is suffering from sleep apnea, these muscles become a little too relaxed and as a result, the airway is constricted and breathing becomes difficult. Most people have no idea this is occurring, even though breathing is commonly stopped for 10 seconds or longer. Excess weight around the neck also compresses the airway and disrupts normal breathing and sleep cycles. This decreased flow of oxygen usually results in very short, repeated awakenings that occur throughout the night dozens or even hundreds of times which results in a poor quality of sleep.

Beyond the restless nights and incessant snoring, the effects of obstructive sleep apnea can cause quite a few serious health risks. Studies have linked sleep apnea to high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of stroke. Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea and seeking treatment as soon as possible is very important. Unfortunately, many people who suffer the effects of sleep apnea go undiagnosed or do not get help. Dental Solutions of Avon is seeking to change this for the people in our community.

sleep apnea risk survey

couple sleeping

Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Because the symptoms of sleep apnea can be subtle or confused with other ailments, this disorder can go unnoticed for many years. Below are some of the most common signs of sleep apnea:

  • Loud snoring
  • Drowsiness or fatigue regardless of the amount of sleep
  • Waking up during the night gasping or choking
  • Daily headaches
  • Waking up with a sore or dry throat
lady sleeping

Custom Sleep Apnea Mouth Appliances

If you think you are suffering from the symptoms of sleep apnea, we would love to help you finally get the rest you deserve. Our team can design a custom sleep apnea mouth appliance that will open your airway during sleep and allow you to breathe normally. We offer several mouth appliance options, including TAP®, SomnoMed®, and The Moses™, so our patients have more freedom to choose the exact type of oral appliance they would like. This treatment is popular among patients who have mild to moderate sleep apnea, as this conservative approach is an attractive alternative to invasive surgery or CPAP machines.

We will work with you and your sleep physician to discuss your options and determine which oral appliance will be your ticket to a good night’s sleep.

Sleep peacefully with our custom sleep apnea treatments!

Request an Appointment

lady sleeping

Sleep peacefully with our custom sleep apnea treatments!

Request an Appointment