Our practice offers effective, non-surgical relief from sleep apnea and other sleep related disorders -- including snoring! Wondering if we can help you get the rest you're missing? Tired of the medical apparatus recommended by your doctor? Call today for a complimentary consultation.
Snoring - More Than Just Noise
Snoring is caused when the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, causing the airway to narrow and forcing air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring. Although snoring seems physically harmless, it can be a warning sign of a more serious and dangerous condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway completely collapses, blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breathe, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person, unconsciously closing the jaw and returning the tongue and throat to a normal position.
The sleep apnea cycle - falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awaking with a gasp, falling back asleep - can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked passageway, one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other health problems, including chronic sleepiness, headaches, depression, exhaustion, high blood pressure, and even strokes and heart attacks.
Effective Treatment
For many patients the first line of treatment for sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device. Many patients do not tolerate the inconvience and discomfort of CPAP devices. For patients who do not do well with CPAP, oral appliances, also known as dental appliances, may be an option. An oral appliance is a piece of acrylic or silicone that fits in your mouth and opens your airway during sleep.
Research has shown that long-term use of oral appliances can help control mild to moderate sleep apnea more than 80 percent of the time.
