Sleep Apnea Specialist

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder that stops you from breathing freely as you sleep. While many people associate sleep apnea with snoring, this isn’t the only symptom. In fact, not everyone who has sleep apnea is a loud snorer. The main symptom is struggling to breathe or frequent pauses in your breathing as you sleep.

Some symptoms of sleep apnea linger into the day. If you’re not sure about your breathing patterns while you sleep, here are a few examples of symptoms you might notice while you’re awake:

• Trouble staying awake
• Irritability
• Depression
• Headaches in the morning
• Dry mouth in the morning
• High blood pressure

The team at Swinney Dental specializes in treating obstructive sleep apnea, the most common of several types.

What causes obstructive sleep apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) shows up when the tissues in your throat collapse together when they relax, closing your airway and making it hard for you to breathe freely while asleep.

Since you’re unconscious while this is happening, your breathing can stop for 10 or more seconds at a time. This happens time after time throughout the night, causing your blood oxygen levels to fall.

There are several reasons why you might develop sleep apnea. Some people simply have naturally narrow airways that are prone to closing, while others develop sleep apnea after gaining weight. Men are two times as likely to suffer from obstructive sleep apnea as are women, but women’s likelihood of developing OSA increases after menopause.

What kinds of appliances can treat sleep apnea?

The team at Swinney Dental creates custom appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea and relieve snoring and other symptoms. Often, these appliances are made at the request of your pulmonologist (a doctor specializing in the respiratory system). The team takes impressions of your teeth to make appliances that fit comfortably. Some of the appliances they offer are:

Silent Nite®

Silent Nite snore guards fit comfortably over your teeth and force your lower jaw forward with connector pieces between the parts that fit over your upper and lower rows of teeth.

SomnoMed®

SomnoMed sleep apnea devices are also custom-fitted to the shape of your teeth. They fit over the upper and lower rows of teeth and cause them to fit together a bit differently than when you bite down naturally. Your lower jaw is positioned forward to hold your airway open.

Respire®

Respire appliances push your lower jaw forward and are adjustable using a small screw. Like the others, they fit over your upper and lower rows of teeth comfortably.

You might need to try several sleep apnea appliances before finding one that suits you and fits your preferences.

For effective sleep apnea treatment and a return to getting a refreshing night’s sleep, call Swinney Dental or book an appointment online today.