According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, sleep apnea is the most common sleep disorder, affecting nearly 1 out of every 8 individuals. Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless, it can also be the sign of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the tongue and soft tissues fall back into the throat during sleep, completely blocking the airway. Twenty-eight percent of men over the age of 65 suffer from sleep apnea. The good news is that snoring and OSA are improved and often eliminated in patients who seek treatment.

Obstructive sleep apnea has been associated with:
• High Blood Pressure
• Increases risk for Heart Attack and Stroke
• Increased risk of Motor Vehicle Accident
• Daytime Sleepiness
• Heartburn
• Morning Headaches
• Depression
• Impotence

How do I know if I have obstructive sleep apnea?

The only way to be sure is to have a sleep test (polysomnogram) performed, either at home by a qualified sleep doctor or in a sleep center.

What are my treatment options?

Once you have been correctly diagnosed, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a medical device known as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), with oral appliances, through surgical options, or by a combination of these approaches.

CPAP device has been shown to have a very high rate of patient dissatisfaction due to its size and awkward use leading to people not wearing it; studies estimate about 70% non-compliance.

Oral appliances are unobtrusive, make no noise, do not need a power source, are potentially less costly and have a 70% compliance rate.

Surgery can be uncomfortable and often the tissue will grow back needing surgery again in the future.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that, when worn during sleep, maintains an opened and unobstructed airway in the throat. Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth-guards.