Sleep Better, Live Healthier
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. Left untreated, it can contribute to a range of health problems and significantly impact your quality of life.
At Americus Dental, we offer oral appliance therapy as a comfortable, non-invasive option for patients dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Brown can work with you and your physician to determine whether a dental approach is right for your situation.
Schedule a ConsultationThere are two primary forms of sleep apnea, each with a different underlying cause. Understanding which type you have is the first step toward effective treatment.
The more common of the two forms, obstructive sleep apnea is the result of blocked airflow during sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and closes the airway. When the airway is blocked, the brain briefly wakes you up to resume breathing, often so quickly that you do not remember it happening. These interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep.
Central sleep apnea results from a problem with how the brain signals the breathing muscles. Rather than a physical blockage, the brain temporarily fails to tell the muscles to breathe. This form is less common than obstructive sleep apnea and is often associated with other medical conditions such as heart failure or stroke. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying condition alongside specialized breathing support during sleep.
While sleep apnea can affect anyone, certain factors increase your likelihood of developing the condition. If any of these apply to you and you experience symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or waking up gasping for air, it may be worth discussing with Dr. Brown or your physician.
Untreated sleep apnea places significant stress on your cardiovascular system and overall health. The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during episodes can contribute to serious medical conditions over time.
Several approaches can help manage sleep apnea symptoms. The right treatment depends on the severity of your condition and your personal health history.
Changes like sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol before bed, and maintaining a healthy weight can sometimes reduce mild sleep apnea symptoms.
Continuous positive airway pressure machines deliver a steady stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep. CPAP is the most common treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Custom-fitted dental appliances shift and support the jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep. These devices are comfortable, portable, and easy to care for. This is where Americus Dental can help.
Oral appliances are similar in shape to a sports mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer. They are worn only during sleep and work by repositioning the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open throughout the night.
In cases where other treatments have not been effective, surgical options may be considered to remove or reduce tissue that blocks the airway, or to reposition the jaw.
If you or a loved one struggles with snoring, daytime exhaustion, or has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Americus Dental can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown to explore whether an oral appliance could improve your sleep and your health.