Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea can repeatedly interrupt breathing during sleep, making it difficult to get the restful sleep your body needs. In addition to loud snoring and nighttime breathing disturbances, sleep apnea can contribute to daytime fatigue, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and other symptoms.
For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, Greenwich Smiles offers custom oral appliance therapy designed to help keep the airway open while you sleep.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, occurs when the muscles and soft tissues of the throat relax during sleep and partially or completely block the upper airway.
These breathing interruptions can occur repeatedly throughout the night, disrupting normal sleep even when you do not fully remember waking up.
Because sleep apnea affects breathing and sleep quality, proper diagnosis and treatment are important for both your health and everyday well-being.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea may include:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during the night
- Frequent awakenings
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Irritability or changes in mood
- Feeling unrefreshed despite spending enough time in bed
Often, a spouse or family member notices nighttime snoring, gasping, or pauses in breathing before the person experiencing them realizes there may be a problem.
How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?
A medical doctor or qualified sleep specialist must diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Diagnosis typically involves a sleep evaluation and may include an overnight sleep study or home sleep apnea test.
The results help determine whether sleep apnea is present, how severe it is, and which treatment options may be appropriate.
If oral appliance therapy is recommended as part of your care, Greenwich Smiles can work with you and your medical provider to create and manage a customized dental sleep appliance.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
An oral sleep appliance is a custom-made device worn while sleeping to help keep the upper airway open. Similar in appearance to an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard, it is designed to position the lower jaw to support more consistent airflow.
Unlike an over-the-counter device, a sleep apnea appliance is customized to your teeth, bite, and oral anatomy. Once the appliance is made, your dentist will check the fit and make adjustments as needed for comfort and effectiveness.
Follow-up is an important part of treatment. Greenwich Smiles can monitor the fit of the appliance and any changes involving your teeth, bite, or jaw, while your medical provider may recommend follow-up sleep testing to evaluate how well the treatment is controlling your sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy may be considered for appropriate patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, including some patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Comfortable and Custom-Fitted
The appliance is made specifically for your mouth and adjusted to provide an appropriate fit.
Small and Portable
Oral appliances are compact and easy to travel with, making them convenient for patients who frequently spend nights away from home.
Quiet
Unlike machine-based treatments, oral appliances operate silently while you sleep.
No Electricity Required
The appliance does not require a power source, tubing, or bedside equipment.
Easy to Incorporate Into Your Routine
Once you become accustomed to wearing it, the appliance can become a simple part of your nightly routine.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Loud or frequent snoring is one of the most recognizable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
Because snoring can occur with or without an underlying sleep-related breathing disorder, it is important to determine the cause before deciding how to treat it.
Greenwich Smiles also offers customized snoring appliances for appropriate patients whose snoring has been properly evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
No. A medical doctor or sleep specialist diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea, typically with a sleep study. Dentists can play an important role in providing and managing oral appliance therapy after sleep apnea has been diagnosed and this form of treatment has been determined to be appropriate.
Is snoring always a sign of sleep apnea?
No. Snoring can occur without obstructive sleep apnea. However, loud or frequent snoring—particularly when accompanied by pauses in breathing, gasping, or excessive daytime sleepiness—should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
How does a sleep apnea oral appliance work?
The appliance repositions and stabilizes the lower jaw while you sleep, helping maintain space in the upper airway and reduce airway collapse.
Is an oral appliance the same as CPAP?
No. CPAP uses pressurized air delivered through a mask to help keep the airway open. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom dental device worn inside the mouth. The appropriate treatment depends on your diagnosis, individual needs, and your healthcare providers’ recommendations.
Can I travel with a sleep apnea appliance?
Yes. Oral appliances are small, portable, and do not require electricity, which can make them particularly convenient while traveling.
Do I need follow-up after receiving a sleep apnea appliance?
Yes. Follow-up allows your dentist to monitor the appliance’s fit and condition and check for changes in your teeth, gums, jaw, or bite. Your medical provider may also recommend follow-up sleep testing to confirm that treatment is effectively managing your sleep apnea.
How long does a sleep apnea appliance last?
The lifespan of an oral appliance varies depending on the device, nightly use, grinding or clenching habits, changes in your dental health, and how well you maintain the appliance. Regular follow-up allows your dentist to determine when adjustment, repair, or replacement may be needed.
Explore Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
If you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy has been recommended, Greenwich Smiles can help determine whether a custom dental sleep appliance is appropriate for your needs.
Contact our Greenwich office to learn more about oral appliance therapy and the next steps in coordinating your sleep apnea care.