Do you ever wake up feeling like you barely slept? Does your partner nudge you at night because of loud snoring? Do you struggle with daytime fatigue, brain fog, or frequent headaches? If so, you might be suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a serious but treatable sleep disorder.
OSA occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, allowing soft tissue to collapse and block your airway. This can cause you to stop breathing for seconds (or minutes) at a time. In response, your brain wakes you up to restart breathing, often without you realizing it. This constant cycle disrupts your sleep, leading to daytime exhaustion and long-term health risks. An estimated 54 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea.
Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases as you age
- Weight: Excess weight contributes to airway obstruction
- Anatomy: A naturally narrow airway, recessed chin, or misaligned jaw can make breathing more difficult at night
- Family History: If sleep apnea runs in your family, your chances of having it are higher
Obstructive sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep; it’s also associated with some scary things like:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Impaired Cognitive Functioning
- Alzheimer
Treatment
A sleep evaluation will determine if you have sleep apnea and help guide the best course of treatment. While a CPAP is the traditional treatment for sleep apnea, many patients find them uncomfortable or difficult to use. Oral appliance therapy may be an alternative for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who struggle with CPAP therapy. Custom oral appliances made by a trained dentist keep the airway open by gently positioning the jaw or tongue. They are comfortable and an effective alternative that’s quieter, easier to use and travel friendly. Many medical insurance companies cover this form of treatment. The result? Better sleep, less snoring, and improved overall health.
Dr. Callahan is a Qualified Dentist and Diplomate in Dental Sleep Medicine. To make your personalized appliance, she’ll take a digital impression of your teeth. Once your oral appliance has been created – often in as little as 3 weeks – she will show you how to wear it and adjust it to ensure maximum comfort and efficacy. You can begin using your oral appliance during sleep right away. You’ll soon start to experience deeper sleep, less snoring, and a better quality of rest. Many patients report near-immediate relief from their sleep apnea symptoms.
We will schedule follow-up appointments. At these quick sessions, we will ensure your oral appliance works effectively and fits comfortably to treat your symptoms.
If you’re ready to take control of your sleep and health, schedule a consultation with us today! A simple visit to the Dentist could be the key to waking up rested, refreshed, and healthier than ever.
Our office works closely with Sleep Physicians to help patients find the best treatment option for their lifestyle. Schedule your consultation today at (301)948-1212!
