Sleep Apnea

Approximately 25 million adults in the United States suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, and more than three times that number snore.

Sleep apnea is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder involving repeated pauses in breathing while asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when there is an obstruction of an individual's airway that interferes with the flow of oxygen through the nose or mouth during sleep.

Signs and symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings, gasping for air, difficulties getting a good night's sleep, morning headache, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

One common form of therapy is a CPAP machine. Oral appliances are often prescribed in cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring. Worn like a mouthguard or an orthodontic retainer, an oral appliance helps keep the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing.

Treatment, including selecting and constructing each appliance, is based on a complete analysis of your needs, oral anatomy, and precise impressions of your teeth.