Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, interrupting your breathing. It can affect energy, mood and long-term health.
Signs
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing noticed by a partner, or waking up gasping
- Daytime tiredness, even after a full night in bed
- Morning headaches, dry mouth or a sore throat
- Difficulty concentrating
How dentistry helps
A custom oral appliance gently holds the lower jaw slightly forward to keep the airway open. It can be a good option for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, or for those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
The process
- Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, usually through a sleep study. We cannot diagnose it from a dental exam alone
- With your diagnosis, we review your health, teeth and jaw to see if an appliance is suitable
- The appliance is custom made, then fitted and adjusted
- Follow-up visits check the fit, your comfort and your symptoms, and your doctor checks that it is working
If you snore or feel tired all the time, start by talking to your doctor. We are happy to work with them.