Sleep Apnea Education
Medical Insurance Approved, We Are In-Network
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep.
These interruptions can lead to poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and increased risk of health issues such as heart disease and stroke.
Although this disorder is commonly dismissed as snoring, it should be treated to avoid serious repercussions.
Modern Sleep Airway & Orthodontics Can Help
Modern Sleep Airway & Orthodontics is committed to providing care for people experiencing sleep apnea.
Our specialized approach and advanced treatment options make us a trusted provider for sleep apnea treatments.
Schedule a consultation with us today to start addressing your sleep issues, and keep reading to learn more about this disorder.
What is Sleep Apnea?
These interruptions are often not noticeable to you as you sleep, but they can have heavy consequences.
Sleep apnea impacts how much oxygen the body receives, which impacts the heart, brain, and other vital organs.
Types of Sleep Apnea
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when muscles in the throat relax excessively and block the airway.
Another form of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that keep you breathing at night.
Some patients may experience a combination of both forms, which is called complex sleep apnea.
These breathing disruptions lower the quality of your sleep, making you feel fatigued even after a full night’s rest.
Sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes when left untreated.
This is why it’s essential to diagnose the condition early.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Loud Snoring
This is often the most noticeable sign, usually noticed by a partner
Gasping for Air During Sleep
Gasping and choking at night can be caused by interrupted breathing
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
You’ll feel exhausted because your body keeps having small interruptions to your sleep
Morning Headaches
Oxygen deprivation can create painful headaches near your temples upon waking
Difficulty Concentrating
Lack of restful sleep impacts cognitive function
Mood Change
Irritability and depression can result from chronic fatigue
Causes of Sleep Apnea
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea.
Excess Weight:
Fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing
Age:
Your risk of sleep apnea increases as you get older
Gender:
Men are more likely to develop sleep apnea
Family History:
Genetics can play a role. It’s more likely you will develop the disorder if a family member has it
Alcohol and Sedative Use:
These substances relax throat muscles, which block the airway and cause apneas
Smoking:
This habit increases inflammation and fluid retention in the airway
Sleep Apnea Treatment Methods
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is one of the most widely used and most effective sleep apnea treatments.
Our clinic refers clients to trusted sleep physicians for this option.
CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a machine that delivers a steady stream of air during sleep. This keeps your airway open and prevents apneas from occurring.
It is highly effective in moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea, significantly improving sleep quality.
Oral Appliances
Custom-fitted oral appliances offer a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP therapy.
These devices reposition your jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep, improving airflow and reducing snoring.
Oral appliances are easy to use, portable, and ideal for those with mild to severe sleep apnea, or those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine.
Airway Expansion
Airway expansion treatments address structural issues in your airway by widening it to stop sleep apnea from occurring.
Jaw expansion and other orthodontic procedures help improve your airflow.
This relieves sleep apnea symptoms and corrects the underlying anatomical causes so you can enjoy long-term relief from the disorder.
Airway expansion is especially beneficial for younger patients because it can promote proper facial development and prevent future breathing issues.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle adjustments can play a significant role in managing sleep apnea.
Weight loss can reduce excess tissue around the airway to improve breathing.
Changing sleep positions, such as sleeping on your side, can help prevent airway obstruction.
Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bedtime reduces muscle relaxation in the throat, decreasing the likelihood of airway collapse
.
Establishing a regular sleep routine also supports better sleep quality and overall health.
The Process of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Working with Modern Sleep Airway & Orthodontics
Dr. Lindsay, a practicing dentist, was inspired to pursue this field after witnessing the impact of sleep apnea within his own family.
We treat patients of all ages and provide airway orthodontics, a specialized service not available at all dental offices.
Modern Sleep Airway & Orthodontics provides compassionate, individualized care designed to improve your sleep and life.
Contact Us
Better sleep is as simple as a phone call or a few clicks.
Set up your appointment today and get ready to embrace healthier, happier days and restful nights.