TMJ, Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects over 18 million people in the U.S. Unfortunately, it is estimated that most people do not know they have sleep apnea and/or do not follow up with treatment due to intolerance issues or lack of information. When sleep apnea remains untreated it can lead to serious health implications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, brain damage, diabetes, depression, obesity, and impotency.

Millions of people struggle with their CPAP. Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our oral appliances as a vital treatment solution.

Serious Risk to Your Health

• Untreated sleep apnea can be a contributing risk factor in high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and depression.
• There are five times greater risk of dying from cancer when you have untreated sleep apnea.
• 83% of people who suffer from high blood pressure (despite taking three or more drugs), also have sleep apnea
• Almost 70% of people who have suffered a stroke have sleep apnea
• A person with untreated sleep apnea is seven times more likely to have a car accident
• 60-65% of diabetic patients have obstructive sleep apnea
• Sleep apnea can cause impotence

Snoring: Is it keeping your bed partner awake?
Snoring is more than an annoyance to those around you; it may be an alarm bell indicating a much more serious problem like sleep apnea.   Snoring can indicate a decrease in sleep quality or quantity. Inadequate sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, weight gain, memory loss, acid reflux, headaches and other health ramifications. In addition, if your snoring is so loud that your bed partner can’t sleep, both of you can be suffering these effects because you aren’t getting quality sleep aat night.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is defined as a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. A person with obstructive sleep apnea may experience shallow breathing and possible pauses in breath, which may look disturbing. The breathing interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes per episode. These disturbances cause restless sleep which can make someone feel extremely fatigued during the day.  They can also complicate and worsen many common health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, erectile dysfunction, and   stroke. Sleep apnea also raises your risk of dying during treatment for cancer.

What Are the Treatment Options?

Sleep apnea treatment involves maintaining an open airway during sleep and preventing the airway from collapsing. Treatment options include: a CPAP machine, an oral appliance or various types of surgery involving the nasal and/or oral airways. The blocked airway is caused by an obstruction in the airway anatomy that limits or prevents air from passing through the airway. An example of oral devices are also shown above.

How Does an Oral Appliance Work and When Is It Used?

An oral appliance is a custom fabricated mouthpiece that is like an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouth guard. The appliance is worn over the teeth and it functions to keep the airway from collapsing during sleep. Airway maintenance is achieved by comfortably repositioning the lower jaw and tongue forward or by restraining the tongue to keep the airway open.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral sleep appliances as a first line treatment option for individuals with mild or moderate sleep apnea or for those who are unable to use CPAP successfully. Oral appliances are also considered for those who are not candidates for surgery or for those who do not prefer to pursue airway surgery.

What Are the Benefits of an Oral Appliance?
Oral sleep appliances can be a comfortable and convenient treatment option in the management of snoring and sleep apnea. For those that cannot tolerate a CPAP, they are easy to use, travel-friendly and covered by many medical insurances.  These appliances can also protect teeth and treat tmj.

Does Insurance Pay for Oral Appliances?
Yes. Many medical (not dental) insurance companies pay for the cost of oral sleep appliance treatment if proper medical protocol  is followed by an experienced and qualified provider.

Am I Eligible for a Home Sleep Test?
Home sleep testing is a recognized procedure for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of sleep disordered breathing.

If you meet the following criteria, you can take a home sleep test.

• You are between 18 and 65 years of age;
• You snore or are at risk of mild, moderate or severe sleep apnea;
• You have no other medical conditions