Sleep Apnea

When Snoring Gets Serious

Do you or your partner snore so loudly and frequently that your bed has become the site of a nightly battle for a good night’s rest? While snoring may seem like a trivial issue, it might be a sign that there is something more serious going on.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common and dangerous sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans, while many cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms are largely present during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep, obstructing the airway and preventing normal breathing. The lack of oxygen and constant sleep disruptions can have serious consequences for your quality of sleep, quality of life during the day, and your overall health.

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Signs & SymptomsSome of the warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include (most symptoms occur during sleep):

Loud, frequent snoring
Choking or gasping for air
Breathing & sleep disruptions
Frequent urination
Excessive daytime sleepiness & fatigue
Dry mouth or throat, especially in the morning
Insomnia, nightmares
Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings
Weight gain
Chronic headache or migraine

Health ConcernsSleep apnea has direct effects on your quality of sleep, your quality of life during the day, and your overall health. The only time the body can repair itself is during sleep, and if you are unable to find restful sleep night after night, your health will begin a downward spiral. Sleep apnea greatly increases your risk of developing systemic health problems including:

High blood pressure
Stroke
Heart disease
Heart attack
Diabetes
Chronic acid reflux
Erectile dysfunction
Death

Risk FactorsWhile anyone can develop sleep apnea, there are certain factors that increase your risk. You are at a higher risk for developing sleep apnea if you are:

Male
Overweight
Have a large neck
Over age 40
Have a family history of sleep apnea
Drink alcohol or use sedatives or tranquilizers
Smoke tobacco
Nasal congestion
Narrow airway

Treatment Options

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are several treatment options available to you. The CPAP machine is one of the most common treatment options, although many patients find the device intolerable. A CPAP machine connects to an oxygen mask that you wear during sleep to provide a continuous flow of oxygen and prevent the airway from collapsing. However, many patients are unable to find restful sleep while wearing the device, thus rendering treatment ineffective.

There are also surgical procedures for the treatment of sleep apnea, although all of them have varying side effects and rates of success. At A Smile By Design, we believe that this should be your last resort.

Oral Appliance Therapy

At A Smile By Design, we are proud to offer oral appliance therapy as a successful and predictable treatment option for our sleep apnea patients. Oral appliance therapy uses a device (oral appliance) that fits like a mouthguard that you wear during sleep. The device gently shifts the lower jaw forward, preventing the airway from collapsing, and allowing patients to breathe normally throughout the night.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Our sleep apnea patients have been able to get back their nights, their days, their health, and their lives with non-invasive oral appliance therapy. Patients love their oral appliance therapy device because it is:

Comfortable
Easy to wear
Non-invasive
Silent
Portable
Convenient
Easy to care for
Custom made just for you

Reclaim Restful Sleep!

If you’re ready to take ownership of your health and treat your sleep apnea, we would love to speak with you about oral appliance therapy. Call A Smile by Design – Dr. Vogler today, or request an appointment online! Helping Sleep Apnea Patients all over Livingston County, NY.

(585) 207-6291

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64 Elizabeth Street
Dansville, NY 14437
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Monday	8:30am-5:00pm
Tuesday	8:30am-5:00pm
Wednesday	8:30am-5:00pm
Thursday	8:30am-5:00pm