Breathe Easier, Sleep Better: How Your Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea
If you or a loved one struggles with snoring, daytime fatigue, or restless sleep, you may be dealing with more than just poor sleep habits—it could be sleep apnea. This common yet serious condition affects millions of people and often goes undiagnosed. As a dental office that cares about your overall health, we’re here to explain what sleep apnea is, why it matters, and how we can help with a comfortable alternative to traditional treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, blocking the airway. This interruption in breathing can happen dozens—or even hundreds—of times per night.
Why Is It Important to Treat Sleep Apnea?
Untreated sleep apnea is more than just snoring or being tired during the day. It’s been linked to serious health problems such as:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Depression
Poor concentration and memory
Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents
Simply put: sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your sleep—it affects your life.
The CPAP Standard—And Its Challenges
The CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is widely considered the gold standard treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It works by delivering a steady stream of air to keep your airway open during sleep.
However, not everyone finds CPAP easy to live with. Common complaints include:
Discomfort from the mask
Difficulty sleeping with the equipment
Claustrophobia
Skin irritation
Noise issues
Because of these challenges, many patients don’t use their CPAP consistently—or stop using it altogether.
A Comfortable Alternative: Dental Sleep Appliances
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance can be a safe, effective, and comfortable alternative to CPAP.
These appliances, similar to a mouthguard, work by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open while you sleep. They are:
Comfortable and easy to wear
Quiet and discreet
Portable for travel
Easy to clean and maintain
Our Partnership with Dynaflex
We’re proud to partner with Dynaflex, a trusted leader in dental sleep medicine, to provide high-quality, custom-fit sleep appliances designed to help you breathe better and sleep deeper. Each device is tailored to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you may have it, we’re here to help. Our team can work closely with your sleep physician to determine if a dental sleep appliance is right for you.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help you get the restful, healthy sleep you deserve.
Sleep better. Live better. We’ve got your back—starting with your airway.