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Consulting an orthodontist for sleep apnea may not be the first solution that comes to mind, but it can be a game-changer in managing this sleep disorder effectively. At Advanced Emerald Dentistry, we understand that sleep apnea is more than just a nighttime nuisance; it’s a health challenge that can significantly impact your well-being.
We’ve dedicated ourselves to providing specialized oral appliance therapy, a modern approach that supports uninterrupted sleep and enhances your overall quality of life.
Sleep apnea is a common yet serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This isn’t just about loud snoring—it’s about ensuring your body gets the oxygen it needs without interruption.
There are two primary types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the more common form, involves physical blockages in the airway; central sleep apnea (CSA), less common, occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles controlling breathing.
Each night, individuals with untreated sleep apnea experience these stoppages in breathing, which can occur hundreds of times, each lasting from a few seconds to minutes. This disruption not only fractures sleep patterns but also triggers a drop in blood oxygen levels, forcing the body out of deep sleep into lighter sleep phases or momentary wakefulness to resume breathing. This fragmented sleep cycle can lead to excessive daytime tiredness, reduced cognitive function, and other serious health issues over time.
Here are the typical symptoms of sleep apnea:
Sleep apnea does not discriminate; it can impact anyone at any stage of life, from young children to older adults. However, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Some of the groups that are more susceptible to sleep apnea include:
At Advanced Emerald Dentistry, we utilize a comprehensive approach to diagnose sleep apnea, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized assessment:
Initial Consultation
Discuss symptoms and medical history.
Physical Examination
Focus on the throat, nose, and mouth to identify physical factors contributing to sleep apnea.
Sleep Study Referral
Following the assessment, our specialists analyze the data to determine the presence and severity of sleep apnea. The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which records the number of breathing interruptions per hour, is crucial for this evaluation. An AHI score helps classify the condition as mild, moderate, or severe, guiding the subsequent treatment strategy.
Oral appliance therapy is a noninvasive solution for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. The appliance works by supporting your jaw in a forward position while helping maintain an open upper airway to prevent sleep apnea and snoring.
Since it’s only worn during the night, your oral appliance represents a comfortable, discreet, easy-to-wear, simple-to-clean, and convenient solution that fits effortlessly into your lifestyle.
If your sleep test identifies an oral appliance as the best therapy, then our sleep apnea dentists.
At Advanced Emerald Dentistry, Dr. Abedi and our knowledgeable team have expanded our expertise in sleep apnea, employing a blend of comprehensive dentistry and cutting-edge technology to develop effective solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.
One of our most innovative approaches is the MATRx plus™ system—a breakthrough in sleep apnea management. This system allows you to undergo a simple overnight sleep test in the comfort of your own home. Utilizing a sophisticated cloud-based app, MATRx plus™ monitors your sleep and breathing patterns throughout the night, sending real-time data directly to our office.
Here’s how we tailor this treatment to individual needs:
Personalized Fitting
Each oral appliance is custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. The appliance gently holds the jaw in a forward position during sleep, which helps keep the airway open.
Variety of Appliances
We offer a range of appliance models to suit different mouth shapes and treatment needs, ensuring that every patient finds the perfect match.
You’ll be given your MATRx plus™ device for your at-home sleep test. You then need to set it up while you sleep.
We’ll review your results together and take some digital scans at the office. Then, your custom oral appliance is ordered, according to your exact specifications.
You’ll have your custom oral appliance fitting. After that, your TMJ/Sleep Specialist will inform you how to use it and take care of it.
The most common treatment is a CPAP machine. In this case, the patient wears a mask and the machine blows air into the nose all night.
Oral appliance therapy is a less-invasive option (which we employ). It involves the fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance that’s worn during your sleep. This appliance helps to maintain an open airway throughout the night.Yes, children can suffer from sleep apnea, with symptoms that may include snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, restlessness, moodiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and bedwetting.
Yes, sleep apnea is associated with several health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, liver problems, metabolic syndrome, and worsened heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
You should consider being tested for sleep apnea if you experience loud, chronic snoring, breathing cessation during sleep observed by another person, abrupt awakenings with shortness of breath, morning headaches, or difficulty staying asleep (insomnia).
To help manage sleep apnea, consider losing weight if you’re overweight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, quitting smoking, and maintaining regular sleep hours to ensure adequate rest.
Don’t let sleep apnea steal your silence in the night and your energy during the day. At Advanced Emerald Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the revitalizing power of a good night’s sleep. If you’re tired of waking up tired, it’s time to take action.
Contact Advanced Emerald Dentistry today and start on the path to better sleep, better health, and a better life. Let us help you make restful nights a regular reality.
With two convenient locations in Puyallup and Graham, WA, we are proud to serve the residents of Pierce County and surrounding areas.