Sleep Apnea
When the jaw opens and the tongue falls into the back of the throat, the airway narrows forcing air through the small opening. This creates vibrations in the throat known as snoring. Snoring is a red flag for a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Most treatments for snoring attempt to keep the breathing passage open. Custom made dental appliances are very effective for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems are often used to help control sleep apnea and the snoring associated with it, however these devices can be very uncomfortable and there is low patient compliance. There are surgical options available for correcting snoring which usually involve removal of tissue from the uvula and pharynx, but these surgeries are invasive and can result in a lengthy and uncomfortable recovery period following the surgery.
At our clinic we combine our custom-made patented TWILITE ™ appliance with NIGHTLASE ™ laser for improved outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring treatments.
NightLase® Before and After
Up to 18-24% of the general population and 40-60% of individuals over age 60 snore. Close to 100% of snorers have apnea (reduced air) tendencies with snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the air-way completely collapses blocking airflow into the lungs. The harder one tries to breath, the tighter the airway seals. This airway obstruction persists until the brain partially awakens the person. Unconsciously, he/she will close the jaw returning the tongue and the throat to a normal position.
The sleep apnea cycle-falling asleep, jaw relaxing, airway collapsing, unconsciously awakening with a gasp, falling back asleep-can repeat itself 50 or more times per hour during the night. With a blocked air passage, one does not receive enough oxygen. Both the awakenings and oxygen deprivation can then trigger other serious health problems.
The HA® is a new therapy available to those who snore or have sleep apnea. The appliance is similar to an athletic mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. Developed with advanced technology over the past 22 years of clinical trials, the HA ® reduces sleep apnea associated health risks without the need for surgery, medications, or other more cumbersome therapy.
Sleep apnea can cause:
- Chronic Sleepiness
- Strokes
- Heart Attacks
- Memory Problems
- Morning Headaches
- Depression
- High Blood Pressure