Sleep Apnea Dental Devices

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to repeatedly stop breathing during the night. It is a serious sleeping disorder because you will often not know that breathing has stopped, and the body and brain can be deprived of oxygen for lengthy periods of time. However, a dental device for sleep apnea can help you get a good night’s sleep and take back your life.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it occurs when the muscles and soft tissue in the back of the throat relax so much that they collapse. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for mild to moderate sleep apnea. If you’re ready to start living your best life again, call Dr. Ema.

Why Treating Sleep Apnea is Important

Treating sleep apnea will not only help you stop snoring. and get a good night’s rest, but it will also help prevent serious side effects of sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes and are also at an increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Because your brain doesn’t get the oxygen it needs while you’re sleeping, sleep apnea is a serious condition that should be treated.

Start living your best life and take back your sleep!

Symptoms of sleep apnea

• Sleepiness throughout the day
• Excessive and extremely loud snoring
• Morning headaches
• Memory loss

Your sleep physician will diagnose your sleep apnea and will often perform a sleep study to determine whether you are a candidate for an oral appliance.

Treating Sleep Apnea

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for mild to moderate OSA. By supporting the jaw in a forward position, oral appliance therapy helps keep the airway open. At Printers Row Dental Studio, we treat sleep apnea by creating a customized dental device that is designed to push your jaw forward such that it supports the soft tissue and prevents your airways from becoming blocked while you sleep.

At Printers Row Dental Studio, we will work closely with you during your initial evaluation, where we will discuss the benefits, side effects, and cost of oral appliance therapy to help you make the most informed decision about how you want to treat your sleep apnea.

During your appointment with Dr. Ema, she will complete an examination of your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway. If need be, we will take new X-rays of your mouth. Your oral appliance will then be custom made in a lab. Once it is complete, you will have a fitting in our office. During this time, your dentist will ensure that the appliance fits properly and will work effectively. You will also learn how to care for and clean your appliance.

Your sleep physician will likely want you to do another sleep study to ensure that the oral appliance is working the way that it should. Dr. Ema will likely also want to see you for a follow up appointment to ensure that the appliance still fits appropriately and is working effectively.

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, a good night’s sleep may only be one oral appliance away. Call our office today at (312) 435-0411 or request an appointment online to schedule your appointment!