Sleep apnea is a condition where the afflicted are not able to breathe properly when they are sleeping because the airway becomes obstructed. It can be a debilitating condition for those who have it, as it can disturb normal sleep patterns, causing you to not get enough rest. People with sleep apnea can experience hundreds of episodes every night without being aware of it. 

Here at Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center, we have a sleep dentist who can utilize oral applications to help treat sleep apnea. We understand how debilitating sleep apnea can be, and we tailor our sleep apnea treatment to fit your individual needs. 

Ready to speak with an experienced sleep dentist?

What is Sleep Apnea?

Before getting into treatments for sleep apnea, it is important to have an understanding of what it is. The technical name for the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and it is a condition where the affected are not able to breathe properly while sleeping. A study conducted by Stanford University showed that one out of three severe snorers were found to have a chronic degree of sleep apnea. 

Through the night, sufferers of sleep apnea will experience what are known as apneas (the temporary inability to breathe) that may last as long as 40 seconds. This causes your brain to wake you up enough that you’ll move and can resume breathing. Most people who have sleep apnea do not know that they have it until they are observed by a spouse or a sleeping partner. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Loud snoring
• High blood pressure
• Nighttime sweating
• Morning headache
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking

Treatments for Sleep Apnea We Provide in the Chicagoland Area

At Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center, we offer oral appliance therapy to help treat sleep apnea. Oral appliances are a treatment from dental professionals that are adjustable appliances worn in the mouth during sleep. The custom made oral appliance maintains the lower jaw in a forward position. When these appliances are used correctly, sleep apnea can be reduced or even eliminated. 

Compared to other types of sleep apnea treatment, oral appliances have the following advantages:

• Comfortable
• Quiet
• Easy to wear
• Portable
• Easy to take care of

For certain patients, oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP pressure therapy. 

What to Expect

Before starting you on sleep apnea treatment, our sleep dentist will likely recommend that you take an at-home sleep apnea test such as the Apnea Risk Evaluation System. This patient-friendly home test device allows you to test your own sleep from the comfort of your own home. If the test results indicate that you have sleep apnea, it is recommended that you seek treatment. 

Get in Touch With an Illinois Sleep Apnea Dentist

If you wish to get tested for sleep apnea or begin oral treatments, do not hesitate to get in touch with our sleep apnea dentist.