Sleep Apnea Treatment | Scottsdale

Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which breathing is interrupted and repeatedly starts and stops during sleep. Because of the interrupted breathing, there is potential for a lack of oxygen to the brain.

There are three main types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): The most common form of sleep apnea, it occurs when the throat muscles collapse during sleep.
• Central sleep apnea: The brain doesn’t send the necessary signals to the muscles telling them to breathe.
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome: This is a combination of OSA and central sleep apnea.

The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea are:

• Loud snoring
• Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Forgetfulness, attention problems, irritability
• Abrupt awakenings and restless sleep
• Insomnia

There are several potential treatments for sleep apnea. These include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
• Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP)
• Expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP)
• Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)
• Surgery

In this situation, using an oral appliance to keep the airway open may work better. Most patients can tolerate an oral appliance better and find it easier to use than CPAP.

OAT is a removable appliance. It works works by advancing the lower jaw forward, and this helps to open up the airway. OAT can reduce snoring and is effective in treating mild to moderate OSA cases.

Making your oral appliance is straightforward and easy. It is no different than the process of making a mouth guard or bleaching trays.

Impression molds will be taken of the upper and lower teeth. After that a recording of your bite will also be taken. These materials will be sent to a laboratory to make your oral appliance.