Huntersville, NC Sleep Apnea Care
The Smile Architects offers sleep apnea care for patients in and around Huntersville, NC. Call 704-875-1621 today to learn more about our sleep medicine services and set up a visit.
Waking up tired despite a full night in bed, or feeling drowsy throughout the day, can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With sleep apnea, normal breathing patterns can be interrupted repeatedly through the night as the soft tissue in the airway relaxes and breathing becomes shallow or briefly stops. Each interruption can pull the body out of deep sleep, and this cycle may repeat dozens or even hundreds of times in a single night, often without the person ever being aware of it. Over time, this can prevent the kind of deep, restorative sleep the body needs.
Because sleep apnea can reduce oxygen intake, it may raise the risk of stress, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes, which is why seeking treatment can matter for overall health. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines can effectively treat sleep apnea, though many patients find them bulky or uncomfortable to use. Oral appliance therapy can offer a more comfortable option for many patients.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Helps Sleep Disorders
Oral appliance therapy is designed to gently reposition the lower jaw during sleep, which helps keep the soft tissue of the airway from relaxing and blocking normal breathing. Each appliance we provide is built to be comfortable and easy to wear, custom-fitted so it stays secure without restricting jaw movement, and it is FDA approved.
If you think you may have sleep apnea and would like an evaluation, or if you currently use a CPAP machine and would like to look into a more comfortable option, reach out to our office to discuss how we may be able to help.
Many people living with obstructive sleep apnea may find relief through a custom, removable oral appliance that repositions the lower jaw and tongue during sleep. Our office can design a personalized Optisleep® appliance intended to help maintain an open airway throughout the night.
OptiSleep Brings Better Technology to Better Sleep
Built with advanced technology that removes the need for a separate fitting appointment, OptiSleep is designed to encourage the lips to stay sealed so breathing can happen naturally through the nose.
This slim, sturdy, and comfortable two-piece oral appliance is designed to let you open your mouth naturally to talk or drink, and it can help reduce loud snoring.
- Two-Piece Oral Appliance Design
- Built from Durable Materials
- Slim, Low-Profile Shape
- Produced Through a Fully Digital Workflow
- Individual Tooth Undercuts
- Exchangeable Connector System
Common Questions About Sleep Apnea
What Warning Signs Point to Sleep Apnea?
Daytime sleepiness is often one of the more noticeable signs of sleep apnea, though other symptoms can include trouble concentrating, waking up with a sore throat or headache, and shifts in mood. A partner may also notice loud snoring, gasping, or choking sounds during sleep.
What Can Happen If Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can, over time, contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, memory difficulties, headaches, and weight gain. The ongoing fatigue that often comes with sleep disorders can also affect work performance, driving safety, and the ability to stay as active as you would like.
Are There Options Besides CPAP for Sleep Apnea?
Can a Mouthguard Help With Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea and bruxism, or teeth grinding, are often connected, and a mouthguard or nightguard made for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder may help ease some sleep disorder symptoms and snoring. That said, an oral appliance built specifically to treat sleep apnea is typically the more effective option.
How Is Sleep Apnea Typically Diagnosed?
A sleep study is typically considered the most reliable way to diagnose sleep apnea, though OSA can also be identified by reviewing a patient’s symptoms and examining the airway during an office visit.
Looking for a trusted dentist in Huntersville, NC? Get in touch with our office today to set up a visit.