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Obstructive
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat and tongue relax. This causes the airway to completely or partially collapse which cuts off the air supply to the body. Lack of oxygen is detrimental to the overall health of the body and can cause major health conditions such as strokes, heart attacks and increase the risk of other conditions like high blood pressure, acid reflux and diabetes.
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea and have varying levels of severity. It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Of which, 80% of cases of moderate to severe OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated.
At the office of Herald Family Dentistry, we understand how important sleep is for brain performance, mood and overall health. We strive to help every patient who struggles with OSA and snoring to find a solution.
What’s the Difference Between Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but not all people who snore have OSA, and not all people who have sleep apnea snore. Snoring that is related to OSA tends to be loud and sound as if a person is choking, snorting or gasping, OSA causes disturbances in sleep and often disrupts the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.
The main difference between snoring and sleep apnea is the severity of the condition. Snoring can be harmless, but sleep apnea can lead to a number of health problems. Those include high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity.
When Should You Become Concerned About Your Snoring?
Suffer from daytime drowsiness?
Snore 3 or more times per week?
Have a lack of focus or mental sharpness?
Wake your partner from loud snoring?
Wake up gasping or choking?
Suffer from high blood pressure?
How We Can Help
At Herald Family Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliances made for your specific needs. An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that mimics an orthodontic retainer. This oral appliance is worn only during sleep, and maintains an open, unobstructed airway and prevents sleep apnea and snoring.
We understand how important sleep is for brain performance, mood and overall health. We strive to help every patient who struggles with OSA and snoring to find a solution.
What Our patients are saying
I got an oral sleep apnea device through Herald Family Dentistry last September. The process was very easy. The staff was very helpful and addressed all my questions and concerns. I am very happy with the device. It is comfortable and non-invasive. Far better than the alternative of having to wear a mask every night. I sleep very soundly and have none of the sleep apnea symptoms that I previously experienced. I recommend highly.
Donald C.
I have suffered from sleep apnea for many years. I have been to sleep studies and tried c-pap machines with various masks at intervals over the last several decades and found it impossible to adjust to them. About 20 years ago I tried a mouth device that had my bottom jaw extremely protruded that it aggravated my TMJ problem awfully bad so that was not the answer. Then I learned at Joe Herald Dentistry about a comfortable mouth device to help correct sleep apnea and quiet down my loud snoring. The adjustments are made gradually and it does not bother my TMJ problem. My family is very happy with my quieter sleep. Another bonus is it acts as a retainer while I sleep since having my braces off years ago. It's affordable and health insurance will often give a sizeable reimbursement. Very grateful!
Ginny K.