Sleep Apnea and Snoring

We have been treating patients with snoring and sleep apnea since 2008. There are several types of dental sleep appliances that can help with these 2 conditions and it is important to understand the difference between the conditions and the appropriate treatment types for both.

Snoring is the harsh sound that occurs when your breathing is partially obstructed in some way while you are sleeping. Snoring occurs when air flows past relaxed tissues in your throat, causing the tissues to vibrate as you breathe, generating the irritating sounds. In some cases, snoring may indicate a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s rest. There are two main types of sleep apnea, central and the more common obstructive. Dental sleep appliances can treat the latter. If you have been told you snore or want to discuss treatments, please let us know.

The Effects of Sleep Apnea

While you sleep, the soft tissues in the back of your neck relax. For some people, the airway narrows to the point that it causes vibrations, which lead to snoring.

In some cases, your air passage can become completely blocked. This is called obstructive sleep apnea and is more serious. This interrupted breathing leads to oxygen deprivation and serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure.