If you have sleep apnea or other sleep-related disorders, dental sleep medicine may be the solution you need. Meadows Center for Sleep Health specializes in providing effective, noninvasive treatments to help our patients achieve better sleep and improved health through customized oral appliances.
As highly-trained dentists, Dr. Evans and Dr. Ziemba are uniquely qualified to treat the oral-related causes and symptoms of sleep disorders. In many cases, an airway issue is an underlying cause of sleep apnea. Our in-depth understanding of the airway and how it functions provides a foundation for comprehensive treatment and solutions that can address symptoms.
What is Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on treating sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic snoring, using custom-made oral appliances. These devices are an excellent alternative to CPAP machines, offering a small, discreet, and easy-to-wear option for managing sleep apnea.
These oral appliances work by keeping your airway open during sleep. They gently reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent the soft tissues in the throat from collapsing and blocking airflow. Dental sleep medicine is non-invasive, especially for those who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These interruptions, called apneas, are often caused by the relaxation of throat muscles or the position of the tongue, which obstructs the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and an increased risk of accidents from sleep deprivation. Dental sleep medicine provides an effective and non-invasive way to manage this condition.
How Dental Sleep Medicine Works
At our office in Longmeadow, MA, we begin with a detailed consultation and evaluation. If sleep apnea is suspected, we may recommend a sleep study with a local physician to confirm the diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, we can create a personalized oral appliance to help manage your symptoms.
These oral appliances are custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and effectiveness. They are easy to wear and offer a portable, convenient alternative to traditional CPAP machines, making them a preferred choice for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or other sleep-related disorders.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea with Dental Sleep Medicine
Using dental sleep medicine to treat sleep apnea offers many advantages:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Oral appliances promote uninterrupted, restorative sleep.
- Non-Invasive Option: Provides effective relief without surgery.
- Increased Comfort: Appliances are lightweight, compact, and less obtrusive than CPAP machines.
- Better Overall Health: Treating sleep apnea lowers the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Reduced Snoring: Helps minimize or eliminate snoring for a better night’s sleep for you and your partner.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sleep Medicine?
Dental sleep medicine is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. It’s also effective for chronic snorers who do not have sleep apnea but want to improve their sleep quality. Our team collaborates with sleep specialists and physicians to ensure you receive the most effective treatment plan.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Sleep Disorders
At Meadows Center for Sleep Health, our expertise in both oral health and sleep medicine means you’ll receive comprehensive care tailored to your needs. When screening for conditions like sleep apnea, we evaluate the structure and function of the airway, which can be a cause of a sleep disorder. We also look for signs of sleep disorders in the mouth, which are often similar to the signs of a bite problem. Understanding how your airway functions and whether you are breathing comfortably and continually during sleep are key components of both diagnosis and successful treatment.
Good oral health plays a key role in the success of dental sleep medicine. Conditions like tooth misalignment, jaw disorders, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can affect the fit and effectiveness of oral appliances. Regular dental check-ups ensure your appliance remains in optimal condition and continues to provide relief.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Sleep Medicine
Our team is committed to helping you achieve healthier sleep and improved well-being through dental sleep medicine. Whether you’re struggling with sleep apnea, chronic snoring, or other sleep-related issues, we are here to provide solutions that work for you.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our office in Longmeadow, MA. Start your journey to better sleep, health, and quality of life.