Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) are both caused by a collapse of the upper airway when the muscles relax during sleep, causing the patient to stop breathing during the night. The largest muscle, and most likely culprit for this problem of airway collapse, is the tongue. The tongue muscle is much larger than most people realize. The tongue is present in the oral cavity (mouth) but it also extends down the throat and beyond throughout most of the length of the collapsible upper airway.

Dental Sleep Solutions^® dentists have obtained specialty training in oral appliance therapy, allowing us to fit custom FDA-approved dental devices (sometime called mandibular advancement devices or dental sleep devices) that help control the collapsing of the tongue into the airway, allowing patients to stop snoring and sleep and breath easier throughout the night. A dental sleep device looks similar to a sports mouth guard and can be comfortably worn in the mouth during sleep.  The dental devices help prevent snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Oral appliance therapy helps prevent the collapse of the tongue into the airway by moving the jaw forward, allowing air to flow from your mouth into your lungs so you can breathe.  Opening the airway decreases snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Most people find these devices much more comfortable than CPAP (the other primary treatment for OSA and snoring) and far less invasive and more predictable than surgery. To learn about alternative methods to treat snoring and sleep apnea click here.

Dental Sleep Solutions^® dentists have the specialized knowledge and training to choose and fit an oral appliance that works perfectly for you.  Many dentists claim they can provide treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), but only Dental Sleep Solutions® dentists have received the rigorous training necessary to ensure that you are treated properly.  Don’t trust your health to a non-specialist – make sure that you receive treatment from a qualified dentist with advanced training in sleep medicine. All Dental Sleep Solutions^® dentists are here to help you with the knowledge and clinical experience you deserve.