Sleep Apnea Treatment

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common but serious condition that affects an estimated 40 million Americans and nearly one billion people worldwide. It occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and reduced oxygen levels.

These blockages are often caused by abnormalities in the structure of the mouth, nose, or throat—such as improper nasal breathing, allergies, tongue posture, or muscle tone. Without proper airflow, both the body and brain can suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to daytime drowsiness, poor sleep quality, and long-term health risks. In children, untreated OSA can affect growth and development.

Why Treat Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt sleep—it can have serious consequences for your overall health. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and other chronic conditions. For children, it can affect focus, behavior, and development. The good news? Effective treatments are available—and many start right here at your dental office.

Personalized Sleep Apnea Therapy

Every person’s sleep apnea experience is different, which is why we begin with a careful diagnostic process called the **Seattle Protocol**. This approach helps us find the most effective, comfortable treatment for your needs.

The Seattle Protocol: Step-by-Step

1. Initial Screening: We begin with a home sleep study or sleep quality screening device to gather baseline data.
2. Nasal Breathing Therapy: For two weeks, you’ll focus on improving nasal breathing. This includes nightly routines like cleaning the nose and using medical-grade tape to gently close the lips, encouraging nasal airflow.
3. Sleep Appliance Trials: Steps 2 through 6 involve trying different temporary oral appliances. We evaluate each device’s effect on your sleep quality and symptoms.
4. Customized Treatment: Once we find the device that works best, we fit you with a permanent oral appliance tailored to your mouth and condition.

Common Treatment Options

CPAP Machines

One standard treatment is the **CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)** machine, which uses pressurized air to keep your airways open while you sleep. It’s highly effective, though not always the preferred solution for everyone.

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

Often introduced at the final stage of the Seattle Protocol, this custom-fitted oral appliance gently repositions the lower jaw forward, helping to open the airway and improve airflow overnight.

Advanced Therapies & Support

Myofunctional Therapy

This therapy involves exercises that retrain the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat. A certified therapist will design a custom program to strengthen these muscles and promote better airway function.

Mandibular Arch Expansion

For individuals with a narrow or misaligned lower jaw, jaw expansion procedures may be recommended:

• For Children: A lip bumper or screw-activated mandibular expander can gently widen the jaw.
• For Adults: Surgically-Facilitated Orthodontic Therapy (SFOT) improves bone volume and tooth alignment, often moving teeth 2–3 times faster than traditional orthodontics. Recovery typically takes about four months.

Surgical Options

In more complex cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to reposition the jaw or adjust bone structure. These treatments are performed by an experienced interdisciplinary team.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

If you or your child suffers from snoring, fatigue, or other signs of sleep apnea, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to explore treatment options and begin the path to better, safer sleep.