Sleep apnea isn’t just about abrupt pauses in breathing or taking shallow breaths when you sleep — it can disrupt your rest so that all areas of your life get compromised.
When you sleep, and suddenly your breathing stops for a few moments, it’s known as sleep apnea. These pauses can be brief or last for several seconds, and they might happen many times within an hour. When breathing returns, it often does so with a loud snort or a choking sound, which can jerk you out of a restful sleep cycle. This results in tiredness, fatigue, and lethargy the next day.
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can result in a plethora of medical issues, including:
Just because you snore doesn’t automatically mean you have sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when air causes your throat tissues to vibrate because they aren’t moving freely. However, snoring with breathing pauses and gasping for air could be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Make sure to consult with your primary care physician about your symptoms. They can conduct a physical examination and guide you toward a sleep study to confirm OSA.
If you already have the diagnosis and were prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) mask to manage your sleep apnea. Still, if you can’t continue with it, Sleep Better Metrowest has an innovative solution.
We offer custom-made oral appliances that reposition your lower jaw and tongue and help keep your airway unblocked throughout the night. This means no more airway blockages by your tongue and uninterrupted breathing while you sleep. These dental devices are intended to be worn in your mouth, similar to sports mouthguards or orthodontic retainers.
If you found CPAP therapy uncomfortable or it simply did not suit your lifestyle, an oral appliance might be a good alternative. These devices are beneficial for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. They are also a viable option for those who travel frequently, struggle with the noise or feel of a CPAP machine, or find it challenging to use CPAP every night.
Treating sleep apnea is easier than you might think and doesn’t have to alter your daily routine. Our devices are designed to improve your nighttime rest and help prevent further health complications. They meet FDA standards and are made to be gentle on your jaw, ensuring both snoring and sleep apnea are managed effectively. What sets our appliance apart is its personalized fit and the ease with which it can be adjusted per your dental structure.
If you were diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, you’re likely a solid candidate for our oral appliance therapy. Those with severe cases might need more aggressive treatments, though some with severe apnea find relief if they cannot tolerate CPAP.
Another important factor is the structure of your mouth and throat. Oral appliances work by moving the jaw forward to keep the airway open. If a sleep provider believes your jaw structure and airway anatomy are conducive, an appliance could be effective. We recommend getting a thorough physical examination by your primary health provider to ensure you don’t have an ENT (ear, nose, throat) issue that might contribute to your sleep apnea because those can only be treated with surgery or a laser procedure.
On the other hand, if your OSA is due to a dental obstruction, Dr. Ghaly at Sleep Better Metrowest can create a device to correct it. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, our appliances are specifically made for each patient. During your first appointment with us, we take precise measurements and dental impressions to craft a perfect device that fits your mouth.
We then schedule follow-up appointments to keep a close eye on the fit and effectiveness of the appliance – and adjust it as necessary – to ensure it is working properly.
Please note that if you have weak teeth, limited jaw mobility, gum disease, or any other dental issue, oral appliance therapy may not be an option for you. During an initial consultation, we can discuss more about your dental health and lifestyle preferences so you can make an informed decision.
On the other hand, if your OSA is due to a dental obstruction, Dr. Ghaly at Sleep Better Metrowest can create a device to correct it. Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, our appliances are specifically made for each patient. During your first appointment with us, we take precise measurements and dental impressions to craft a perfect device that fits your mouth.
We then schedule follow-up appointments to keep a close eye on the fit and effectiveness of the appliance – and adjust it as necessary – to ensure it is working properly.
Please note that if you have weak teeth, limited jaw mobility, gum disease, or any other dental issue, oral appliance therapy may not be an option for you. During an initial consultation, we can discuss more about your dental health and lifestyle preferences so you can make an informed decision.
Learning to live with sleep apnea can feel like a dead end, but Sleep Better Metrowest is here to show you it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have received a sleep apnea diagnosis, we encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Dr. Ghaly. What makes him unique is his personal battle with obstructive sleep apnea. Dissatisfied with CPAP options, he invented an oral appliance that cured his condition almost overnight – an experience he has replicated for thousands of patients across Massachusetts.
Proudly serving: Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough, Berlin, Hudson, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Framingham, Holliston, Grafton, Upton, Ashland, Acton, Natick, Wayland, Sudbury, Hopkinton, Boylston, West Boylston, Sutton, Dudley, Charlton, Auburn, and other nearby areas.
Dr George Ghaly, a Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1999 from the University of Buffalo.
He specializes in all aspects of dental care, as well as screening and treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea and other forms of breathing-related sleep disorders.
Snoring frequently accompanies sleep apnea but it is not always an indicator of whether this sleep condition is present. However, snoring can indicate that bulky throat tissue could potentially obstruct airways – especially if patients have certain lifestyle factors that contribute to sleep apnea. Fortunately, the treatment we offer for sleep apnea and snoring is the same. By prescribing a custom oral appliance, the diameter of the airway can be widened to prevent the sounds of snoring as well as episodes of apnea. These oral appliances are soft and comfortable to wear. They work by positioning the lower jaw slightly forward so that the airway is no longer obstructed.
Anyone of any age can have sleep apnea. Even though snoring can accompany sleep apnea, it is not always a symptom of this sleep disorder. For this reason, it is important to have a sleep study conducted to determine if apnea is occurring.
The exact cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is different for each person. Anyone can develop it, regardless of age or gender. The most common risk factors include:
While CPAP is very effective in treating sleep apnea, many people cannot tolerate the discomfort of the mask and the inconvenience and noise of the machine. Therefore a high percentage of users have difficulty or will not wear them.
An oral appliance is a popular alternative to the CPAP. This device is small, portable, fits more comfortably and can provide similar treatment benefits.
You will have a follow-up sleep study while using your oral appliance to confirm the effectiveness of the device. A consultation with the sleep medicine physician will be necessary to interpret the results.
Because insurance plans vary widely, our experienced team will work with you to see if your insurance company will cover the oral appliance. If for any reason it isn’t covered, we will let you know and work with you to develop a financial plan if needed.
If coverage is available for oral appliances, it will come from your medical insurance carrier. Most dental insurance companies do not cover treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
Our patients tell us it is well worth the investment of their time and money to treat their sleep apnea because of the improved quality of life they experience.
We offer financing options and will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs.
The majority of patients will adapt to the appliance within 5-10 days. It will take a few days to get used to having a device in your mouth while you sleep. The appliance will not hurt your teeth. If your teeth are sore after initial use, we can easily adjust it for your comfort.
They are made of hard acrylic, which is very durable. They are typically replaced every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If you grind your teeth, you may have a more frequent rate of repair or replacement.
A change in your bite is possible. Depending on the position of your teeth and the status of your bone, your teeth may shift. This can be minimized with the use of a morning re-positioning device.
The most common side effect is morning muscle soreness that usually goes away after a short time. Some patients may experience either dry mouth or excessive salivation. As mentioned above, minor tooth movement occurs in some patients.
Obstructive sleep apnea in unlikely to decrease with age; therefore your oral appliance will probably be a lifelong therapy. However, certain wellness factors such as significant weight loss may improve your symptoms.
Sleep Better MetroWest | 201 Boston Post Rd W, Suite 405, Marlborough, MA 01752 | (508) 366-1855
Proudly Serving Marlborough, Northborough, Westborough, Berlin, Hudson, Shrewsbury, Worcester, Framingham, Holliston, Grafton, Upton, Ashland, Acton, Natick, Wayland, Sudbury, Hopkinton, Boylston, West Boylston, Sutton, Dudley, Charlton, Auburn, Leicester, Dudley, Sturbridge, Gardner, Leominster, Charlton, Oxford, Sutton, Millbury, Holden
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