Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment
sleep apnea treatments, it is essential to have a comprehensive clinical exam evaluating the airway that is compromised. It doesn’t make sense to treat the collapsing airway prior to a proper evaluation.
Regarding the information below, take note that our office provides Oral Appliance Therapy and Nightlase™ Laser Therapy.
Depending on whether you just snore or actually have sleep apnea, there are several options for treatment of sleep disordered breathing. Prior to initiating any
We utilize both of these treatment modalities for those who snore and/or have obstructive sleep apnea. The information regarding CPAP is for informational purposes only. Should you desire more information, we can connect you with the appropriate provider.
Oral Appliance Therapy (offered in our office)
Oral Appliance Therapy is a very common treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The therapy involves wearing a customized oral appliance that rests on your teeth. Its purpose is to ease the lower jaw forward and stabilize your lower jaw, tongue and soft palate thus preventing the collapse of your airway and making breathing easier while you sleep.
Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear. Most people find it only takes a few days to become acclimated to wearing the appliance. Oral appliances are small and convenient, making them easy to carry when traveling. Treatment with oral appliances is reversible and non-invasive.
According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliance therapy should only be conducted by a qualified dentist. We believe seeking care from a dentist who is board certified in Dental Sleep Medicine further increases the likelihood for success. There are over 100 different variations of these customized appliances making a comprehensive evaluation paramount for selecting the best device for you. There is no one size fits all device.
Following the examination, making a suitable oral appliance for the treatment of snoring and/or sleep apnea is only one step in the process. The true detective work comes in determining the best position for the lower jaw to manage your sleep breathing disorder and preventing any potential side effects. This is where the training of your board-certified dentist comes into play.
Nightlase™ Laser Therapy (offered in our office)
Nightlase™ is quickly becoming a popular stand-alone procedure for patients who want to reduce their snoring and get a better night’s sleep for both themselves and their bed partner. For snoring alone, there is no need for machines, dental devices or surgery. Research is also showing that Nightlase™ is an effective and safe method to manage sleep apnea.
In some cases, Nightlase™ is also used in conjunction with dental sleep appliances or CPAP to help manage sleep apnea.
The laser is safe and effective. While patients tell us the procedure only feels like sipping a hot cup of coffee, the laser effectively shrinks specific tissues in the mouth and throat to open up your airway, thus reducing the likelihood of snoring. There’s no need for anesthesia and there’s minimal discomfort after treatment. There is no burning or cutting so you can eat, drink and talk normally as soon as your appointment is finished.
Nightlase™ is offered in a series of treatments – requiring 3-5 visits for maximum effect depending on individual patient factors. Research has found that by completing an annual maintenance appointment, the benefits of Nightlase™ can be maintained long term.2
Studies on Nightlase™ have shown it to be a highly effective method to stop snoring. One study found 95% of patients treated with Nightlase™ saw improvements in their snoring.3 Other studies found that snoring symptoms improved by 85% following a complete course of Nightlase™ treatment and that 80% of patients reported being able to breathe easier, with higher levels of alertness and focus.2,4
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Minimally-Invasive Combined Nd:YAG and Er:YAG Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Shiffman H, Khorsandi J, Cauwels N. 2021. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery.
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CASE REPORT: NightLase® Procedure – Laser Snoring and Sleep Apnea Reduction Treatment, Sippus, Journal of Laser and Health Academy. 2015.
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Nonsurgical Minimally Invasive Er:YAG Laser Snoring Treatment, Miracki & Vizintin, Journal of Laser and Health Academy. 2013.
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Er:YAG Laser Treatment of Sleep-Disordered Breathing, Svahnström, Journal of Laser and Health Academy. 2013.
CPAP
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) continues to be the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Via a mask on your face, CPAP machines blow a stream of room air into your mouth and/or nose, forcing your airway open somewhat like blowing air into a balloon. Despite its widespread use, many people are unable to tolerate CPAP for reasons such as a feeling of claustrophobia, masks leaking, or the feeling that the machine with its hoses restricts movement. We do not provide CPAP in our office. The use of CPAP to treat obstructive sleep apnea is facilitated by a sleep physician.
