Sleep Apnea Treatment

Are you struggling with poor sleep, constant fatigue, or loud snoring? These could be signs of sleep-disordered breathing, a condition that includes obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At My Smile Orthodontist, Dr. Neil Mandalia and our dedicated team offer specialized solutions in sleep apnea orthodontics to help you breathe easier and achieve restful sleep.

Our goal is to address the root cause of your symptoms, improving your overall health and quality of life.

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a term for a group of conditions characterized by abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airway repeatedly becomes blocked, leading to pauses in breathing. These interruptions can happen hundreds of time a night, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and body and disrupting your sleep cycle.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

Loud, persistent snoring
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability

Untreated sleep apnea is more than just an annoyance; it can contribute to serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Our approach focuses on identifying and treating the structural issues that lead to airway obstruction.

Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable Alternative to CPAP

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is a highly effective and comfortable treatment. These custom-fitted devices, similar to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, are worn only during sleep.

The appliance works by gently repositioning your lower jaw and tongue forward, which helps keep your airway open and prevents the soft tissues in the back of your throat from collapsing.

Oral appliance therapy offers several key benefits:

Comfortable: Custom-made for your mouth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Convenient: Small, portable, and easy to travel with, unlike bulky CPAP machines.
Quiet: The device is silent, so it won’t disturb you or your partner.
Easy to Maintain: Simple to clean and care for.

Dr. Mandalia will work closely with you and your sleep physician to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right solution for you. We manage the entire process, from taking precise digital impressions of your teeth to fitting your final appliance and making any necessary adjustments to ensure its effectiveness.

Your Consultation for Sleep Apnea Treatment

Your journey to better sleep begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Newtown or Holland office. Dr. Mandalia will conduct a thorough examination, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms.

Using our advanced imaging technology, we will assess your airway and oral structures to identify any contributing factors to your sleep-disordered breathing. From there, we can create a personalized treatment plan designed to provide lasting relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CPAP and oral appliance therapy?

A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine uses a mask to deliver a steady stream of air to keep your airway open while you sleep. Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, is a custom-made device worn in the mouth to physically reposition the jaw and tongue to prevent airway collapse. While CPAP is very effective, many patients find oral appliances to be a more comfortable and convenient alternative.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

The only way to be officially diagnosed with sleep apnea is through a sleep study, which is typically prescribed by a physician. However, an orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Mandalia can identify risk factors like a narrow palate or recessed jaw that are often associated with sleep-disordered breathing. We can work with your doctor to coordinate diagnosis and treatment.

Is oral appliance therapy covered by insurance?

Many medical insurance plans, not dental insurance, provide coverage for oral appliance therapy as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Our knowledgeable team will assist you in understanding and maximizing your benefits. We also offer flexible, no-interest payment programs to make treatment affordable.

Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep

Don’t let sleep apnea control your life any longer. With oral appliance therapy and individualized care from My Smile Orthodontist, you can enjoy deep, restorative sleep and an improved quality of life.

Contact us today at (215) 799-9000 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Neil Mandalia and discover if sleep apnea treatment is the right choice for you.