If you struggle with loud snoring, morning headaches, or waking up tired even after a full night of sleep, you may be experiencing sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes your breathing to pause during the night, affecting your oxygen levels, energy, and overall health.
At Smiley Dental Group, we help patients find gentle, effective relief through custom oral appliance therapy. Our comfortable sleep appliances support better airflow so you can breathe steadily and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops or becomes too shallow while you sleep. These breathing pauses can last several seconds and may happen many times per hour.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and block the upper airway. Many people do not realize they have it until a partner mentions loud snoring, gasping, or restless sleep.
Because sleep apnea can affect oxygen levels and heart function, early diagnosis plays an important role in long-term oral health and overall well-being.
Why Sleep Apnea Matters
Untreated sleep apnea can cause significant health concerns. When airflow becomes restricted, your body compensates by working harder to restore oxygen. Over time, this can lead to:
Many patients notice a dramatic improvement once they begin sleep apnea treatment. Better sleep supports better days, higher energy, and improved quality of life.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
You may benefit from a sleep apnea evaluation if you experience:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Trouble staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty focusing
These symptoms often relate to obstructive sleep apnea, but can also occur in central sleep apnea, which involves the nervous system. A sleep study is the best way to determine your type and severity.
How Diagnosis Works
A sleep study is required to diagnose sleep apnea. This can be done at home or in a sleep center, where your breathing, oxygen levels, and apnea events are measured.
Once you receive your results, our dental team will work closely with your healthcare provider to determine whether oral appliance therapy is a good fit for your needs. This approach is often recommended for mild to moderate sleep apnea or when patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.
Sleep Apnea Therapy at Smiley Dental Group
We provide custom oral appliances that help maintain steady breathing through the night. These appliances gently shift your lower jaw forward to keep the airway open and reduce blockage in the back of the throat. This simple change can improve airflow much like positional therapy, but in a more predictable, comfortable way.
Oral appliances are:
- Small and easy to travel with
- Quiet and comfortable
- A non-invasive treatment option
- Helpful for reducing snoring and daytime sleepiness
If your sleep study suggests you need positive airway pressure therapy, such as a CPAP machine or bilevel positive airway pressure, we will refer you to a trusted sleep physician to design the best treatment plan for your needs.
How Your Oral Appliance Works
Your visit includes:
- A review of your sleep study and symptoms
- A gentle evaluation of your airway and bite
- Precise digital impressions
- A personalized treatment plan
Once your appliance arrives, we ensure a comfortable fit and provide instructions on wearing and caring for it. Follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune the appliance and ensure the best results.
Benefits You’ll Notice
Many patients experience:
This type of sleep apnea therapy supports long-term health and can reduce symptoms of mild sleep apnea or severe obstructive sleep apnea when used correctly.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
You deserve nights filled with peaceful, healthy rest. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or think your symptoms may be related, we can help guide you toward effective treatment that fits your lifestyle.
Call 614-889-0726 or book online to schedule your visit at Smiley Dental Group. Your path to better sleep and better days starts here.