Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by blockages in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver problems. Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to our orthodontists, as well as your doctor, if you suffer from symptoms of sleep apnea including: extreme daytime drowsiness, personality changes and irritability, snoring, difficulty staying asleep, frequent morning headaches, and awakening with a sore throat.
Sleep apnea treatment can depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Fleming or Dr. may recommend an oral appliance that fits over your teeth while you sleep to prevent the tongue from blocking the air passage or to hold your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages.
Call, click or come in schedule a free initial consultation to discuss how you may benefit from sleep apnea treatment.