Snoring / Sleep Apnea Treatment

Snoring can be a frustrating, restless event for both the snorer and his or her bed partner. Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves and vibrate against each other as we attempt to move air through them. This produces the sound we know as snoring. Large tonsils, a long soft palate, a large tongue, the uvula and excess fat deposits in the throat all contribute to airway narrowing and snoring. Usually the more narrow the airway space, the louder or more habitual the snoring.

There are dental appliances similar to orthodontic retainers that can be custom made to position the lower jaw forward when in place during sleep that keeps the airway open and reduces or eliminate the vibration of the soft tissue as air moves against them. The result is a more restful sleep, quiet sleep.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway causing air flow to stop. When the oxygen level drops low enough the brain moves out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens. The airway then contracts and opens causing the obstruction in the throat to clear. The flow of air starts again usually with a loud gasp. When the air flow starts again you then move back into a deep sleep. The airway muscles collapse, as you awaken with a gasp. The airway clears once again as the process repeats itself. This scenario may occur many times during the night.

The combination of low oxygen levels and fragmented sleep are the major contributors to most of the ill effects that the sleep apnea patient suffers. In addition to the excessive daytime sleepiness studies show that sleep apnea patients are much more likely to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension), strokes, as well as having a higher incidence of work related and driving related accidents.

Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually a pulmonologist after a thorough questionnaire, medical history and testing, called a polysomnogram (PSP) or overnight sleep study. If you think you may have this condition or are a snorer and want to confirm or rule out the presence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) we can refer you to a Pulmonologist for evaluation. We often see patients who have already been diagnosed and have been referred to us to work as part o f the medical team in treating apnea because they are unhappy with or cannot tolerate a C-PAP machine, the medical devise of choice for the treatment of OSA.

Through ongoing communication with the pulmonologist and the technicians at the sleep clinics, Dr. Hasken can make a custom design appliance similar to an orthodontic retainer that is worn at night. The devise attaches to the upper and lower teeth and advances the lower jaw forward. The appliance prevents the tissues from collapsing against each other by advancing the jaw forward keeping the airway open.

These appliances are designed to treat mild to moderate OSA. The appliance can be used as an alternative to a CPAP machine or in combination with the CPAP machine or other means of therapy. The appropriate protocol for when and how the appliances are worn will be determined by your physician and Dr. Hasken. There are approximately 40 different appliances that are FDA approved for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. The most appropriate one will be determined based on your medical and dental histories, as well as the oral structures that are present.

We verify the effectiveness of the appliance by checking it in place during a sleep study where the appliance can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount the amount the jaw is positioned forward for maximum effectiveness.