Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can lead to fragmented sleep and potential health issues. Many people may not realise they have it, as these episodes occur while they are asleep. At Woodbend Dental, we help patients in Leduc and surrounding communities understand, identify, and manage sleep apnea and chronic snoring, especially when a dental solution is appropriate.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), and Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most common type, happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, blocking the airway. Other forms involve issues with signals from the brain or emerge with certain therapies.
Risk factors for sleep apnea include obesity, family history, age, gender (men are more commonly affected), smoking, alcohol use, diabetes, and hypertension. The condition often goes undetected, as symptoms primarily present at night. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause daytime drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even an increased risk of accidents.
Diagnosis: Why a Medical Assessment Comes First
If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis through a medical assessment, often involving a sleep study. While we can play a key role in treating mild to moderate cases with dental appliances, diagnosis and assessment of the severity belong to a physician. The Canadian Dental Association recommends a medical assessment before oral appliance therapy, via coordination with your attending physician.
If you're experiencing snoring or symptoms of disrupted sleep, start by discussing these concerns with both your doctor and dentist. We coordinate with your sleep physician or family doctor when a formal sleep study or diagnosis is needed or in place.
How Dental Sleep Appliances and Snore Guards Work
For mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, dental sleep appliances, sometimes called mandibular advancement devices, can be a recognised and effective treatment. Dental sleep appliances are custom-fitted devices worn during sleep that gently reposition the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open. For suitable cases, these appliances can be an alternative to CPAP therapy, which is often recommended for severe sleep apnea.
Our custom appliances are made from precise impressions of your teeth to deliver a comfortable, secure fit. They are compact, easy to travel with, and regarded as comfortable, silent alternatives for appropriate patients. Studies show that for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can provide similar outcomes to CPAP therapy, and many patients find them more comfortable and therefore easier to use consistently.
Our Process for Sleep Apnea and Snore Guards
At Woodbend Dental, we follow a well-defined process for sleep apnea and snore guard treatment
- Sleep Health Assessment We begin by reviewing your symptoms, any available sleep study results, and your overall health to confirm whether an oral appliance is suitable.
- Impressions & Fabrication Precise impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab to make your custom appliance.
- Fitting & Adjustment The device is fitted in our office, where we fine-tune it for both comfort and effectiveness.
- Follow-up Monitoring We schedule follow-up visits to ensure your appliance continues to fit properly and delivers results over time.
Who Should Consider Sleep Apnea and Snore Guards?
Oral appliance therapy may be suitable for those diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring, especially if CPAP therapy has been difficult to tolerate. However, dental appliances are not a replacement for medical diagnosis, and we will coordinate closely with your physician throughout your treatment. It is important to remember that snoring alone is not enough for diagnosis, other sleep and health factors must be considered by a physician first.
Benefits and Expectations from Custom Oral Appliances
Our custom oral appliances offer several benefits for suitable patients
- A comfortable, quiet alternative to CPAP for mild-moderate cases
- Significant reduction or elimination of snoring
- Custom-fitted for optimum comfort and effectiveness
- Small and easy to take while travelling
- Treatment coordinated with your physician as needed
- Improved sleep quality for both you and your partner
Dental sleep appliances typically last several years if cared for properly, and we can check and replace your appliance as needed at follow-up appointments.
Next Steps: What to Ask and How to Get Started
If you are considering treatment with a sleep apnea or snore guard, bring your questions to your consultation with us. We will review what applies to your individual case, compare treatment options, and discuss the number of visits, what aftercare involves, any risks, and the fees involved before you decide how to proceed. New patients are always welcome, and we support direct insurance billing plus various financing options.
You can reach us at (780) 769-0660 to book a consultation or to learn more about our services and how we can help with your sleep apnea or snoring concerns.