Orofacial Pain, TMJ Disorders & Dental Sleep Medicine Specialists

Sleep Apnea/Snoring

Beyond the Noise: Why Sleep Apnea is a Silent Killer

Snoring is frequently the hallmark symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is why OSA is often referred to as a “silent killer”. Snoring is more than just a noisy nuisance; it’s a major disruptor of sleep quality and a significant cause of sleep deprivation. What many don’t realize is that this often-unnoticed habit can severely affect not only your rest but also the sleep of those nearby. As one of the most common and serious sleep disorders, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) often has snoring as its hallmark symptom. Untreated, the constant interruption of sleep and oxygen flow from sleep apnea can lead to a cascade of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, heart attack, and stroke.

Furthermore, chronic sleep loss—whether from simple snoring or full-blown OSA—contributes to issues like weight gain, persistent fatigue, and an elevated risk for accidents, such as drowsy driving. Emerging research also highlights a concerning link between poor sleep and an increased risk for memory loss, including conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Are you feeling worn out from restless nights and those unsettling pauses in your breathing? We firmly believe everyone deserves truly restorative sleep!

Whether you’re sick of feeling drained all day, constantly tired, or if your loved ones are complaining about your snoring, our oral appliances are designed to manage sleep-related breathing disorders. Our goal is to ensure you and your family can enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted sleep every single night.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are considered the gold standard treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), providing a continuous flow of air to keep airways open during sleep. By preventing breathing interruptions, CPAP therapy improves sleep quality and reduces daytime symptoms. However, many people struggle with CPAP use due to discomfort from the mask, a feeling of claustrophobia, or issues with dryness and irritation caused by the airflow.

Effective, Convenient FDA Cleared Oral Devices

While clinical studies show the overall adherence rate for CPAP users is about 72%, we offer a different solution. We provide FDA-approved oral devices that can effectively manage your OSA.

These devices are designed to last for years (including multiple year warranties) and, unlike a CPAP machine, don’t need to be plugged in – perfect for travelers, pilots, truck drivers, fellow campers, or anyone who values portability!

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

It’s a common misconception that Snoring and Sleep Apnea are the same thing. While loud snoring is a key symptom of sleep apnea, it’s important to understand their distinct differences.

What’s the Difference?

Snoring is the sound created by obstructed airflow through the mouth and nose during sleep. The sound happens when the soft palate and uvula vibrate against the tongue and throat. While snoring can disrupt sleep for you and your partner, it is often harmless. Sleep Apnea, however, is a serious medical disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These breathing interruptions, known as apneas, can last for seconds or even minutes and may occur dozens of times per hour. There are three main types of sleep apnea. The most common is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in your throat relax, causing a temporary blockage of your airway. This leads to loud snoring and repeated pauses in breathing. The second type is Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), a less common condition where your brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, leading to lapses in your breathing pattern. Lastly, there’s Complex (or Mixed) Sleep Apnea, which is a combination of both OSA and CSA. While all three types disrupt your sleep and breathing, understanding the specific kind you have is the first step toward finding the right treatment.

Symptoms and Health Risks

The key difference between the two is in their symptoms and potential health consequences.

Snoring: The main impact of snoring is often social. It can be a source of frustration for bed partners and can lead to a lack of quality sleep for both of you.

Sleep Apnea: This condition has more serious health consequences. Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping or choking sounds, excessive daytime sleepiness, and irritability. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, memory loss, and impaired cognitive function.