Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder that severely inhibits an individual's ability to breath during sleep for extended intervals throughout the night. For those afflicted with OSA, the lack of oxygen during sleep can lead to physical lethargy, a lack of mental clarity throughout the day, and a multiplicity of other health problems. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is caused by a physical blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. The result is a fragmented, dissatisfying rest for the patient, and (if untreated) could have serious, life-shortening consequences including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, excessive heartburn/acid reflux, obesity, erectile dysfunction, automobile accidents due to inattention at the wheel, diabetes, depression, and more.

Treatment:

Oral Appliance Therapy involves the selection, fitting, and use of a specifically designed oral appliance worn during sleep to treat snoring and OSA. These appliances help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep and promoting adequate air intake. The devices may be used alone or in tandem with other treatments for OSA.

Oral Appliance Therapy is ideal for:

Patients with primary snoring or mild OSA who do not respond to, or are not appropriate candidates for treatment with behavioral measures such as weight loss or sleep position change.
Patients with moderate to severe OSA who are intolerant of or refuse treatment with nasal PAP. Oral appliances are also recommended for patients who refuse treatment, or are not candidates for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, craniofacial operations or tracheotomy.