Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat. This blocks the upper airway causing airflow to stop. When the oxygen level drops low enough the brain will move out of deep sleep and the individual partially awakens. The airway then contracts and opens causing the obstruction in the throat to clear and airflow to start again. This cycle can repeat itself many times throughout the night. Patients with sleep apnea not only will suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness but also are more likely to suffer from heart problems (heart attack, congestive heart failure, and hypertension), strokes, and have a higher incidence of work-related and driving-related accidents.
How can Doctors Floreani, O’Toole & Dool Help with Sleep Apnea?
With a diagnosis of OSA you can be referred to Floreani, O’Toole & Dool to be fitted for a custom oral appliance to assist in reducing snoring and clearing your airway during sleep. We will also have regular appointments with you to follow up on your progress and ensure treatment is working for you.
Meet with Your Local Orthodontic Specialists
The best way to determine what you or your family requires for healthy smile is to get our Doctors Floreani, O’Toole & Dool to assess your needs and determine your best treatment. Schedule a FREE consultation today.
How Do I know if I Suffer from OSA and Snoring?
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options:
Continuous Postive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is pressurized air generated from a bedside machine. The air is delivered through a tube connected to a mask that covers the nose. The force of the pressurized air keeps the airway open. The CPAP opens the airway like air into a balloon; when air is blown into the balloon it opens and gets wider. This is exactly how CPAP clears the airway.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances are worn in the mouth to treat snoring and OSA. These devices are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards. Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, design, fitting, and use of a custom-designed oral appliance that is worn during sleep. Oral appliances may be used alone or in combination with other means for treating OSA.
Oral appliances work in several ways to reposition the lower jaw forward thus helping to move the tongue base forward and also opening the airway.
Drs Floreani, O’Toole & Dool have had specific training in treatment of OSA through oral appliance therapy. They can determine the appliance best suited for your specific needs.
Advantages of oral appliance therapy
Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear. Most people find that it will only take a couple of weeks to become acclimated to wearing the appliance. They are also small and convenient, making them easy to carry when traveling.
How much will this cost?
What can I expect with Drs Floreani, O'Toole & Dool?
After your initial consultation, you will have impressions taken so that your custom oral appliance can be made and our orthodontic specialists will ensure your appliance has the most custom, comfortable fit. Drs Floreani, O’Toole and Dool will continually monitor the effectiveness of your treatment through periodic visits for the first six months, followed by yearly appointments.