Sleep Apnea

Do you wake up feeling ready for a new day?  You should!

Do you…

• Snore on a regular basis?
• Wake yourself or your spouse with your snoring?
• Every wake up gasping or choking for air?
• Have trouble staying awake even though have things to do?
• Experience headaches, sore throats or dry mouth in the morning after waking up?

You may be suffering from sleep apnea, a dangerous and progressive disorder.  Not only does sleep apnea result in sleep deprivation—medical doctors say it may also threaten your life!

Dr. Bilow is a founding member of the Dental Organization for Sleep Apnea.  He can help you control your snoring, evaluate whether it is leading to sleep apnea and point you to the proper therapy.

If you’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea but can’t or don’t care to wear the CPAP machine, Dr. Bilow can evaluate you for two new FDA approved dental appliances.

Call our office today for your complimentary snoring evaluation!

More About Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be a symptom of a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dr. Bilow has special training in designing, constructing and fitting special dental appliances that can help prevent sleep apnea—and let you get a good night’s sleep!

What is sleep apnea?

People snore because their airway is constricted by large tonsils, a long soft palate or uvula, flabby tissue (in overweight people) or by a tongue that relaxes too much during sleep and gets sucked back into the airway with each breath taken.

When the tongue is sucked completely against the back of the throat, the airway is blocked and breathing stops. The seal becomes tighter as the sleeper tries harder to breathe. Lack of oxygen to the brain causes the sleeper to partially awaken; the tongue returns to a more normal position and the airway seal is broken with a loud gasp.

Help for snoring and apnea sufferers

If you suffer from sleep apnea you may be able to control your symptoms by making some changes: lose weight, get regular exercise and avoid alcohol, heavy meals and medications that make you sleepy within three hours of your bedtime.

If these steps don’t help, you may need to consider other options:

• Surgery to the nose, throat, tongue, or jaw
• Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a therapy in which an air compression device and a nose mask are used to force the airway open and aid breathing during sleep.
• A dental appliance, which can be used on its own or in combination with other methods of treatment.

How does a dental appliance help with sleep apnea?

A dental appliance is a small plastic device, similar to an orthodontic retainer or an athletic mouthguard. You wear it in your mouth while you sleep to prevent the soft throat tissues from collapsing and obstructing the airway. 

Dental appliances for sleep apnea are small, easy to wear and relatively inexpensive; they do not require invasive surgery.

Studies have shown that a well-made, well-fitted dental appliance will effectively reduce or eliminate snoring, and significantly relieve symptoms of mild and moderate sleep apnea.