“My new smile has changed my life!”

– Karen R.

There is a condition that affects millions of Americans and many don't even know they suffer from it. This condition is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is characterized by the frequent pauses in breathing during sleep.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is caused by the closing off of the airway by the soft palate and tongue. This creates difficulty breathing and loss of sleep. The blocked airway causes the sufferer to move from deep sleep to light sleep. Excessive fatigue during the day is experienced since the person doesn't get enough sleep during the night.

In some major cases of sleep apnea, the brain neglects to tell the breathing muscles to work and the sufferer does not breathe. This can cause death and is a dangerous condition.

There are many symptoms of sleep apnea. Some of these symptoms include:

-Loud snoring
-Pauses in breathing
-Fatigue
-Insomnia
-Difficulty thinking and remembering

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

There are many treatments available for sleep apnea. For severe cases, CPAP is used to help regulate the air pressure entering the airway while sleeping. This helps keep air passages open and reduces the risks involved with sleep apnea. CPAP uses a mask that is often uncomfortable to sleep in.

For those who do not like CPAP, the DNA appliance(TM) is a great option. This appliance naturally moves the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), teeth, and airway into their proper position.

A trained neuromuscular dentist like Dr. Sue Wendling in Oregon will help you decide the proper treatment for your sleep apnea. Please contact Wendling Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry today.