Sleep Apnea

Way Beyond Snoring

Breathe Better, Sleep Better, Live Better

An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from the crippling effects of sleep apnea. By far the most common form is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when the soft tissues in your throat momentarily collapse while you’re asleep. These pauses in breathing are called “apnea,” from a Latin term meaning “without breath.” An apnea can last up to 40 seconds and can occur as often as 30 or more times every hour. An apnea (being "without breath") robs your blood of oxygen, which damages your vital organs, particularly your heart.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea happens when something partly or completely blocks your upper airway during sleep. It causes your diaphragm and chest muscles to work harder to open the obstructed airway and pull air into the lungs. Breathing usually resumes with a loud gasp or snort. Because of this, you don't sleep well, and you probably aren't aware that it's happening.

Impacts on Your Life

Left undiagnosed, sleep apnea can be devastating. Not only does your quality of life deteriorate through sleep deprivation, but it can lead to a cycle of depression, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction in men. In addition, it can lead to serious health conditions such as:

• High blood pressure

• Irregular heart rhythms and heart disease

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Diabetes

Checklist of Symptoms:

If you check off any of the following symptoms, ask how we can help.

It all Starts with a Simple Sleep Study

We offer sleep studies in the comfort of your own home to determine the severity of your condition. If you’ve already been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) by your physician, Wanlass Dental may have an alternative solution to treat your snoring and OSA using Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). If the sleep study determines you have mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, you may be a perfect candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy. A simple test that measures your airway with sound waves, can determine if Oral Appliance Therapy is right for you.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

It's a therapy to treat sleep disordered breathing using a custom fabricated oral appliance to position the lower jaw in such a way as to maintain an open airway while sleeping. Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance fits like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer. Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Treating snoring or Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy can improve your quality of life and help you wake up feeling like a new person. When you sleep better, you’ll have more energy and be more focused throughout the day. What’s more, you may find that your bed partner begins to sleep better as well. And the best part is that Oral Appliance Therapy is covered by most medical insurance plans.

Isn't It Time You Loved Your Smile?

Experience the Wanlass Dental Difference Today! Call (702) 367-4412 to schedule your consultation or click here to schedule an appointment.