South Orange, NJ
Enhance Your Health and Well-being With Custom Sleep Apnea Appliances
Do you wake up feeling exhausted, irritable, or stressed due to disrupted sleep from snoring or sleep apnea? Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a serious and often underdiagnosed condition where breathing repeatedly stops for 10 seconds or more—sometimes up to 50 or 60 times per hour—during sleep. Unlike simple snoring, which results from the vibration of soft throat tissues due to partial airway closure, OSAS occurs when the airway becomes completely blocked, preventing breathing altogether. Various factors, including airway size, oral structure, inflammation, or tongue positioning, can contribute to this obstruction. Custom sleep apnea appliances offer an effective solution to improve airflow, ensuring restful, uninterrupted sleep for better overall health.
When the airway becomes blocked during sleep, breathing stops, leading to a drop in blood oxygen levels. This disruption forces the brain to wake the body up, preventing deep, restorative sleep. While some people fully awaken multiple times per night, others simply shift into a lighter sleep stage without realizing it. Many individuals with sleep apnea are unaware of these interruptions, even though they can significantly impact their overall health and well-being.
People suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) often experience loud snoring, moments of stopped breathing, and sudden gasping for air. These disturbances not only disrupt their own sleep but also affect their partners. Poor sleep quality can lead to daytime fatigue, mood changes, memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and even increased risk of workplace or driving accidents. Research has also linked OSAS to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and a heightened risk of premature death.
Traditionally, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy has been the gold standard for OSAS treatment, delivering a steady flow of air through a nasal mask to keep the airway open. However, many people find CPAP masks uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a more comfortable and convenient alternative. Custom-made dental appliances can effectively treat mild to moderate sleep apnea by gently repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, and soft palate to prevent airway obstruction. Studies have shown these appliances to be highly effective in reducing snoring and apnea symptoms.
One of the biggest advantages of these appliances is their comfort and ease of use. Custom-fitted and adjustable, they are small, portable, and easy to travel with. Most patients adjust to wearing them within just a few days.
A sleep apnea device can dramatically improve your sleep quality, energy levels, and overall well-being. At The Art of Smile Dental, we are committed to helping individuals suffering from snoring and OSAS—along with their partners and families—find the best solution for a restful night’s sleep. We offer a variety of custom snoring and apnea appliances to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
