If you snore loudly, or have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Dr. Kardaris will offer options for relief.
Easy, Comfortable Treatment For Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is the condition of multiple pauses in breathing for 10 plus seconds at a time during sleep. Symptoms include heavy snoring and tiredness during the day.
Traditionally sleep apnea has been treated by the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), a machine that streams air into the nose or nose and mouth via a mask. While effective, 50% of patients find they can’t tolerate CPAP treatment.
As a proven and reliable alternative for mild to moderate sleep apnea, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends Oral Appliance Therapy, the use of mouth guard-like devices prescribed only by dentists.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain, and the rest of the body, may not get enough oxygen.
The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, (OSA), it is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep.
People with sleep apnea usually snore loudly. They stop breathing for short periods of time, 10 seconds or more each pause. The breathing pauses during sleep cause your body to briefly wake up while you remain unaware. This can happen hundreds of times in a night, causing you to wake up feeling less than refreshed and to feel tired during the day.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Typical symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Impaired concentration
- Decreased sex drive
Online Sleep Apnea tests
Take these simple tests to see if you are at risk from sleep apnea.
Consultation
If you think that you are at risk for sleep apnea or have already been diagnosed with sleep apnea then you should make an appointment with Dr. Kardaris for a free consultation.
The consultation consists of an exam and getting your questions answered about sleep apnea and the treatment.If needed a treatment plan will be made.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A patient diagnosed with sleep apnea can receive Oral Appliance Therapy.
Dr. Kardaris will design and customize a TAP® application so that it fits comfortably. It is similar to a night guard.
The TAP (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) was designed to keep the airway open to allow for air to pass. The TAP device comfortably holds the lower jaw in a forward position, preventing the soft tissue of the throat from collapsing and obstructing the airway to reduce snoring and improve breathing.
Each TAP device hasan adjustment key which enables you to adjust the forward position of the lower jaw until a comfortable and effective position is achieved.
How effective is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Studies show compliance rates for Oral Appliance Therapy of 77% to 95%. Effectiveness is very high in non-severe sufferers of sleep apnea and of moderate effectiveness in severe sufferers of sleep apnea.