Sleep Apnea Treatmentin Greenwood
Waking up tired after a full night’s sleep is more than just frustrating—it can be a sign of a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea.
At Ellis Orthodontics, we offer effective sleep apnea treatment designed to help you get the restorative sleep you need to live a healthy, vibrant life. As a trusted sleep apnea specialist in the Greenwood community, Dr. Paul Ellis provides non-invasive solutions like custom oral appliance therapy to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Living with untreated sleep apnea can impact everything from your daily energy levels to your long-term cardiovascular health. Our team is committed to identifying the signs of sleep-disordered breathing and creating a personalized treatment plan that restores your nighttime breathing and daytime vitality.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common form of sleep-disordered breathing where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The most prevalent type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and collapse, physically blocking your airway.
When this occurs, your brain wakes you up briefly to resume breathing. These interruptions can happen hundreds of time a night, often without you even realizing it, preventing you from reaching the deep, restful stages of sleep.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people are unaware they have sleep apnea. Often, it’s a partner or family member who notices the first signs.
Key symptoms include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Observed pauses in breathing
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood swings
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Seeking effective sleep apnea treatment is crucial for protecting your health.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable and Effective Solution
For many patients suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy is an excellent alternative to a CPAP machine. A CPAP can be effective, but some people find it loud, bulky, and difficult to tolerate. As a dedicated sleep apnea specialist, Dr. Ellis offers a more comfortable and convenient path to better sleep.
An oral sleep appliance is a custom-made device that looks similar to a sports mouthguard or orthodontic retainer. You wear it only while you sleep. The appliance works by gently shifting your lower jaw slightly forward. This small adjustment helps keep your airway open, preventing the soft tissues from collapsing and allowing you to breathe continuously and quietly throughout the night.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Patients at Ellis Orthodontics love oral appliance therapy because it is:
- Comfortable: Each appliance is custom-fitted to your unique mouth for a snug, non-intrusive fit.
- Quiet: The device works silently, without the noise of a CPAP machine.
- Portable: Small and easy to pack, making it convenient for travel.
- Easy to Use: Simply place it in your mouth before bed.
- Non-Invasive: It provides an effective solution without surgery or electricity.
Your Path to Better Sleep with a Sleep Apnea Specialist
At Ellis Orthodontics, our approach to sleep apnea orthodontics is collaborative and patient-focused. Your journey begins with a thorough consultation where we discuss your symptoms and health history. While an official diagnosis of sleep apnea must come from a sleep physician, Dr. Ellis is an expert in identifying the oral and structural signs of sleep-disordered breathing.
We work closely with your physician to ensure oral appliance therapy is the right sleep apnea treatment for you. Using our iTero Digital Impression System, we take a precise 3D scan of your mouth to create a perfectly fitted device.
Our team will guide you on how to use and care for your appliance and schedule follow-up visits to ensure it is working effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
The only way to get a definitive diagnosis is through a sleep study prescribed by a physician. However, if you experience symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and observed pauses in breathing, you should schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as a CPAP?
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, studies show that oral appliances can be just as effective as CPAP therapy. They are often preferred due to their comfort and ease of use, which leads to greater patient compliance.
Will my insurance cover my sleep apnea treatment?
Because sleep apnea is a medical condition, treatment with an oral appliance is often covered by medical insurance plans rather than dental insurance. Our administrative team is experienced in navigating insurance and will help you understand and maximize your benefits.
Schedule Your Consultation in Greenwood Today
Don’t let sleep-disordered breathing control your life any longer. A peaceful night’s sleep and a healthier future are within reach.
Contact Ellis Orthodontics to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Paul Ellis, a sleep apnea specialist dedicated to finding the right solution for you.