If you’re waking up feeling tired despite getting a whole night’s sleep, undiagnosed or untreated sleep apnea could be the reason. This chronic condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes lasting from a few seconds to over a minute, which can severely disrupt your natural sleep cycle and leave you feeling exhausted. To understand the symptoms, health risks, and available treatment options, visit our blog, Are You Waking Up Tired? Learn Why & Treatment Options.

There are two primary types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common form and occurs when the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, causing a physical blockage of the airway.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – This less common type occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles responsible for controlling breathing.

Some patients may suffer from complex sleep apnea syndrome, a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can vary, but common signs include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Daytime fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability or mood swings
• Insomnia or restless sleep

Sleep apnea affects more than just sleep; it can increase the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Since many signs start in the mouth, your oral health plays a key role in early detection. Learn more on our blog, Impact of Oral Health on Overall Well-being. What is sleep apnea and how it affects your body is the first step toward effective treatment. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek professional help.

Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

While most patients with obstructive sleep apnea use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to regulate their breathing at night, you can also find a simple and effective sleep apnea treatment at your dentist in Arlington Heights.

Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices worn in the mouth during sleep. Much like a mouthguard or retainer, these devices are designed to reposition the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open. The American Sleep Apnea Association endorses these devices, which are often recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy.

Unlike CPAP machines, however, oral sleep apnea appliances are:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Comfortable
• Portable
• Silent

They provide an alternative solution for people seeking a more natural, user-friendly option. Best of all, they are tailored to the unique shape and structure of your mouth, which improves both effectiveness and comfort.

We offer a variety of sleep apnea appliances, including:

• TAP® 3 (Thornton Adjustable Positioner) – Customizes jaw position and has been clinically proven to reduce apnea symptoms.
• OASYS Appliance – Provides dual airway support and may also reduce snoring and sinus issues.
• Klearway Appliance – Thermoactive for improved comfort and fit; gradually adjustable for optimum results.
• Herbst Telescopic Appliance: This appliance allows lateral movement and is ideal for patients with bruxism (teeth grinding).

These devices help in minimizing airway obstruction during sleep. By slightly shifting your lower jaw forward, you reduce soft tissue collapse and ease jaw tension. This may also relieve discomfort linked to sleep disruptions. Learn more in our blog, Reasons You May Be Experiencing Jaw Pain.

Other Dental Treatment Options

The treatment method best suited to your needs may vary depending on the cause and severity of your sleep apnea. In general, we tend to advise against sleeping masks and breathing machines, but these are often very effective for patients with central apnea caused by the nervous system. For patients with obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea dental treatment using oral appliances offers a comfortable and often more tolerable alternative to CPAP. But that’s not where the treatment ends.

We also advise our patients to consider the following additional strategies:

• Lifestyle Changes – Stop smoking and/or drinking, sleep on your side, and lose extra weight if necessary.
• Positional Therapy – Changing sleep positions can dramatically reduce symptoms for some patients.
• Surgical Solutions – For those with severe obstructive sleep apnea or seeking a more permanent solution, minimally invasive jaw surgery may help by realigning the upper and lower jaw to widen the airway.

Every patient is different. Our team will work with you to assess your condition and customize a treatment plan that provides the best long-term results. Sometimes, we may coordinate with sleep specialists or ENT doctors to provide a more comprehensive treatment approach.

How Do Oral Appliances Help Sleep Apnea?

Patients often ask, "How do oral appliances help sleep apnea?" The answer lies in their design. These appliances reposition your lower jaw slightly forward, which keeps the airway from collapsing during sleep. Some devices also stabilize the tongue or soft palate. By holding the airway open, oral appliances reduce apneic events those moments when breathing stops, allowing for more restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

• Improved quality of sleep
• Reduced or eliminated snoring
• Greater comfort compared to CPAP
• Better compliance
• Reduced daytime drowsiness
• Lower blood pressure in some cases
• Easier travel and storage

Patients using oral appliances for sleep apnea often find them easier to integrate into their bedtime routine than bulky machines. We use advanced tools and techniques to ensure each appliance is precisely fitted for maximum comfort and performance. Using the Latest Dental Technology, we also schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments, ensuring long-lasting and effective results.

Final Thoughts

Sleep apnea can be a debilitating condition, but it’s also highly treatable. If you’re struggling with poor sleep, loud snoring, or chronic fatigue, it’s time to take the next step. Oral appliances for sleep apnea offer a practical, effective, and often more comfortable alternative to traditional CPAP machines. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for an alternative to your current treatment, Schaumburg Dental Studio is here to help. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a better night’s sleep and a healthier tomorrow.