Sleep Apnea Treatment in Orlando, FL
Sand Lake Dental in Orlando offers advanced sleep apnea treatments that relieve all symptoms and restore quality slumber. Sleep apnea can cause serious discomfort because it does not allow people to get a whole night’s rest. It may also be dangerous for health if left unaddressed. The traditional treatment has been to use a loud and bulky CPAP machine strapped to the face while the person sleeps, which is rather uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are better options that help patients with sleep apnea increase their quality of life. Sand Lake Dental offers an innovative Vivos system and custom night guards to treat this condition with maximum comfort and effectiveness.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition that causes people to stop breathing during night rest. The periods without oxygen intake can vary in length and frequency. This is a serious sleep disorder that may cause severe discomfort and make the patient restless.
There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive sleep apnea – is caused by something completely or partially blocking the airway. It is the most common form of this condition.
- Central sleep apnea – is caused by the brain’s failure to send the proper signals to the respiratory system to breathe.
What are the causes?
Obstructive sleep apnea results from soft tissues collapsing and blocking the airway. It is usually caused by muscle relaxation and can be exacerbated by excess weight or sore throat. Airways may also become obstructed due to swelling, alcohol use, allergies, and misalignment of the mouth or upper airway.
What are the effects?
When the airway becomes blocked, people wake up for enough time to start breathing again. Patients often do not remember these periods in the morning, but they seriously affect their slumber.
In addition to a lack of proper rest, untreated sleep apnea can lead to:
- Heart attacks
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Acid reflux
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Erectile dysfunction
Consultation & Diagnosis
Fortunately, the diagnosis of sleep apnea is relatively straightforward. Our doctors conduct an in-office test to study the collapsibility of the airway while the patient is awake. Depending on the results of that evaluation, the person may be scheduled to undergo a sleep study. This diagnostic test effectively determines the root causes of sleep apnea, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep disorders. It also helps to identify co-occurring conditions, such as restless legs syndrome.
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Sleep study is conducted at home and requires the patient to wear a small medical appliance that tracks rest and breathing. The following day, the device is returned to our dental office to interpret the results. If the study indicates that the patient has sleep apnea, our medical provider discusses treatment options to find the one that may be right for the person.
How do we treat sleep apnea?
Most patients diagnosed with sleep apnea are prescribed a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. This device includes a tightly fitting mask with an air hose that forces oxygen into a person’s airway. While this machine is effective, many patients claim that the overall sensations are uncomfortable. They do not like the noise or morning headaches. Some people even feel claustrophobic when they strap the mask tightly on their faces.
Luckily, sleep medicine has progressed substantially over recent years. Sand Lake Dental offers innovative treatments that are comfortable and highly effective. Here are some of them:
Vivos System
Vivos system is a relatively new, non-surgical treatment option for patients with mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It involves small appliances placed into the soft palate to reposition tissue and prevent airway collapse during sleep. This procedure is completely painless and does not require any anesthesia. The appliances stiffen the soft palate so it does not vibrate and obstruct breathing. Unlike CPAP machines, the Vivos system is comfortable, nearly invisible, and can permanently relieve obstructive sleep apnea. Many patients start noticing results within a few weeks of treatment. The entire course of therapy lasts 12-24 months.
Custom Night Guards
Our custom night guards are designed for each patient to ensure that they fit well and perform correctly. These devices apply gentle pressure to various structures in the mouth while the person sleeps, which helps maintain an open airway and breathe normally for a more restful sleep. Here are the two main types of custom night guards we offer:
MANDIBULAR ADVANCEMENT DEVICES
Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are oral appliances that treat snoring and sleep apnea. They work by holding the lower jaw (mandible) forward during the night rest. This helps open the airway and prevent it from collapsing and obstructing breathing.
The devices are custom-made to fit the month and made of acrylic or plastic. They are placed over the teeth and adjusted so the lower jaw is held slightly forward to its normal resting position. This protrusion opens the airway, allowing oxygen to flow more freely. MADs are more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines. They can effectively reduce all symptoms.
TONGUE-RETAINING DEVICES
Tongue-retaining devices (TRDs) are another type of night guard that treat snoring and sleep apnea. They work by holding the tongue forward during sleep to keep the airway open. These devices use gentle suction to hold the tongue in a protruded position away from the back of the mouth and throat. This prevents the tongue from collapsing backward and obstructing breathing during sleep.
TRDs are molded to fit an individual’s mouth. They have a soft plastic bulb outside the teeth and an opening where the tongue rests. The tongue naturally holds itself against the bulb due to the gentle suction. TRDs can be a comfortable, non-invasive treatment option for many patients with sleep disorders. They address the symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea and primary snoring. TRDs are also a great alternative for people who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy.
How long does it take to treat this sleep disorder?
The timeline for improving sleep apnea may vary depending on the treatment option selected:
Candidates for Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. According to recent statistics, 39 million Americans have an obstructive type of this condition. Determining who is eligible for sleep apnea treatment requires our doctors to evaluate many risk factors and symptoms.
Potential candidates for our innovative therapy include:
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment
Effective therapy is important to manage symptoms and reduce the health risks of sleep apnea. Sand Lake Dental offers advanced solutions that effectively address this condition and provide significant relief. Here are the main benefits of our non-surgical treatments for sleep apnea:
Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment in Orlando, FL
The cost of sleep apnea treatment in Orlando ranges from $500 to $13,000. The Vivos system, which uses a small appliance placed in the mouth to reposition the tongue and jaw, may require up to $13,000. Mandibular advancement devices, which pull the lower jaw forward to open the airway, range from $1,500 to $3,000. Finally, tongue-retaining devices cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
Sand Lake Dental provides accurate price quotes after diagnosing the underlying cause of sleep apnea. We accept many payment options and offer flexible financing via Sunbit and CareCredit to make our services more convenient and affordable.
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What makes our sleep apnea treatment different from others?
Sand Lake Dental provides the most innovative and comfortable treatments for sleep apnea. With the Vivos system and custom night guards, patients can avoid the stress of using a CPAP machine. Our highly skilled team is led by Dr. Ziyad Maali, one of Orlando’s top dentists. We stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies to provide the best services and achieve impressive results. With our commitment to patient comfort, constant education, and individualized care, Sand Lake Dental is well-equipped to treat sleep apnea effectively and conveniently. People experience dramatic improvements in their quality of life and become more productive in all spheres of their activity.