Snoring Solutions

Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliance therapy is a non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliance therapy involves a both a physician and a dentist trained in Sleep Apnea to provide treatment using a special dental device. These devices resemble mouth guards worn by hockey players, but are essential in keeping your airway open so you can breathe at night.

Oral appliances are also a great alternative for people who are CPAP intolerant, since the devices are easier to use and have a higher compliance rate. Oral appliances help alleviate or eliminate snoring, and many patients respond well to oral appliance therapy.

There are two kinds of devices used to treat OSA: tongue-retaining devices and madibular-advancement devices.

Tongue-retaining devices use a light suction to keep the tongue from falling to the back of the throat and blocking the airway. Mandibular-advancement devices hold the lower jaw in a position to increase airflow.

With over 100 different types of oral appliances to choose from, your dentist will discuss options on what device will be most comfortable and effective for you. You will then be fitted for the device, so you can start getting a full night’s sleep.

CPAP Machine

Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, delivers a steady stream of oxygen into the mask. It is a highly effective treatment for people with moderate to severe OSA, and can eliminate loud snoring. It can also improve quality of sleep, even after one night. Studies show that in patients with brain damage due to OSA, treatment with the CPAP machine has been effective in restoring some of the lost brain tissue.

Even though CPAP is an effective treatment, compliance rate is low, with about 40 percent of patients who continue to use the device. If you are having complications with your CPAP machine, discuss other treatment options with your doctor.

Some patients stop therapy after their symptoms start to clear up. OSA is a condition that must be managed. It’s important to realize that CPAP therapy is not usually a temporary solution for this chronic condition, and it may be necessary to use the CPAP therapy for ongoing care.

Medical Procedures

UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty)

UPPP is one of the most common surgical procedures done on Apnea patients. During this procedure, the uvula is removed and tissue is removed from the soft palate. This procedure can only be effective if enough tissue is removed and the site of the obstruction is not in the hypopharynx. However, it is not uncommon for patients to return to the hospital to have additional procedures to improve results. UPPP is most effective on mild-moderate apnea in non-obese patients with a blockage that is ONLY in the high upper airway.

Somnoplasty

Somnoplasty uses radio frequency energy, which heats and shrinks the tissues blocking the airway in patients with Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is usually an out-patient procedure. However, patients may need to return several times for this procedure before the proper results are observed.

Genioglossus Advancement

Surgical procedure involving pulling the base of the tongue forward to increase the size of the airway. First, a small slice is made in the lower jaw. Then, your bone and tongue is pulled forward. Finally, it is then attached to the lower jaw using a screw.

Tounge Reduction

Surgical removal of a section of the tongue to allow for more unobstructed breathing.

Other Solutions