Most of us have heard of sleep apnea, but many people do not really know what it is; or – that they have it. When you are fast asleep, you may not know that you are experiencing breathing problems and gasping for air, or snoring; however, those around you will more than likely be aware of your condition.

Sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleep disorder, specifically a breathing suspension that lasts ten seconds or longer, as breathing gets briefly and repeatedly interrupted during sleep.

Did you know that more than 18 million American adults have sleep apnea, and that it can affect both women and men of all age groups?

Sleep apnea can be central, which happens when the brain fails to properly control breathing during sleep, or obstructive, a much more common type, which happens when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open.

Getting adequate sleep is crucial to our health and wellbeing, and since sleep apnea causes low blood oxygen levels, the combination of interrupted sleep and oxygen deprivation may lead to hypertension, heart disease and mood and memory problems. Additionally, it often results in difficulty staying asleep, waking up feeling groggy, and drowsy driving.

The risk factors for sleep apnea include having a small upper airway (or large tongue, tonsils or uvula), a recessed chin, small jaw or a large overbite, a large neck size (17 inches or greater in a man, or 16 inches or greater in a woman), being overweight, smoking and alcohol use, being 40 or older, and ethnicity (African-Americans, Pacific-Islanders and Hispanics). Also, it runs in some families, suggesting a hereditary factor.

Now, having disturbed sleep affects not only those who suffer from sleep apnea, but also those who sleep next to or close to them.

Does your college roommate complain of your snoring? Does your husband/wife lose sleep because of your snoring? If so, are there any treatments for this bothersome and dangerous sleep disorder that can help you, and your significant other/roommate, sleep better and feel better?

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent snoring, as well as devices to help stop snoring.

In addition to certain therapies patients can try, there is a device called CPAP for people with OSA to use during sleep. The benefits can be big, but only if the device is used correctly. However, a lot of people have trouble adjusting or experience side effects of wearing the appliance.

Sleep apnea, as well as snoring, can be corrected with the use of the TAP! dental appliance – and many patients experience relief from the sleep disorder symptoms even on their first night!

TAP! holds the lower jaw in a forward position, which nicely prevents it from shifting or falling open during sleep, and the device can be adjusted by the patient while it is in the mouth.

At Smiles by Stevens, your ideal solution for cosmetic dentistry in Lancaster, PA, we believe that everyone deserves to have different options when it comes to improving their health and wellbeing. Dr. Shea F. Stevens specializes in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, and is certified in a minimally invasive procedure called palatal injections.

Trust our highly qualified and experienced staff to provide you with the best solution and to prevent snoring and devices to help stop snoring.

Learn more about the TAP! device and palatal injections – contact our office today and see if they are the right option for you.