Sleep Apnea Treatment Concord 

Start Sleeping Soundly Again

High-quality sleep is one of the main pillars of good health. Sadly, though, millions of people have a condition known as sleep apnea that robs them of the rest they need. If you suspect you have this problem, our Concord dental team may be able to help. We can both diagnose sleep apnea and provide effective treatment via oral appliance therapy. Hopefully, you will soon start sleeping soundly again!

Why Choose Charm Smile Dental for Sleep Apnea Treatment? 

  • Highly Trained Sleep Dentist
  • Effective Alternative to CPAP Therapy
  • Able to Provide Both Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when a person experiences repeated pauses in breathing (or episodes of reduced breathing) multiple times throughout the night. It can make you feel extremely tired day after day. It may also be accompanied by loud snoring, frequent nighttime urination, and morning headaches and sore throats.

There are a few types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common. It occurs when tissues in the airway block the free flow of air.
  • Central sleep apnea (CSA) happens when the brain does not send proper breathing signals to the rest of the body.
  • Mixed (or combined) sleep apnea has characteristics of both OSA and CSA.

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Without timely treatment, sleep apnea can have devastating consequences for both your daily quality of life and your long-term health. Here are some examples of problems that it can contribute to:

  • Poor physical health. Untreated sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and more.
  • Poor mental health. You may be irritable and experience a lot of mood swings. You may also be at risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and dementia.
  • An increased risk of accidents. Poor quality sleep reduces your reaction times and makes it more likely that you will be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

CPAP therapy is the most common treatment for OSA. It involves the use of a machine that employs pressurized air to prevent pauses in breathing. While CPAP therapy is effective, many patients find it to be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

At Charm Smile Dental, we offer an alternative treatment: oral appliance therapy. We can design a small, custom device, which almost resembles a mouthguard, that gently repositions your lower jaw while you sleep. It can thereby keep the airway open and facilitate healthy, uninterrupted breathing. Many patients find that their oral appliance is much easier and more convenient to use than a CPAP machine.

Sleep Apnea FAQs

Can I Diagnose Sleep Apnea on My Own?

You, a family member, or a partner might notice signs of sleep apnea, like loud snoring, gasping during sleep, or excessive daytime fatigue. However, a true diagnosis requires a sleep study.

Only a qualified healthcare provider can officially diagnose the condition. At Charm Smile Dental, we work closely with sleep physicians to get you the answers you need. If you suspect sleep apnea, let us know. Our team can guide you through the next steps, including coordinating a sleep test and discussing treatment options like oral appliance therapy.

Will Oral Appliance Therapy Make CPAP Therapy Unnecessary?

For many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can be a highly effective alternative to CPAP. These small, custom-fit devices gently reposition the jaw or tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep.

However, for those with more severe symptoms, an oral appliance may not be enough on its own. In these cases, combining it with CPAP therapy can lead to better results.

At our Concord dental office, we offer oral appliances that are custom fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness. Our team will work with you and your sleep specialist to decide the best treatment approach for your condition and lifestyle.

How Soon After Starting Sleep Apnea Treatment Will I Notice Improvement?

Every patient responds differently to treatment, but many people begin to notice improvements in sleep quality within the first few nights! Many patients have told us that they feel more rested in the morning, less lethargic in the afternoon, more focused, and less anxious overall.

However, it may take a few weeks for your body to fully adjust. If you don’t see improvement after a couple of weeks, schedule a follow-up with us. Our team can help ensure your appliance is working correctly so you can see real results.

Are There At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea?

While at-home remedies can't cure sleep apnea, they can help reduce symptoms when used alongside oral appliance therapy. Here are some things you can try that don’t involve coming to see us:

  • Sleep on your side instead of your back
  • Try to get to a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your airway
  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bedtime
  • Use a humidifier to release peppermint or lavender essential oils
  • Establish a consistent sleep schedule
  • Try not to look at any screens at least an hour before bedtime

These lifestyle changes can support your treatment and help you sleep better overall.