Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that disrupts sleep by frequent pauses in breathing. This is a dangerous condition that affects millions of Americans, many of which are unaware that they have it. These pauses in breathing occur 5-30 times during one hour of sleep. This happens because the soft tissue in the back of throat may collapse and block the air passages stopping the flow of breathing.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

• Snoring
• Episodes of stopped breathing
• Frequent daytime sleepiness
• Increased difficulty remembering and concentrating

Sleep Apnea Treatments

There are many treatments for sleep apnea. Mild cases of this condition can be treated simply by sleeping on the side instead of the back, reducing the intake of alcohol, or quitting smoking. Some cases, however, are more serious and demand a treatment known as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP uses a mask that is worn all night to help open the airways. This mask is attached to a machine that regulates airflow. This treatment may be difficult and uncomfortable to sleep in.

Many sufferers of sleep apnea stop CPAP treatment after the first night or the first week of use. CPAP is difficult for people to use if they travel often or enjoy camping. Surgery is another option for treatment, but many people do not wish to choose that route.

For the people who have a major case of sleep apnea, they may choose the DNA appliance. This appliance gently guides the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), airways, and teeth into the proper position without the use of continuous force that accompanies traditional braces. Once the mouth is aligned correctly, snoring is reduced as well as many other forms of sleep-disordered breathing, including sleep apnea. The DNA appliance helps the functions for sleep and breathing letting the once sleep apnea sufferer have a great night’s sleep.

The DNA appliance uses specially made springs that require little to no adjustment from a dental professional. This appliance is worn mainly at night and naturally moves the teeth into the correct position. Not only does this appliance correct misaligned teeth, but it also corrects misaligned jaws that may cause many TMJ disorders.

If you live in the Portland, Oregon area and believe you have sleep apnea, please visit the website of Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Wendling. You will learn more about this disorder as well as the DNA appliance.