Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age.  Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night.  Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.

There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly.  This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again.  Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep. They offer a viable alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).

 

At Dogwood Family Dental, we partner with a company that can file medical insurance and are in-network with Humana Military (Tricare medical insurance) to fabricate appliances for active duty, families and retired military personnel who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea.