Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Does your spouse snore? Do you hate your C-Pap machine?
Dental sleep appliances may be able to help you sleep better.
SEE ALL OUR SLEEP APNEA & SNORING SERVICES
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder, which occurs during sleep, due to the narrowing or total closure of the airway.
OSA is when the airway becomes completely blocked and breathing stops. The brain then detects the lack of oxygen and prompts a momentary arousal to draw breath. Although OSA sufferers may experience hundreds of apnea episodes per night, they are unlikely to remember any of them. In fact, if the sufferer lives alone or sleeps separately they may not be aware of their condition, even after many years.
Snoring can be a symptom of OSA and is a noise created by the partial blocking of the airway. When you fall asleep your muscles relax, including those that control the tongue and throat. The soft tissue at the back of your throat can sag, narrowing the airway. Incoming air then makes the tissue at the rear roof of the mouth (the soft palate), the flap of skin hanging from the palate (uvula) and the throat vibrate – a sound we know as snoring.
Snoring is often no greater problem than the noise itself. However, loud snoring may be a sign of a more serious problem – OSA.
Sleep Appliance Therapy
This specialized service is right for:
- patients who would like to find out if they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea or other sleep disturbances.
- patients who are seeking an alternative to CPAP treatment.
SLEEP APNEA
NightLase™: Laser Snoring Treatment
What causes snoring?
Snoring occurs when air is not able to move freely through your nose and mouth during sleep. This is due to a narrowing of your airway, which causes the tissues to vibrate and make an audible sound. In extreme cases the airway can become blocked which is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Many factors can contribute to snoring such as age, nasal and sinus problems, being overweight, alcohol, smoking, medications, and sleep posture.
What is the impact of snoring?
Snoring has a number of consequences that can impact the life of a snorer and his/her sleep partner. Sleep deprivation as a result of snoring has a negative impact on health and quality of life. Snorers can experience tiredness, morning headaches, irritability, dry mouth, and relationship difficulties. Studies have also shown a link between snoring and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke*.
What are the treatment options?
Most treatments for snoring attempt to keep the breathing passage open. Specially made dental appliances can be effective, but rely on daily compliance. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems are often used to help control sleep apnea and the snoring associated with it, however these devices can be very uncomfortable. There are surgical options available for correcting snoring which usually involve removal of tissue from the uvula and pharynx but these surgeries are invasive and can result in a lengthy and unconformable recovery period following the surgery.
What is NightLase™?
NightLase is a leading-edge laser procedure for the treatment of snoring. It is a NON-invasive, NO appliances, simple and an effective way of reducing or eliminating snoring.
How NightLase™ Works
Laser energy is used to heat the tissues of the airway causing a tightening effect which helps to keep your airway open. NightLase™ is performed with approximately three short treatments spaced over two months. Each treatment takes 20-30 minutes and requires no anesthesia. The procedure is comfortable and you can resume your daily routine immediately afterwards. Results are often seen after the first session but will vary patient to patient.
New Patient Forms
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Finance Options
Dental treatment is an excellent investment in an individual’s medical and psychological well-being. Financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining this important health service. Being sensitive to the fact that different people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations, we are providing the following payment options.
Contact Us
1203 Two Island Ct #101
Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
843.884.6166
info@watersedgesc.com