Sleep apnea is a common condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when throat muscles relax too much, blocking your airway. These breathing pauses can last for seconds or minutes, often many times an hour.

While you might not remember waking up, your body registers these events as a struggle for air. This constant fight for oxygen puts a tremendous strain on your body and can lead to a range of serious health problems. It's often called a "silent killer" because many people don't realize the severity of its impact. If you'd like to learn more about this condition, you can explore what obstructive sleep apnea is and how it's diagnosed.

Yes, it's absolutely possible! You might not feel overwhelmingly tired, but that doesn't mean your body isn't struggling. If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea and don't feel tired, it often means your body is working extra hard to compensate for the lack of oxygen and interrupted sleep. Your system is constantly trying to give you the air you need, even if you're not consciously aware of the effort.

This increased strain, night after night, can still lead to significant health issues over time, even if you don't experience classic fatigue. The absence of a specific symptom doesn't always mean the problem isn't there.

It's never too late to address sleep apnea! Even if you were diagnosed years ago, chances are the condition is still present, especially if you continue to experience common symptoms like morning grogginess, snoring, or a general feeling of not being fully rested. Your body and mind deserve restorative sleep, and effective treatments are available regardless of when you received your initial diagnosis. We encourage you to explore your options now to protect your long-term health.

Loud snoring is a common sign that something is disrupting your breathing during sleep. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, it's a significant indicator that your airway might be partially blocked. The only way to truly know if you're experiencing pauses in breathing (apneas) is through a sleep study. These studies can be done in a sleep center or, more conveniently, using a home sleep test.

If a sleep study confirms you don't have sleep apnea, but you still snore, an oral appliance can be a very effective treatment to help you stop snoring and improve your sleep quality. You can learn more about snoring treatment and solutions available.

Because your body and brain rely on a steady supply of oxygen, chronic lack of it, combined with the nightly struggle to breathe and constant micro-awakenings, can lead to many serious health consequences. The strain on your heart and other systems can be profound. Some of the potential health problems associated with untreated sleep apnea 

include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart attack and stroke
• Irregular heartbeats
• Diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Acid reflux
• Reduced libido or impotence

Understanding these risks is crucial for your overall well-being. You can find more detailed information about the health risks of untreated sleep apnea.

At Great Sleep Dental, we understand that one size does not fit all. There are many types of custom-fitted oral appliances available, and the best one for you depends on your unique needs, comfort, and the specific way your airway is affected. We prioritize finding an appliance you'll actually use consistently, because even the most advanced device won't work if it's left in its case.

Our approach is to select an FDA-approved oral appliance that is thin, comfortable, and allows you to talk, drink, and move your jaw while wearing it. Dr. Bagdonas, a board-certified expert in dental sleep medicine, will work closely with you to determine the most appropriate model, ensuring a precise and accurate fit. This custom fitting process is like having a tailored suit or dress made, with precise measurements and careful adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness.

We want to make sure your oral appliance is effectively improving your breathing and sleep. After you've had some time to adjust, Dr. Bagdonas can provide a home sleep test. This convenient, wireless device allows us to objectively record your sleep and breathing patterns while you're using the appliance at home.

Based on these results, Dr. Bagdonas can fine-tune your appliance for maximum effectiveness. We also rely on your feedback. We'll ask about your snoring, how you're feeling, and if you're still experiencing daytime sleepiness. We work closely with your sleep physician or primary care doctor to ensure a comprehensive approach to your care.

Adjusting to a new oral appliance is a process, and everyone's experience is a little different. While many people find they can wear their appliance through the night from the very first night, it's also common for it to take a few weeks to feel completely comfortable.

We recommend starting by wearing the appliance for about 30 minutes to an hour before bed, perhaps while reading or watching TV. This helps your brain get used to the sensation and reduces initial saliva production. If you find you can't sleep with it in the first night, simply take it out and try again the next night, aiming to wear it a little longer. Our goal is to help you successfully sleep through the night with your appliance, and we'll guide you through the adjustment period with tips and support. You can find more helpful advice on adjusting to your oral appliance.

When an oral appliance is custom-fitted correctly, starting from a comfortably protruded position, it should not cause significant jaw pain. However, sometimes an appliance might initially position your jaw a little too far forward, leading to discomfort. If you notice your jaw hurts, even if your snoring has stopped and you feel well-rested, please let us know. This feedback is crucial.

We can easily adjust the appliance to a more comfortable position. Our priority is always your comfort and ensuring the appliance effectively treats your sleep apnea without creating new issues. We believe the best appliance is one you'll wear consistently, and comfort is key to that success.