Do I have Sleep Apnea?
Knowing when to get treatment for sleep apnea is important for protecting your health. While a formal diagnosis must come from a sleep physician, dental professionals are often the first to spot the warning signs.
You may have sleep apnea if you have the following symptoms:
Loud, chronic snoring: Especially if it bothers your partner or happens every night.
Breathing pauses: If someone notices you stop breathing, gasp, or choke during sleep.
Excessive daytime sleepiness: Feeling tired despite a full night's sleep.
Morning headaches: Often caused by low oxygen levels during the night.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Grinding your teeth is often linked to sleep disorders.
High blood pressure: There is a strong link between hypertension and sleep apnea.
Mood changes: Irritability or difficulty concentrating can be linked to poor sleep quality.
If you have these symptoms, ScarboroSmiles can perform a sleep apnea screening. If we suspect sleep apnea, we may refer you to a sleep specialist or ENT for a definitive diagnosis and sleep study.
Once diagnosed, we can proceed with oral appliance therapy if it is the right option for you.
Our Custom Sleep Appliance for Sleep Apnea
We know that every person's mouth is different. That is why we offer custom-fitted oral appliances (called Mandibular Advancement Devices).
Unlike over-the-counter guards, our devices are precision-made for your mouth. They are designed to be:
Effective: Gently moving the jaw forward to keep the airway open.
Comfortable: Custom-molded to fit your teeth perfectly.
Adjustable: We can fine-tune the device to find the perfect position for your breathing needs.
Our experienced dentists will look closely at your mouth and jaw, take necessary images, and collaborate with your sleep specialist to ensure this is the best option for your specific level of sleep apnea (typically mild to moderate).
