The Snooze Alarm: Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms. Many people blame their fatigue on stress or a busy schedule. The dentist looks at your health history and symptoms to determine if further testing is needed.
Look out for these common signs:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up with headaches or a dry mouth
- Daytime drowsiness or brain fog
- Mood swings or irritability
Breathe Easy: How Oral Appliance Therapy Works
Oral appliances offer a quiet, comfortable alternative to CPAP machines. The dentist fits you with a custom-made mouthpiece that keeps your airway open while you sleep. It gently repositions your jaw or tongue to prevent soft tissues from collapsing and blocking airflow.
These devices are small, portable, and easy to care for. Most patients adjust to them quickly and notice better sleep within a few nights. We monitor your progress and adjust as needed to keep your treatment effective and comfortable.
Meet the Night Disruptor: What Causes Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when muscles in the back of your throat relax too much during sleep. This causes the airway to narrow or close entirely. The brain briefly wakes your body up to restart breathing, often without you realizing it.
The dentist evaluates several risk factors to determine your likelihood of having sleep apnea, including:
- Excess weight or a large neck circumference
- A narrow airway or enlarged tonsils
- Family history of sleep apnea
- Nasal congestion or allergies
- Smoking or alcohol use
It’s Not Just Snoring: Why Sleep Apnea Is Serious
Untreated sleep apnea affects more than your sleep quality. It puts strain on your heart and can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. It also increases your risk for diabetes, depression, and accidents caused by fatigue.
The dentist focuses on identifying symptoms early and guiding you toward effective treatment. We help you regain control of your health and improve your energy, memory, and focus.
More Than One Way to Rest: Other Treatment Options
Oral appliances work well for mild to moderate cases, but every person’s situation is different. We discuss your lifestyle, sleep patterns, and medical needs to help you choose the best plan. If your case is severe, the dentist may refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study or CPAP therapy.
We collaborate with other providers when needed to ensure you receive comprehensive, effective care that meets your unique needs.
Personalized From the Start: The Custom Appliance Process
We start with a full consultation to understand your symptoms and concerns. If the dentist suspects sleep apnea, we recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Once you’re ready for treatment, we take precise digital scans of your mouth to design a comfortable oral appliance.
When your device arrives, we check the fit and show you how to wear and care for it. You return for follow-ups so we can fine-tune your results and ensure you’re getting the rest you deserve.
No Machines, No Noise: Why People Prefer Oral Appliances
CPAP machines may work well, but not everyone can tolerate them. Oral appliances give you a quiet, simple alternative that doesn’t involve tubes, noise, or masks. Many patients find them easier to travel with and more convenient for daily use.
Here’s why patients love them:
- Small and discreet
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comfortable for side or stomach sleepers
- Custom-fit for your bite
- No electricity required
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Atlantis: Long-Term Care and Adjustments
Once we fit your oral appliance, we don’t stop there. Our team regularly checks your progress to ensure the device keeps working. As your body and bite change over time, we adjust your results to stay consistent.
We also offer replacement appliances if yours wears down or becomes damaged. You can maintain better sleep and overall health for years with consistent care and guidance.
Don’t Sleep on It—Let’s Talk About Solutions
Sleep apnea treatment in Atlantis could change your life. Dr. Garcia helps patients in Atlantis, Florida, breathe easier, feel sharper, and get the restful sleep they’ve been missing. If snoring, fatigue, or interrupted breathing affect your nights, let us help you take control.
We offer flexible financing options to make care more accessible for every budget. Contact us for an appointment and take the first step toward peaceful, healthy sleep today.