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Snoring and Sleep Apnea Problem

Problem

Snoring isn’t Just Annoying…Snorers often receive an el­bow jab in the ribs from someone else as a reminder to “roll over and stop”. Signifi­cant others tend to get upset not only that their bed part­ner snores, but more so that he or she won’t do anything about it. We’re not listing “lack of intimacy” as a side-effect of snoring, but it’s a BIG one. At least 80 million Americans snore.

Snoring isn’t just a noisy nuisance. Persistent, loud snoring can disturb not only the sleep of the snorer but anyone within hearing range. Dis­rupted sleep can result in symp­toms of fatigue, drowsiness and an inappropriate desire to sleep dur­ing waking hours. Surveys show that over 27% of couples resort to sleeping in separate rooms due to snoring.

Snoring, while not proof, is indicative of obstructive sleep ap­nea (OSA). In fact, Sleep apnea has snoring as one of its pri­mary symptoms. Treating OSA will almost always stop snor­ing.

When snoring is so loud that it disturbs the sleep of others, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is likely the culprit.

Treating Snoring will not only improve your quality of life but also that of your loved ones.

We make sure all of our snoring patients are tested for OSA to keep them safe.

SNORING CAN KILL

Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. While snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). When Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs, the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat and completely block the airway which restricts the flow of oxygen. The condition known as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is midway between primary snoring and true obstructive sleep apnea. People with UARS suffer many of the symptoms of OSA but require special sleep testing techniques.

Sleep Apnea is a life-threatening condition that is often treated with CPAP. The problem is that less than half the people prescribed CPAP use it regularly.

Other CPAP problems include face breakouts from the straps, eye and nasal irritation, mouth dryness, runny nose, and sore throat. Patients with allergies, patients who tend to breathe through their mouths, and patients who sleep on their stomachs may find CPAP difficult as well.

Sleep Apnea affects more than 20 million Americans. It is the cessation of breathing during sleep for at least 10 seconds at least five times an hour.

Sleep Apnea can lead to hypertension, heart attack, stroke, depression, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, morning headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness.

  •  Covered by most health insurances and Medicare
  • FDA approved
  • High patient acceptance and compliance
  • Recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Sleep Disorders Association & the United States Armed Forces

STUDIES have shown that the health benefits associated with oral appliance therapy are comparable to those seen in patients who are using CPAP

GOAL: The bottom line is that patients who are not complying with their therapy are not being adequately treated. We provide a clinically proven alternative for patients who prefer being treated with an oral appliance or those who fail to use their CPAP.

When is it worn?

Your appliance is only worn at night, while you sleep.

Is it comfortable?

Absolutely, all appliances are custom made to fit your mouth and do not impinge on the soft tissue of your mouth. You will be able to open and close your mouth, talk, drink, and yawn comfortably.

Can I just buy an appliance online?

The difference between a custom-made oral appliance and a “boil-and-bite” is night and day. Over-the-counter appliances simply are not made to treat apnea (they even say so in small print) and can be dangerous for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Standards of Care ♦♦♦

In addition to lifestyle, such as good sleep hygiene, exercise, and weight loss, there are three primary ways to treat snoring and OSA: CPAP, Oral Appliance Therapy, and Surgery.

Oral Appliances ♦♦♦

Oral appliances that treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are small devices that are worn in the mouth, similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards. These appliances help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open during sleep and promoting adequate air intake. Currently, there are approximately 70 different oral appliances available.

Oral appliances work in several ways:

  • Repositioning the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and uvula
  • Stabilizing the lower jaw and tongue
  • Increasing the muscle tone of the tongue
  • Dentists with training in oral appliance therapy are familiar with the various designs of appliances. They can determine which one is best suited for your specific needs. The dentist will work with your physician as part of the medical team in your diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Determination of effective treatment can only be made by joint consultation with your dentist and physician. The initial evaluation phase of oral appliance therapy can take from several weeks to several months to complete. This includes examination, evaluation to determine the most appropriate oral appliance, fitting, maximizing adaptation of the appliance and the function.

On-going care, including short and long-term follow-up, is an essential step in the treatment of snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy. Follow-up care serves to assess the treatment of your sleep disorder, the condition of your appliance, your physical response to your appliance and to ensure that it is comfortable and effective.

Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral Appliance Therapy has several advantages over other forms of therapy:

  • Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear. Most people find that it only takes a couple of weeks to become acclimated to wearing the appliance.
  • Oral appliances are small and convenient making them easy to carry when traveling.
  • Treatment with oral appliances is reversible and non-invasive

One of our oral appliances is a   Mandibular Ad­vancements Splint [MAS] that treats snoring and sleep apnea (OSA) by moving the lower jaw forward slightly. This forward movement tightens the soft tissue and muscles of the upper airway, which pre­vents obstruction of the airway while you sleep. The tightening created by these devices also prevents the tissue of the upper airway from vibrating as air passes over them – the most common cause of loud snoring.

Our appliances are custom made. With minor ad­justments the devices move your jaw only as far is required to alleviate the condition. While in place normal mouth opening and closing exist. The appli­ances are both comfortable and effective.

These appliances are a highly effective solution for the majority of patients who have the problem of loud snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea [OSA].

Patient acceptance and compliance along with treatment efficacy is extremely high.

•           Successful treatment of snoring and sleep apnea [OSA]

•           High patient acceptance and compliance

•           Clinically validated for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea

•           FDA approved

•        Covered by most health insurance

 

Features and Benefits

  • Permits normal mouth opening
  • Allows speech & drinking
  • Unrestricted tongue space
  • Full lip-seal
  • Easily adjustable
  • Safe & effective
  • Clinically validated
  • Custom-fit

40-80% of stroke victims also suffer from OSA.2

People with OSA are 4 times more likely to have a

heart attack.2

Patients with OSA use CPAP for less than five hours

per night on average.3

If you have OSA, you are twice as likely to die in your

sleep and 7 times more likely to have a motor vehicle

accident.45

OSA Patients are at a 40% greater risk of having

depression.4

Individuals with OSA are also more likely to have

sexual impotence and develop diabetes.67

Clinical Research – Visit our website, www.somnomed.com, or call 1 -888-810-9940 for full copies of these studies.

1.Mehta A, et al: A Randomized, Controlled Study of a Mandibular Advancement Splints for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Am t Respir Ciit Care Med 200); 163:1457-1461

2.Lattimore J et al. J Am Coll Cordial 2003; 41:1429-1437

3Engleman, et al: Compliance with CPAP therapy in patients with sleep apnea/ hypopnea syndrome. Respiratory Medicine Unit, City Hosp, Edinburgh EHIO 5SB

4.Smith R, Ronald J, Delaive K, et al, “What are obstructive sleep apnea patients being treated for prior to this diagnosis?” Chest, 121,164-172., 2002.

5.Kryger MH, Roos L, Delaive K, et al, “Utilization of health care services in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea”, Sleep, 19, SI 11-116., 1996.

6 Babu AR, Hetdegen t, Fogelfeid L, et al, “Type 2 diabetes, glycemic control, and

continuous positive airway pressure in obstructive sleep apnea”, Arch Intern Med, 165,

447-452,2005.

7. Harsch IA, Hahn EG, Konturek PC, “Insulin resistance and other metabolic aspects of

the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome”, Med Sci Monit, 11, RA70-75,2005

Is there a warranty?

Yes. The SomnoDent® offers a three-year warranty against manufacturing defects, which means you can have full confidence in the product.

We are the leader in Northern California for oral appliance therapy in a number of patients treated and more importantly overall success. Our treatment is based on 3 crucial areas: 1st our doctors are highly trained in both dental sleep medicine and the ever-important relationship of TMJ with sleep disorders. Second, our proprietary treatment protocol incorporates all the requirements of AADSM and the latest scientific studies. Third, we only treat our patients with the highest quality appliance available for their individual needs.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Institute of Health have recommended oral appliance therapy for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea in all cases of CPAP ineffectiveness or intolerance. They further state that oral appliance therapy should only be conducted by fully qualified dentists who are specifically trained and experienced with ones’ overall health, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), dental occlusion, and associated oral structure. This last statement is very important and we are fully qualified by this measure.

We do not sell the appliance – we treat patients! Our treatment protocol is the most detailed in the industry. After the initial consultation and sleep study results, treatment begins. Typical patients are seen 5-7 times for adjustments and after delivery testing. Simply put, we are with you all the way till the appliance reaches the optimum level of success.

The appliances we use for 95% of our patients are manufactured by Somnomed. They are the leader in precise, technically superior oral appliances. Backed by over 7 Years of clinical research it is no wonder that their devices are considered the Gold Standard among Dental Sleep Professionals across the world. Their appliance is one of the only devices which allows the mouth to open and close. Other devices restrict jaw movement, causing many patients to feel claustrophobic at night and reducing compliance. The ability to open and close the mouth allows for speech, drinking, and open-mouth breathing during the night.

With the combination of a superior appliance and our treatment protocol, patients will appreciate the high efficacy of treatment.

Snoring could be an early warning sign of the risk of heart disease, than those who are overweight, smoke or have high cholesterol, says study.

A recent research by scientists from the University of California found that the lack of a good night’s sleep had an adverse effect on romantic relationships, especially in expressing gratitude or appreciation of the other.

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