Sleep Apnea Treatment in Ardsley, NY
It is estimated that 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. If you snore loudly, wake up gasping, or feel exhausted no matter how long you sleep, help is available. At Ardsley Dental Spa in Ardsley, NY , Hinna Chaudhry, DMD, provides custom-fit oral appliances that keep your airway open and reduce sleep apnea symptoms, a comfortable alternative for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Book OnlineWhat Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses disrupt your rest, lower your oxygen levels, and often cause loud snoring. There are three main types:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): the most common type, which occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airway.
- Central sleep apnea: occurs when the brain does not send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome: a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep, often noticed by a partner
- Waking suddenly with shortness of breath
- Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Irritability and mood changes
- Nighttime teeth grinding
Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, so it is important to seek care if you notice these signs.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
For mild cases, behavioral changes may improve symptoms. Changing your sleep position, losing weight, exercising for 30 minutes a day, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed can all help. A saline nasal spray may also reduce nasal congestion and make breathing easier.
How a Dentist Treats Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Chaudhry is specially trained to help patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are unable to tolerate CPAP. Oral appliances are custom-fit devices that resemble a mouthguard and are worn only at night. Most work by gently bringing your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open, which reduces snoring and improves breathing. There are several types of appliances, and we will help you find the one that gives you the best results and comfort.
CPAP Therapy
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine delivers steady airflow through a mask worn over the nose and mouth during sleep. While effective, many patients find CPAP uncomfortable, noisy, or difficult to travel with. Oral appliance therapy can be an excellent alternative or complement.
Surgical Options
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. We will coordinate with your physician or sleep specialist to determine the best approach.
Sleep Apnea, TMJ, and Your Oral Health
Sleep-disordered breathing is often connected to jaw tension, clenching, and TMJ disorders. Our team uses Joint Vibration Analysis and T-Scan bite analysis to evaluate your jaw and bite before fitting an appliance. Learn more about our technology, related injectables for jaw tension, and Dr. Chaudhry’s training. Chronic mouth breathing can also contribute to bad breath and dry mouth.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Yes. Dentists with specialized training can provide custom oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea, often in coordination with your physician or sleep specialist.
How does an oral appliance work?
Most oral appliances gently position your lower jaw forward during sleep to keep your airway open, reducing snoring and breathing interruptions.
Is an oral appliance an alternative to CPAP?
Yes. Oral appliance therapy is an effective option for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot tolerate CPAP.
Is snoring a sign of sleep apnea?
Loud, chronic snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, especially when accompanied by gasping, pauses in breathing, or daytime fatigue.
Do I need a sleep study?
A sleep study is typically used to diagnose sleep apnea. We can help coordinate with your physician or sleep specialist.
Are oral appliances comfortable?
Yes. Each appliance is custom-made for your mouth, so it fits comfortably and is easy to wear and travel with.
What happens if sleep apnea is left untreated?
Untreated sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime fatigue that can affect safety and quality of life.
Sleep Better and Breathe Easier
You deserve restful, healthy sleep. Call Ardsley Dental Spa at (914) 693-1221 or request an appointment online to learn if oral appliance therapy is right for you in Ardsley, NY .