You Deserve a Good Night’s Rest
Divine Smiles in Woburn, MA, prioritizes your oral health and overall well-being, including sleep quality. Sleep apnea is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder that can profoundly impact your daily life and health. We recognize the significance of addressing sleep apnea, and our dedicated team, led by Dr. Ryan Clancy, is here to provide expert guidance and personalized solutions. Whether you're experiencing snoring, excessive daytime fatigue, or other sleep-related concerns, we offer comprehensive sleep apnea evaluation and treatment options tailored to your needs. Discover how we can help you achieve restful, revitalizing sleep and improve your overall quality of life with our Sleep Apnea services.
Procedures Performed
“With TMJ Therapy and Full Mouth Reconstruction, we were able to relieve Maureen’s clicking jaw and bite pain. Her pain is gone, and she is sleeping better than she ever could before.” – Maureen
Beyond the Zzzs
Sleep apnea is a fairly common disorder that can negatively impact your quality of life. People suffering from it stop breathing for a few seconds (or longer) multiple times a night, leading to diminished sleep quality. Sleep apnea is also a major cause of snoring, which can cause problems for your significant other. If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea Woburn dental expert Dr. Clancy at Divine Smiles can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. Call us at (781) 396-8558 to schedule an appointment today.
More About Sleep Apnea
There are two main types:
This type occurs when your brain doesn’t communicate properly with your breathing muscles while you’re asleep. This is the less common type and usually requires a CPAP machine for treatment. If you have central sleep apnea, you will likely require medical intervention. However, obstructive sleep apnea can often be treated through less intrusive means, such as an orthotic device to keep your jaw and tongue in place while sleeping.
OSA is more common than CSA and occurs when the airway is blocked while sleeping at night. This blockage occurs because of the soft palate and tongue collapsing into the airway during sleep.
The two main types of treatment for sleep apnea are a CPAP machine or an oral sleep appliance used when sleeping. Which one you need is determined by a number of factors, including the type of sleep apnea you have and the severity of your sleep apnea.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and is a machine that uses air pressure to keep your airway open while sleeping. CPAP is generally the treatment of choice if you have central sleep apnea or if it is particularly severe.
A specially fitted oral sleep appliance device worn at night can help to keep the jaw forward and your soft tissues in place. Oral sleep appliances are less cumbersome to use than a CPAP machine and are often the treatment of choice for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
While a CPAP machine can be very effective, it has several downsides. Many people find them hard to get used to and, as a result, may only use them sometimes, thus negating their benefit. In addition, CPAP machines are loud, which can cause problems for your partner. If you are a restless sleeper or have trouble falling asleep, it can be almost impossible to use a CPAP correctly. For some people, they will need to find a way to use the CPAP regularly and sleep comfortably with it, as it is the only option that will work well for them. For others, though, an oral sleep appliance may be a better choice. Surgery is also an option if nothing else works, but this is usually considered a last resort. In addition, if your sleep apnea is caused or worsened by obesity or smoking, lifestyle changes may be strongly recommended.
The Hidden Health Threat
Usually, the first tip-off that a patient may have sleep apnea is loud snoring noticed by a significant other. If you live alone, you may not realize that you snore, though, making it a little more difficult to diagnose. In this case, you should take note of any symptoms you have in the daytime. If you are always tired despite going to bed at a reasonable hour, or if you notice increased irritability or lack of focus, see a doctor. Diagnosis may be made on the basis of symptoms alone, or a doctor may want you to undergo a sleep study to determine the extent and severity of your OSA.
If you need a diagnosis, Dr. Clancy can refer you to a Board Certified Pulmonologist through Telemedicine for Sleep Medicine for a virtual or phone appointment. You can schedule an appointment for any time that’s convenient for you without waiting weeks for an appointment like traditional sleep clinics. If they determine you potentially have sleep apnea, they will recommend a home sleep study.
The home sleep study is then shipped to you directly, where you will take the test two consecutive nights in a row. Once you complete your two tests, you will send them back to the Pulmonologist for an interpretation. They will then conclude your diagnosis over a video chat where you can ask questions and determine your next steps. This option prevents patients from making multiple visits to an office and allows them to take the test in the comfort of their homes. Please contact us to learn more.
Schedule Your Appointment in Woburn and Winchester
At our practice in Woburn Sleep Apnea Consultations represent the first step toward a better night's sleep and improved well-being, also available for our Winchester patients. Our experienced team is here to address your sleep-related concerns and provide tailored solutions to enhance your sleep quality and overall health.
During your consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand your unique sleep patterns and any potential issues related to sleep apnea. Don't let sleep apnea affect your quality of life—book your consultation with us today and embark on the path to restful, rejuvenating sleep. If you are suffering from OSA, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Clancy at (781) 396-8558 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Woburn and Winchester.
Enjoy MORE Refreshing Sleep
Here at Divine Smiles, we offer a range of ProSomnus oral appliances to treat sleep apnea and snoring. Since not every patient is the same, we are happy to offer a wide range of appliances to meet each individual needs. ProSomnus devices are made with precision to deliver the best fit possible.
One of the oral appliances ProSomnus offers is the [IA] SELECT Sleep and Snore Device. This device is for patients suffering from sleep apnea and/or snoring. It offers Monogram™ Customization options for providers to meet the patient’s needs. Benefits of using the [IA] SELECT oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:
If you are suffering from OSA or snoring, talk to Dr. Clancy to see if the [IA] SELECT Sleep and Snore Device may be a good choice for you. It can be used in patients with mild to moderate and, in some cases, severe sleep apnea, sometimes in conjunction with a weight loss and nutrition program.
We work closely with Prosomnus Sleep Technologies, the makers of the [IA] SELECT Sleep and Snore device, to create the best treatment option for your individual case. If you find that you are having any kind of discomfort or trouble with your device, we will work together to fix it for you. If the [IA] SELECT Sleep and Snore device is not the right device for your treatment, we will recommend one of ProSomnus’ other oral appliances.
Unlock Better Sleep
The Vivos DNA appliance is a groundbreaking treatment and a remarkable solution for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This treatment sets itself apart from a traditional oral appliance in several significant ways. While conventional oral appliances aim to reposition the lower jaw while it’s worn, the Vivos DNA appliance goes beyond that by utilizing a unique, patented biomimetic approach. It stimulates the natural growth and development of the jaws, facial bones, and airway over time, addressing the underlying anatomical issues contributing to sleep apnea. If an underdeveloped jaw and facial structure causes your sleep apnea, the Vivos appliance could be right for you.
This progressive approach promotes better long-term results and mitigates the need for more invasive treatments in the future. The Vivos DNA appliance is fully customized to each patient’s unique dental structure, ensuring a precise fit and optimal treatment outcomes. This personalized approach enhances your comfort and compliance, making the treatment journey much more pleasant! Experience better sleep, improved quality of life, and enhanced overall health with the Vivos DNA sleep apnea appliance – a superior alternative to traditional therapies. Choose a brighter, healthier future!
Transforming Your Sleep, Enhancing Your Life
Experience the profound transformation effective Sleep Apnea treatment can bring to your life. At Divine Smiles in Woburn, MA, our dedicated team is committed to helping you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep. With our personalized treatment options, patients often report significant improvements in sleep quality, reduced snoring, and increased daytime alertness. We understand the importance of uninterrupted sleep for overall well-being, and our comprehensive approach to Sleep Apnea ensures lasting results.
Nurturing Your Path to Restful Sleep
Your journey to restful sleep doesn't end with treatment—it continues with our attentive recovery and aftercare support at Divine Smiles in Woburn, MA. We provide guidance and resources to help you maintain the benefits of your Sleep Apnea treatment. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you enjoy peaceful nights and improved daytime alertness. One of our favorite patient responses is, “I didn’t know how tired I was until I wasn’t tired anymore.” With our ongoing care, you can embrace the lasting advantages of restorative sleep and a healthier, more energized life.
A dental device for sleep apnea works by holding your jaw in position so your airway remains clear while sleeping. Obstructive sleep apnea is typically caused by airway blockage during sleep when the tongue and tissues in the back of the throat relax and collapse into the airway. By holding your jaw forward, airway blockage is prevented.
Dr. Clancy uses a completely custom-built device that fits comfortably in your mouth and addresses your unique situation. A dental device that has not been customized for the perfect fit can become uncomfortable, so we work together with you and Prosomnus to create the most comfortable device possible that is still effective.
Not everyone is a good candidate for a dental device to treat their sleep apnea. Whether or not you are a candidate will depend on the severity and complexity of your case. If you are not a good candidate for the device, you may be a candidate for full-face orthodontics. You will need to have an in-person appointment with Dr. Clancy to find out if an oral device or full-face orthodontics may be appropriate for you.
Aside from the immediate symptoms that OSA causes, there are also a number of longer-term issues that can occur from untreated sleep apnea. It deprives you of necessary sleep as well as oxygen, which has negative effects on the body as well as mental health.
Abruptly waking up multiple times a night due to lack of oxygen stresses the body and leads to increased cortisol levels, which can lead to heart attack. Lack of sleep has a detrimental effect on your concentration and mood during the day, leading to problems at work and in your personal life. Plus, driving while drowsy is extremely dangerous – slowed reaction speeds and the possibility of falling asleep behind the wheel make your daily commute a game of potentially deadly roulette.
Untreated sleep apnea also increases your risk of stroke and depression. It can even cause sudden death in your sleep, although this is rare. It is more likely that your lifespan may be shortened due to health problems arising from lack of sleep.
Teeth grinding is also closely related to sleep apnea. If you grind your teeth, it can lead to dental problems such as worn down, cracked, and loosened teeth. These, in turn, can lead to other problems such as jaw pain or even TMJ.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues of the throat collapse while you’re asleep, blocking your airway. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and sends signals to wake up. Sometimes, people are aware of waking up and may do so abruptly, gasping for breath. Other times, though, they may only awaken subconsciously. It is possible to wake up multiple times throughout the night without even being aware you’re waking up.
Symptoms to look out for could include:
Since many sleep apnea sufferers are not aware of waking up throughout the night, it becomes important to monitor daytime symptoms. A partner may notice something’s wrong before the patient, especially if they are being woken up repeatedly due to loud snoring.
Untreated sleep apnea can have long-term consequences, which may include an increased risk for the following serious medical conditions:
See a doctor as soon as possible if you or your partner thinks that you may have sleep apnea.
You may be at risk due to genetics, lifestyle, or a combination of both. Typical risk factors can include:
Leading a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, and smoking are all significant risk factors for developing sleep apnea. In some cases, improving your overall health, losing weight, and quitting smoking can lead to sleep apnea being cured. You may need to use a CPAP or other treatment in the meantime, though.
Although not everyone with sleep apnea is overweight, a majority are. Excessive weight gain can cause excessive tissue to develop in the back of the throat, which then blocks the airway at night. This link between being overweight and having sleep apnea is well documented, and an accepted treatment option is losing weight.
We know that losing weight can be a difficult and time-consuming process. An oral appliance can be used during your weight loss journey to help manage your symptoms, with the goal that, eventually, you will no longer need it since you will be at a healthy weight with normal amounts of soft tissue in the throat.
Even if your OSA is not completely cured through weight loss, your symptoms should become much less severe, and you will be healthier overall.
Dr. Ryan Clancy and every member of our team are here to help guide you to your healthiest, most confident smile. Take the first step by scheduling a full assessment of your concerns, and begin designing your ideal smile and personalized treatment plan.
