Adult Sleep Solutions

How can I manage my obstructive sleep apnea condition?

The following options may be recommended for Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is the standard treatment for moderate to severe cases of OSA. CPAP provides a steady stream of pressurized air to patients through a mask that they wear during sleep. This airflow keeps the airway open, preventing pauses in breathing and restoring normal oxygen levels. This amount of pressure required is carefully determined and adjusted based on the severity of the obstructive apneas. Although not tolerated well and compliance is often very low, continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP provides an alternative to relieve symptoms of OSA. CPAP requires a lifetime of therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is effective only when there is an obvious deformity that can be corrected to alleviate the breathing problem. This may require a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) Specialist to assess for the removal of nasal blockages (deviated septum) or removal of excess tissues in the upper airway and throat (tonsils, adenoids, uvula, soft palate).

Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

Therapy with a MAD is supported by published research, “Clinical Practice Guideline for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring with Oral Appliance Therapy: An Update for 2015,” which reported that oral appliances are indicated as treatment for patients with primary snoring and for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who are intolerant of CPAP or who prefer alternative treatment.

A MAD is an effective option to manage the following:

Snoring
Mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients who prefer it to CPAP
Patients who are unable to successfully comply with CPAP therapy
Patients with upper airway resistance

If a MAD is recommended to address snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea (as diagnosed by a certified sleep physician), we will begin steps to fabricate a custom appliance.

There are many types of dental devices that can be used to alleviate sleep breathing disorders. Patients who wear snoring or sleep apnea appliances often report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep.

A MAD works by positioning your jaw further forward to pull your tongue away from the throat and the soft palate, thereby opening your airway. This allows for better air exchange at night while you sleep. For many, it eliminates or reduces snoring. Your compliance may require adjustments over time and ongoing assessments to ensure your airway is functioning in the healthiest way possible.

The Vivos System

A multidisciplinary therapeutic protocol for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing including mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

The Vivos System® is an advanced therapeutic protocol, which combines the use of oral appliance specifications developed by Vivos and prescribed by specially-trained independent dentists in cooperation with their medical colleagues.

The Vivos System® is indicated for use to treat the underlying cause of mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, snoring and sleep disordered breathing in adults, which has been linked to underdeveloped jaws.

You will wear your Vivos device, as directed by your doctor, between 12 and 24 months, during the day and night.

Most patients feel the effects of treatment within the first few days or weeks. During treatment, periodic adjustments to your appliance are made by your treating dentist, who often works in close collaboration with a medical sleep specialist.

Upon completion of treatment, many patients do not require further intervention.