Sleep Apnea Treatment in Vista and San Diego

At Oasis Smiles, our process for creating custom sleep apnea appliances begins with an initial screening to identify potential sleep apnea. If our screening suggests the presence of sleep apnea, we recommend you consult your doctor for a comprehensive sleep study or other necessary tests. This step is crucial to accurately diagnose the type of sleep apnea you may have.

Once diagnosed with sleep apnea, you'll return to our practice. Here, our experienced team will craft highly customized oral appliances tailored to correct your specific condition. These appliances are designed to maintain open airways during sleep, correcting the physical cause of sleep apnea.

The Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and the Tongue Retaining Device (TRD) are two commonly used oral appliances. The MAD is similar to a mouthguard used in sports and works by gently moving the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open. The TRD, on the other hand, holds the tongue in place to prevent airway blockage. Both devices are effective in treating sleep apnea and are customized to ensure maximum comfort and efficacy. We'll consult with you to find the right solution to mitigate your symptoms.

Loud snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, but it's not always a definitive indicator. Sleep apnea involves interruptions in breathing during sleep, which may or may not be accompanied by snoring. A proper diagnosis requires a sleep study, as other conditions can also cause snoring.

Initially, some patients may experience minor discomfort as they adjust to wearing the appliance. However, our custom-fitted oral appliances are designed for comfort and effectiveness. Most patients quickly adapt and find significant improvement in their sleep quality with little to no discomfort.

There are many factors that can lead to developing sleep apnea. These include obesity, a family history of sleep apnea, old age, thicker neck circumference causing a narrow airway, and lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol use. In some cases, anatomical differences such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also contribute to sleep apnea.