Comfortable and discreet sleep apnea treatment in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Sleep apnea affects your sleep and often leaves you feeling drowsy and unable to focus during the day. Dentists are often your first stop for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea. Top general dentists Alex Shklyar, DDS and Madueke Ekoh, DDS can diagnose sleep apnea or help you find a treatment if it’s something you’ve been struggling to manage. Before going another night with disrupted sleep, schedule an evaluation at Greenway Dental Group in Greenbelt, Maryland. Book either through the online scheduling system or over the phone.
Silent Nite® by Glidewell Laboratories
- Helping patients achieve a deeper, more satisfying night’s sleep,
- Treats sleep-disordered. breathing quickly and effectively.
- More than 400,000 Silent Nite Sleep Appliances delivered
Sleep Apnea Q & A
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea affects your breathing and can cause your windpipe to collapse as you sleep. Some patients even have brain signaling issues, which impair their normal breathing patterns. If you have sleep apnea, you’re likely going to wake up several times throughout the night.
Not all sleep apnea sufferers remember waking up frequently, although their partners certainly do since they were also kept awake. Other common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Sore throat in the morning
- Dry mouth during the night
- Sore jaws or teeth grinding
- Difficulty concentrating
- Uncontrollable mood swings
Some patients even describe having frequent headaches upon first waking up in the morning. You’re likely to experience several of these symptoms if you have sleep apnea.
How is sleep apnea treated?
Your dentist spends time going over all of your symptoms to understand what’s causing your condition. Once they learn your sleep habits, they can help you find a resolution. Many sleep apnea sufferers get instant relief by wearing a custom mandibular advancement device or mouthguard.
Mouthguards, which are made right in the office at Greenway Dental Group, help prevent clenching and grinding that are often linked to sleep apnea. Depending on your needs, you might benefit from a lower arch mouthguard that gently pulls your lower jaw forward as you sleep. This opens up your airway and helps you breathe easier during the night.
Your dentist can even help you communicate with your primary care physician if you need to start making lifestyle changes, like losing weight. You might also be a candidate for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that helps push air into your airways and keeps them open while you sleep.
Do I need surgery for sleep apnea?
Surgery for sleep apnea is always the last resort if you aren’t responding to more conservative treatments. As dental surgeon experts, the team at Greenway Dental Group can perform jaw repositioning, which helps minimize airway obstructions.
They may even suggest removing certain tissues, such as your tonsils, that vibrate and cause snoring. The team strives to help you find the right device or surgical procedure for your own needs and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea
What role does a dentist play in treating sleep apnea?
Dentists play an important role in identifying and managing sleep apnea, especially when symptoms are related to jaw position, airway obstruction, or nighttime clenching and grinding. At Greenway Dental Group, dentists evaluate oral anatomy, jaw alignment, and sleep-related symptoms to determine whether a dental appliance may help improve breathing during sleep.
What type of sleep apnea can dental appliances help treat?
Dental sleep appliances are most commonly used to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. This type of sleep apnea happens when the airway is partially obstructed during sleep because of relaxed muscles or jaw placement. Oral appliances help keep the airway open by supporting proper jaw alignment throughout the night.
What is the Silent Nite® sleep appliance?
Silent Nite® by Glidewell Laboratories is a custom-made oral appliance designed to help manage sleep-disordered breathing. It fits comfortably over the teeth and gently repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep. This forward positioning helps reduce airway collapse and supports more consistent nighttime breathing.
How does the Silent Nite® appliance improve breathing during sleep?
The Silent Nite® appliance works by advancing the lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep the airway open while you sleep. This positioning reduces obstruction caused by relaxed tissues in the throat and can significantly decrease snoring and breathing interruptions associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Is the Silent Nite® appliance comfortable to wear overnight?
Most patients find the Silent Nite® appliance comfortable and easy to adapt to after a short adjustment period. As it is custom-fitted, it sits securely without bulky components. Many patients prefer it over other treatment options because it allows for natural movement and does not involve masks or external equipment.
How long does it take to get fitted for a sleep apnea mouthguard?
The fitting process typically begins with a consultation and evaluation. Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are taken to create the custom appliance. Once fabricated, the appliance is adjusted to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. Follow-up visits help fine-tune positioning for optimal comfort and results.
Can a dental sleep appliance help with snoring?
Yes. Dental sleep appliances are often effective at reducing or eliminating snoring caused by airway obstruction. By stabilizing the jaw and improving airflow, the Silent Nite® appliance can lead to quieter, more restful sleep for both the patient and their partner.
How much does sleep apnea treatment with an oral appliance cost?
The cost of treatment varies depending on the type of appliance and the complexity of the case. During your consultation at Greenway Dental Group, you’ll receive a clear estimate so you understand expected costs before moving forward. Early treatment may also help reduce long-term health-related expenses.
Does insurance cover dental sleep apnea treatment?
Some medical insurance plans offer coverage for sleep apnea oral appliances when medically indicated. Coverage varies based on diagnosis and plan specifics. The Greenway Dental Group team can help coordinate documentation and review benefits to clarify potential coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
How can I start sleep apnea treatment in Greenbelt, Maryland?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or ongoing snoring, scheduling a consultation at Greenway Dental Group is the first step. The team provides evaluations and customized treatment options using proven appliances like Silent Nite®, helping patients in Greenbelt, Maryland, achieve more restful, healthier sleep.
Find out how the sleep apnea experts at Greenway Dental Group can help you by scheduling a consultation either online or over the phone.
