Cleveland Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Symptoms, Causes and Effects

Obstructive Sleep Apnea affects 1 in 10 people moderately and 1 in 100 severely.

What causes snoring?

Snoring occurs when the structures in the throat are large and when muscles relax enough to cause the airway to narrow and partially obstruct the flow of air. As the air passes through these obstructions, these structures vibrate producing the snoring sound. Large tonsils, a long soft palate and uvula and excess fat deposits contribute to airway narrowing.

Symptoms and Effects:

• Occasional snoring
• Disrupted sleep
• Low blood/oxygen levels
• Momentary loss of breathing
• Can lead to high blood pressure
• Excessive daytime drowsiness
• Cardiovascular problems- heart attack, stroke, death

What causes sleep apnea?

Narrowing airway passages can cause Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Muscles relax during sleep. When the muscles used to breathe relax too much, the tongue is sucked against the back of the throat causing airflow to stop. The oxygen level in the brain becomes low enough to awaken the sleeper partially. The obstruction in the throat clears and the flow of air starts again (usually with a loud gasp). This is called apnea. The most common cause of airway constriction during sleep apnea is the tongue. The tongue relaxes excessively during sleep and falls back into the airway with each breath. Air travels faster through a slender tube, this rapidly moving air causes the soft tissue in the throat to vibrate, which produces the loud sound of snoring and compromises the ability to breath. Some patients experience up to 300 apnea episodes each night. Severe cases may have up to 700 per night and possibly develop serious health issues.

The sleep apnea/snoring appliance

Oral appliances have several advantages over other forms of therapy. They are relatively comfortable to wear, and easy to care for. Treatment is reversible and non-invasive. This appliance has been proven 85% effective in treating sleep apnea. Patients have expressed their satisfaction in using this appliance. Clinical studies have shown that the appliance is effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in the majority of cases.

The Sleep Apnea/Snoring Appliance is made up of 2 small custom-made plastic devices that look similar to orthodontic retainers or athletic mouthguards. They fit over the teeth and are worn while sleeping. The device works by moving the lower jaw and tongue forward and opening the airway in the back of the throat to let air flow.

Many medical insurance policies will cover the cost of this appliance when the patient is diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea by a certified sleep disorder center. At Streem, Resnick, Tetelman & Young, DDS Inc we have treated many patients using custom appliances and night guards. We work closely with physicians and sleep centers to determine a diagnosis and develop the best treatment protocol for each patient.

Dental Treatment for Snoring and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Although snoring is commonly thought to be funny and annoying, it can be part of a more serious medical condition called obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring by it self may be relieved by changing sleep position, losing weight, decongestants or palatal surgery.

Apnea, a more serious medical problem, is a Greek word that means "Want of breath." A person is considered to be a sleep apnea sufferer when he or she stops breathing for at least 10 seconds up to thirty times or more a night. Because of the lowering of oxygen and other factors, a strain is placed on the cardiovascular system which can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and gastric reflux.

There are four different treatments available for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

• Continuous positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
• Palatal Surgery
• Lower jaw surgery
• Oral appliance approach.

Generally, the CPAP is the most effective. Your physician can discuss the CPAP and options. An ENT MD can discuss palatal surgery. An oral surgeon can discuss lower jaw surgery. We have the expertise to discuss an oral appliance approach.

Before any therapy is performed to treat sleep apnea, the use of sleeping aids and alcohol is restricted and a weight loss program is suggested for those who are overweight.

When sleep apnea is suspected, a special test called a polysomnogram (PSM) is prescribed. This is a sleep study done either in a special lab or at home. The study monitors breathing and other factors. A sleep physician will discuss your options. Medical insurance requires a PSM indicating OSA before they will give approval for any type of treatment. Snoring by itself will not be covered by insurance. Before an oral appliance is prescribed a CPAP must be tried and /or refused.

The oral appliance is a conservative treatment involving the custom prescribed and fitted appliance made to wear during sleep which gently moves the lower jaw forward allowing more air to be utilized during sleep. These appliances are non invasive, easily accepted by most patients and are reversible. However, we can not guarantee that you will wear them. In only a few weeks, most patients are comfortable. A follow up sleep study may be necessary for insurance reimbursement.

If you wish more information regarding Snoring and Sleep Apnea or wish to find out how our highly trained staff might assist you please call us to schedule an evaluation and consultation. 440-461-8200. You may also email us though the “contact us” page on this website.