08
Sep
When Should You See a Sleep Appliance Dentist?
If you’re among the millions of people losing quality sleep due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), we can help! At A Brush Above Family Dentistry, we offer OSA dental appliance treatment for this condition. You’ll work with an experienced sleep appliance dentist near me to manage OSA symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep. Through the following FAQs, your Chicago/Evanston, Illinois dental team – Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel and Rosa Sinno – explain more about OSA causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is OSA, and what are its risks?
OSA is a sleep disorder that leads to disruptive nighttime breathing. As you sleep, your throat muscles and soft tissues relax, blocking your airways and making it difficult to breathe. Once your brain registers you can’t breathe, it prompts you to wake up abruptly, gasping for breath. Most people fall right back to sleep once they can breathe. These episodes repeat all night long, keeping you from sleeping soundly. The effects of sleeplessness, over time, can lead to daytime fatigue, chronic headaches, irritability, brain fog, and other health issues.
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
What are some common symptoms of OSA?
OSA signs aren’t always visible to the person afflicted by this condition. However, they’re often quite evident to their significant other! These include:
- Loud snoring or snorting
- Restless sleep
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
- Waking frequently gasping for breath or choking
- Night sweats
- Daytime fatigue
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New Patients: (773) 840-0378 | Existing Patients: (773) 276-0300
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What are OSA dental appliances?
OSA appliances are special mouthpieces you can wear over your teeth at night to prevent blockage of your airways while you sleep. These appliances work by shifting the position of your jaw or tongue in order to keep your airways open as you sleep. As your breathing improves, so does your sleep!
How is obstructive sleep apnea diagnosed?
If you suspect you have this condition, talk to your primary physician. He’ll conduct a physical exam, assess your symptoms, and either order an at-home sleep apnea test or refer you to a sleep specialist who will conduct a sleep study to make an accurate OSA diagnosis.
How can a sleep appliance dentist help with sleep apnea?
Your dentist can help you manage OSA symptoms by customizing an oral appliance for your use. A custom-made OSA device will be of higher quality, fit more comfortably, and function better than a generic one-size-fits-all oral appliance purchased over the counter. With proper care, a custom OSA appliance can last 3 to 5 years, saving you time and money in getting replacements.
How effective are OSA oral appliances in treating sleep apnea symptoms?
Oral appliances work best in treating mild to moderate cases of OSA. They’re easy to use, compact to travel with, and offer a non-invasive means of managing OSA symptoms and improving the quality of your sleep.
Who offers OSA dental appliance treatment near me?
To learn more about OSA oral appliance therapy in Evanston and Chicago, IL, contact your sleep appliance dental team from A Brush Above Family Dentistry at (773) 840-0378.
Dr. Marcella Guzman
Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Phillip Fidel
Philip Fidel, DDS, graduated from the University of California Davis in 1981 and attended Northwestern Dental School in Chicago. He has been providing exceptional dental care via private practice in Chicago ever since. Dr. Fidel believes learning is a never-ending process and has completed advanced training in CEREC 3-D technology, laser, and implant dentistry.
Dr. Rosa Sinno
Rosa Sinno, DDS, graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and received her dental degree from the University of Illinois Dental School in 2006. After five years of practicing in Chicago, she moved to New York City, where she continued to treat patients and ran a successful office in Midtown Manhattan. She also followed a year-long intensive training program at the renowned Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry. She has also completed training in Invisalign, CEREC 3-D technology, and laser dentistry. In 2017, Dr. Sinno moved back to her hometown of Chicago.
Dr. Irbad Chowdhury
Irbad Chowdhury, DMD, DABOI, AFAAID, FAGD, FICD, FICOI, received his dental degree and completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry and Implant Fellowship at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine. ​​He is board-certified in dental implants and is also an advanced dentistry expert. After completing his residency and private practice in Saint Louis, MO, Dr. Chowdhury moved to Chicago.
A former faculty and clinical professor at SIU School of Dental Medicine, he now serves as a clinical instructor/professor at Midwestern University Dental School.
Dr. Shoshana Center
Shoshana Center, DMD, is a highly skilled dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care focusing on patient comfort and education. Since graduating from Southern Illinois School of Dental Medicine in 2022, she has specialized in Invisalign and CEREC 3-D technology for same-day crowns and onlays. Dr. Center is passionate about esthetic dentistry, including implant restoration, and is committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements through continuous education. As a member of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society, she is trusted for her expertise and dedication to clinical excellence.
All these providers aim to deliver exceptional patient care focused on health, function, comfort, and aesthetic beauty. They take pride in listening to patients’ concerns and tailoring each visit to their individual needs. Full patient-oriented dental care backed by patient-empowered decisions is what they intend to deliver in providing patients with the ultimate dental experience.