Sleep Apnea Affects 22 Million Americans, But Most Do Not Know It

It is estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea undiagnosed. OSA, when left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems; it is associated with type 2 diabetes and depression; and is a factor in many traffic accidents and accidents with heavy machinery, owing to the persistent drowsiness suffered by many OSA patients before the disease is recognized and treated. The public and the health community are generally aware of the
increasing obesity of Americans, a phenomenon related to the increase in sleep apnea. Few outside the sleep medicine community, however, are aware that too little good sleep appears to be as much a factor in obesity as too much food and too little exercise.

Did you know that some dentists are trained to help treat and manage your snoring and sleep apnea? Dental sleep medicine is an area of dental practice that focuses on the use of oral appliance therapy to treat sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Dentists can work together with sleep physicians to identify the best treatment for each patient

The quality of your sleep has a dramatic impact on your health, well-being and overall quality of life. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnea disrupt your sleep and increase your risk of severe health problems. Remember that snoring is a warning sign that should never be ignored. Some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may include waking up with a dry or sore throat, waking up with a choking or gasping sensation, sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, and restless sleep. Sleep apnea symptoms and signs are often an indication that your health is being negatively affected.

Snoring is a common warning sign for obstructive sleep apnea. Prior to treatment, you should be diagnosed by a board-certified sleep medicine physician. If you have snoring without sleep apnea, your doctor should give you a prescription for an oral sleep appliance. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you.

The most common treatment for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The CPAP machine keeps your airway open by providing forced air through flexible tubing. CPAP therapy requires you to wear a mask as you sleep. Although CPAP therapy is effective, some people are unable to adhere to it. Your doctor should consider giving you a prescription for a sleep apnea appliance if you are unable to tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternate treatment. Many people like an oral appliance because it is comfortable, quiet, portable and easy to wear. In some severe
cases of sleep apnea, upper airway surgery may be another treatment option.

Dentists pioneered the use of oral appliance therapy for the treatment of obstructive
sleep apnea and snoring in adults. An oral appliance is a device worn in the mouth only during sleep. It fits like a sports mouth guard or orthodontic retainer. A custom-fit oral sleep appliance is an effective treatment that prevents the airway from collapsing by supporting the jaw in a forward position.

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Provided by a dentist, oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit, “mouth guard-like” device worn only during sleep. Oral appliance therapy helps maintain an open, unobstructed airway.
Across the country, some dentists are prepared to provide oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor and dentist about your treatment options.

Dr Craig P. Aebli, DDS, MS, FAGD is trained in treating patients for snoring and sleep
apnea. He is located at Oakport Dental in Sanford, FL (407)323-5340

Dental Veneers to cover your damaged enamel and whiten your teeth

A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain cemented to the surface of your teeth. They're tooth-colored and used to not only recreate the natural look of the teeth, but also protect them as a natural enamel would. They're definitely a great way to deal with a variety of physical and aesthetic problems such as stained, chipped or gapped teeth. 

Here's the before and after of a patient with porcelain veneers.

Don't want braces, but still want a beautiful smile?

This patient came to us to help her improve her smile.  She wasn't happy with it but didn't want to go through the pain of wearing braces as an adult.  She also wasn't interested in using Invisalign clear retainers.

In much less time than what braces would have taken, we were able to give her a beautiful smile using porcelain crowns and veneers.  

Call Oakport Dental Sanford today to see what we can do for you!  407-323-5340

After

Before

You deserve a crown!

We helped this Queen smile with a brand new crown!  Call us today to book an appointment for your Royal Treatment.  407-323-5340

Crowned!

Before

Upgrade your smile with porcelain dental veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin covers that resemble the look of natural teeth.  They are custom made and bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.  These can provide great results for those with chipped, gapped or misshaped teeth.

Here's a patient with porcelain veneers. This is done in two sessions.

Top Dentist...8th year in a row!

Congratulations Dr. Aebli for being chosen as a Top Dentist for the 8th year in a row!

Another succesful bonding case...another beautiful smile!

 Easily done in one appointment.  Call us today!  407-323-5340