What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a life threatening and life altering condition that causes a person to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. People with sleep apnea stop breathing for 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. This can happen up to 400 times every night! This may make you wake up from sleep. If you are waking up all night long, you aren't getting the restful sleep you need. People with sleep apnea often are not aware of awakenings, but are sleepy during the day.
“Over the past several years, I have had the pleasure of referring to Dr. Klein many of my clients with obstructive sleep apnea. We have had much success with the mandibular advancement device in adult clients. Orthopedic correction has been very helpful in the post-operative pediatric patient when sleep apnea persists, or when surgery is not an option. Our goal has been to eliminate or minimize the need for CPAP, especially when poorly tolerated.”
—Jonathan Warren, MD, Board-Certified, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine,
Arlington Heights
There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. Nine out of ten people with sleep apnea have OSA. In OSA something is blocking the windpipe (trachea) that brings air into your body. When the muscles in your throat relax, the tongue is sucked against the throat blocking the airway. It might also be blocked by a large amount of fatty tissue in the throat, lymphatic tissue such as large tonsils or adenoids or even clogged sinuses. Whatever is causing the blockage, lack of oxygen wakes or partially wakes the person and the airway is restored because the brain senses an inadequate amount of oxygen.
Health consequences of untreated sleep apnea are due to the lack of oxygen that results, and can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, GERD and other problems.
Indications for use of an oral appliance over other treatments such as surgery or CPAP include:
- Poor tolerance of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
- Poor surgical risks
- Unsuccessful UPPP surgery (reshaping of the soft palate)
- Mild, Moderate or Severe OSA patients who refuse CPAP
How does an oral appliance work?
There are various types of oral appliances that can be used. The most commonly prescribed appliance is a
Mandibular Repositioning Device (MRD) or
Oral Dilator. This appliance repositions and stabilizes the lower jaw, tongue, soft palate and uvula. It also increases the muscle tone of the tongue. Oral appliances are small and convenient, making them easy to carry when traveling. They are also non-invasive and reversible, unlike surgery. They are more comfortable and better tolerated than CPAP.
“It has taken diligence and patience on my part and creativity on the doctor’s part, but it is worth it! I’m sleeping better and breathing better with less headaches and sinus problems...and all with straighter teeth...”
—Marcia M.
Mundeleine, IL
Call For a Free Screening!
Call for a free Pharyngometry screening today, to see if you are a candidate for an oral appliance!
(847) 277-0090
Extensive Training
Dr. Klein and Dr. Bashford have done extensive training in sleep apnea treatment and have both been awarded Diplomate Status in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
