Are You Showing Signs of Sleep Apnea?
An estimated 22 million Americans suffer from the harmful effects of sleep apnea, yet many are unaware that this condition is even present. While daytime manifestations of sleep apnea-such as fatigue, headaches, moodiness, or weight gain-are visible, the most common symptoms, snoring and cessations in breathing, are oftentimes overlooked, as they happen during sleep. If you have been told you snore or stop breathing while asleep, and have been experiencing these daytime symptoms, you may have sleep apnea. Dr. Aaron Quitmeyer, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is trained to detect even subtle signs of sleep apnea and can properly treat your condition with proven and effective solutions, including oral appliances for the CPAP intolerant.
Why Treat Sleep Apnea?
Without proper treatment, sleep apnea can lead to a host of other problems. Poor sleep and increased blood pressure from inconsistent breathing all factor into health issues such as obesity, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and even stroke, in addition to difficulty concentrating on day-to-day tasks and constant daytime fatigue. Simply getting the right amount of well-rested sleep with proper treatment significantly improves memory, creativity, energy, concentration, attention span, and a healthy weight. Similarly, sleep apnea treatment can help reduce the risk for high blood pressure, stressful feelings, and moodiness or depression.
Benefits of sleep apnea treatment include:
- Improved quality of sleep
- Little-to-no morning headaches
- Reduction in snoring
- Eliminated daytime fatigue
- Increased level of energy
- Reduced cardiovascular risk
- Improved overall health
Our Sleep Apnea Solutions
Many patients find relief from sleep apnea with oral appliance or CPAP machines. When more conservative treatment options fail, orthognathic surgery may be beneficial. In each instance, Dr. Quitmeyer provides education on your condition, all treatment options, and which solution may benefit your unique situation the most.
Oral Appliances
Patients who are CPAP intolerant may still be able to benefit from an oral appliance. Similar to a sports mouth guard, these appliances help to keep the airways open during sleep by holding the lower jaw forward. Oral appliances are always customized to each patient to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery may be necessary for more severe cases of sleep apnea. This procedure involves moving the upper or lower jaw, or both, to open up and expand the airways. Many patients find that jaw surgery also improves their facial appearance and bite alignment as well as improve breathing.