Sleep Apnea Treatment

Are You…

• Snoring loudly every night?
• Hearing comments that you gasp or choke in your sleep?
• Feeling excessively tired during the day, no matter how much you sleep?
• Waking up with headaches?
• Finding it hard to concentrate and experiencing brain fog?
• Suffering from mood swings?

You Might Be Experiencing Sleep Apnea

The good news is: the solution to all your sleep problems could be a quick visit to Dr. Stephanie Bangs here in our Arlington practice.

Schedule a visit today to take back your sleep and experience potentially life-changing results – and all without having to sleep with a bulky CPAP machine covering your face for the rest of your life!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a health disorder that causes repeated pauses in your breathing while you’re asleep. These pauses can last up to 30 seconds, meaning you’re left without oxygen for half a minute, repeatedly throughout the night.

There are two types of sleep apnea, but the most common type and the one which we can help you with is known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). If you suffer from OSA, it means your airway (the opening at the back of your throat) gets constricted or blocked while you sleep.

Some Causes Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

1. Maxillary hypoplasia: this is when your upper jaw hasn’t developed properly to leave enough space for your tongue, leading to it blocking your airway when you sleep.
2. Mandibular retrognathia: this is when your lower jaw is set too far back, closing off your airway.
3. Your Tongue Position: your tongue might be tied or might be resting in a position that blocks your airway.
4. Or all of the above

The Effects Of Sleep Apnea

All across America, there are people suffering from sleep apnea, and most of them have no idea. Children can experience sleep apnea too, and the effects can be even more damaging because their brains and bodies are still growing and developing.

With sleep apnea, you experience:

• reduced levels of oxygen in your brain
• excessive sleepiness
• depression
• chronic fatigue
• diminished reflexes and difficulty learning or remembering things
• significantly reduced performance at school or work

If your oxygen reaches very low levels, sleep apnea can also lead to heart irregularities and high blood pressure, putting you at risk for hypertension, diabetes, or a stroke.

How We Can Help

Your Initial Consultation

When you come in for a sleep apnea consultation with us, you’ll meet Dr. Bangs and she’ll walk you through:

• A preliminary health questionnaire
• A gentle exam of your head and neck
• A CBCT scan and some intraoral photos & measurements
• An in-home sleep test

Your Treatment Options

Lifestyle Changes

This can be a great first step, and might be enough to reduce or eliminate your sleep apnea. These changes include losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and avoiding relaxants such as alcohol before you go to bed. We normally advise that you try these before considering alternative treatments.

Orthodontics

In some cases, narrow jaws can contribute to sleep apnea by restricting the space available for your tongue. We can combat this with orthodontic treatment. Clear aligner trays can gradually widen your jaws, creating more room and improving airflow.

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)

Our MAD of Choice: The Vivos® System

A MAD is an oral appliance that moves your lower jaw forward. This helps to open your airway by preventing your tongue from collapsing backward while you sleep. Dr. Bangs usually recommends using this when your airway is narrow but your jaw is the proper size. You might benefit from a combination of orthodontics to widen the jaws and a MAD to further open your airway.

We are a Vivos® Integrated Practice and so the MAD we use is the Vivos® System.

The Benefits Of The Vivos® System:

• It’s a non-invasive, non-surgical approach
• The device is designed specifically for your mouth
• Its compact, retainer-like design ensures maximum comfort
• There is no need for any medications, as the treatment relies purely on structural changes
• If your treatment is successful, you can enjoy permanent results

Tongue Evaluation And Treatment

Dr. Bangs will assess your tongue’s position and movement to determine if it is contributing to airway obstruction, for instance if you have a tongue-tie that is restricting your tongue’s movement. Treatments may include exercises to improve your tongue posture or a procedures to release your tongue-tie, allowing your tongue to rest in a better position.

Laser Treatment

This option is best if you experience snoring without an actual obstruction stopping your breathing during sleep. The minimally invasive laser treatment aims to tighten the collagen in the back of your throat, which can increase your airway opening and reduce snoring. The procedure involves three sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart and you might experience a mild sore throat for a day after each session.

Ready To Take Back Your Sleep?

Get started by scheduling an appointment with us and then completing the form below before your appointment. With comprehensive sleep apnea treatment with Dr. Bangs, you can finally get the deep, restorative rest you’ve been missing.

Frequently Asked Questions