Sleep Apnea Treatment in Arlington, TX

Get Better Quality Sleep Without CPAP!

Did you know that your dentist can help you treat sleep apnea and chronic snoring? If you suffer from loud snoring, insomnia, or excessive daytime sleepiness, you can experience potentially life-changing results without the need for a bulky CPAP machine! That’s right – Dr. Bangs offers non-invasive sleep apnea treatment in Arlington, TX!

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a health disorder that affects millions of Americans, and usually, people who suffer from it are unaware! This disorder is characterized by breath pauses during sleep that can last for 20 to 30 seconds. Other indicators of sleep apnea are choking, snoring, snorting, and teeth grinding, and it’s usually what acts as an indicator for the sufferer’s partner to notice the condition.

Types of Sleep Apnea

Central Sleep Apnea

Central sleep apnea is a known nervous system disorder caused by a disease or injury involving the brainstem. This causes delayed signals from the brain to the breathing muscles. Once your breathing stops, oxygen levels begin to decrease. People suffering from this type of sleep apnea may not snore, but do experience shortness of breath.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The other type of sleep apnea is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and is more common than central sleep apnea. OSA is caused by a blocked airway that results from an over-relaxed tongue and muscles, bone and facial structure deformities, and obesity. When the airway is blocked, the person will stop breathing and start to snort and gasp.

When oxygen levels are reduced, carbon dioxide level goes up. The brain then tries to wake the person in order to normalize the breathing process. The brain will try to open the airway by adjusting the throat and tongue muscles which lead to loud snoring. The person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea will not be aware of snoring and will likely not remember waking up for that short period of time.

Both types of sleep apnea have different causes. However, the effects are the same, including reduced levels of oxygen in the brain, excessive daytime sleepiness, depression, fatigue, and poor sleep. Sleep apnea can also lead to heart irregularities and high blood pressure if the oxygen level reaches a very low level. The disorder can also disturb one’s partner due to loud snoring.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

If you sleep alone, it isn’t always easy to recognize that you are suffering sleep apnea. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be that you have OSA.

• Feeling very tired during the day
• Finding it hard to concentrate and experiencing brain fog
• Suffering mood swings
• Morning headaches
• Persistent snoring

​​​​​​​If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you should arrange to speak to our Arlington dentist to be assessed and find out about the available treatments.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are several options for obstructive sleep apnea. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, eating better, and avoiding relaxants such as alcohol before sleep can reduce and eliminate sleep apnea. We normally advise that our patients try these before considering alternative treatments.

CPAP machines are a very effective treatment for sleep apnea. They work by delivering continuous positive airway pressure, which pushes past the obstruction and enables you to breathe easily. However, you’ll have to wear a bulky mask over your face while sleeping, which can be rather uncomfortable.

Mandibular devices are also popular. These mouthpieces work by adjusting and improving the position of the jaw and retaining the tongue so that the airway cannot become blocked.

The oral appliances that we provide at Pecan Park Dental are supplied through Vivos. These safe, effective, and non-invasive oral appliances are designed specifically for the treatment of maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular retrognathia – two of the most significant underlying conditions causing sleep apnea.

The Vivos System for Sleep Apnea

Pecan Park Dental is a Vivos® Integrated Practice where we provide sleep apnea treatment with The Vivos® System. This method uses nonsurgical, noninvasive, and cost-effective oral appliance technology to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

The Vivos® System involves the following steps to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment custom-designed to fit your needs.

Initial Consultation

Your initial consultation with one of our dentists in Arlington will involve a:

• Preliminary health questionnaire & screening
• Head and neck examination
• CBCT scan
• Intra-oral photos & measurements
• In-home sleep test

Comprehensive Diagnosis

After the consultation process, we will perform a thorough and complete assessment of your screening results to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Airway Intelligence Report

Once you have completed diagnostic procedures and required tests, our team will compile your Airway Intelligence Report, which includes the following:

• Complete assessment and evaluation
• Airway measurements
• Treatment goals
• Treatment plan
• Health insurance & financing

Life during your sleep apnea treatment

You will wear your Vivos device as directed, between 12 and 24 months, primarily in the evening and night while you sleep. Most patients feel the effects of treatment within the first few days or weeks. During treatment, our Arlington dentists make periodic adjustments to your oral appliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vivos system suitable for all types of sleep apnea?

While the Vivos system primarily targets obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it may also benefit individuals with mild to moderate forms of sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). However, it’s essential to undergo a comprehensive evaluation with our team to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your condition.

How long does it take to see results with oral appliance therapy?

The timeframe can vary depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, your adherence to treatment, and your overall oral health. However, many of our patients report significant relief from symptoms within a few weeks to months of using the oral appliance. It’s essential to follow up with us regularly to monitor your progress and make adjustments where necessary to optimize your treatment outcome.

Will I have any side effects or discomfort when using Vivos sleep apnea appliances?

Most patients find Vivos oral appliances comfortable to wear during sleep, with minimal to no side effects. However, some may experience temporary jaw discomfort or changes in bite alignment during the adjustment period. These issues typically resolve as your jaw muscles adapt to the new positioning. We will work closely with you to address concerns and ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process.

Can the Vivos system replace CPAP therapy?

While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy remains the gold standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea, the Vivos system offers a viable alternative for individuals who are intolerant or non-compliant with CPAP. Our patients appreciate the convenience, portability, and comfort of oral appliance therapy. However, the choice between CPAP and oral appliance therapy should be made in consultation with our team and based on individual needs and preferences.

Ready to Take Back Your Sleep?

Get started by contacting our dental office and completing the forms below before your appointment for comprehensive sleep apnea treatment in Arlington, TX.