At Newport Beach Dental, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. As part of our commitment to comprehensive oral health care, our dental team in Newport Beach offers advanced solutions for snoring and sleep apnea. With a focus on comfort and long-term results, our personalized treatments can improve both your sleep quality and overall well-being. Let our team help you stay informed about these concerns and understand your options.

What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common but often serious condition marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. There are two primary types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by a physical blockage in the airway, and central sleep apnea (CSA), which occurs when the brain doesn’t properly signal the muscles that control breathing.*

While snoring can sometimes be a sign of sleep apnea, the condition is much more than just an annoyance. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to a range of serious health concerns – including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, and even depression. If you think you may be experiencing sleep apnea, it’s important to seek professional care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you breathe easier and enjoy a more restful sleep.

If you believe you or a loved one may have a problem with snoring or sleep apnea, give us a call today so that we can help you rest again!

Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring

As mentioned above, while snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, the two are not the same. Snoring happens when our airway becomes partially blocked; this narrowing of the airway creates a noisy vibration. In most cases, snoring is a minor issue that can easily be treated with an oral appliance. Unlike simple snoring, sleep apnea is linked to significant health risks.

Thankfully, it’s usually fairly easy for doctors to differentiate between sleep apnea and snoring. The issue can typically be diagnosed using simple, non-invasive methods, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

The first step toward a formal sleep apnea diagnosis is a thorough evaluation. Your doctor will start by discussing your sleep patterns, medical history, and any potential symptoms you may have (such as loud snoring, gasping for air, or excessive fatigue during the day). To confirm the diagnosis, a sleep study – conducted either at home or in a sleep clinic – can be administered to monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during the night.

Whether you’re looking to address snoring or sleep apnea, our team can meet with you to discuss the best options for managing your concerns.

What Treatments Are Available for Sleep Apnea?

Depending on your unique case, our dentists may recommend one of the following treatments:

Oral appliances. To address snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea, we can create a custom-fitted oral appliance. These comfortable, easy-to-use devices are designed to reposition your jaw and tongue to help keep your airway open while you sleep. Our team has helped many patients significantly enhance their sleep quality with this technique.
Lifestyle changes. Committing to a healthy diet and exercise routine can often improve mild sleep apnea symptoms. Additionally, avoiding sedatives or alcohol before bedtime can reduce airway blockages and improve your sleep.
CPAP machine. For more severe cases of sleep apnea, use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine may be necessary. This device delivers a steady flow of air through a mask to keep your airway open throughout the night.*

Our dentists are committed to offering top-quality care for your most pressing concerns. If you would like more information about sleep apnea or snoring, feel free to contact Newport Beach Dental today. We’d be happy to guide you toward the best solution for your needs!

Dental Care For Life

Get the best services to take care of the worst problems. Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Let us handle your problem with snoring today.

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“My wife kept complaining that my snoring was loud. I thought that is what all wives say! However, I mentioned it to Dr. Alder and he suggested that it may be due to sleep apnea. He was right! Luckily, I had a mild case of sleep apnea, so we have been treating it conservatively, but I wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for Dr. Alder and for that I am incredibly grateful! ”

Erik J.

Sleep Apnea & Snoring

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea vs. Snoring

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

What Treatments Are Available for Sleep Apnea?

Dental Care For Life

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