Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

Comfortable, effective care for Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Snoring is the sound of air passing through obstructed airways during sleep. When the soft tissues at the back of the throat fall against it, they vibrate. This causes the sound of snoring. Dr. Flowers offers Oral Appliance Therapy to stop your or your loved one’s snoring and correct sleep apnea.

Is your snoring a sign of Sleep Apnea?

Loud snoring can be a sign of a serious medical condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is the condition in which breathing pauses repeatedly during the night, causing debilitating effects due to lack of proper sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause such effects as excessive daytime sleepiness, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Restless sleep
• Morning headaches
• Sleepiness while driving
• Daytime lack of energy or sleepiness
• Awakening with a very dry or sore throat
• Breathing pauses repeatedly during the night
• Recurrent insomnia or awakenings during the night
• Waking up with a gasping or choking sensation on occasion
• Mood changes, forgetfulness and a decreased interest in sex

An effective solution to Sleep Apnea

Mild OSA can now be simply and effectively treated. Dr. Flowers can use Oral Appliance Therapy to create a comfortable dental device to ensure your jaw and tongue stay in an open, relaxed position during sleep. No more snoring or gasping for air.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends dental devices for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea who are not appropriate candidates for CPAP therapy.

First, Dr. Flowers will perform a thorough oral exam and determine the correct position for your mouth, jaw, tongue and teeth during sleep. Then he’ll custom-fit a device that rests comfortably on your teeth that you’ll wear while sleeping. The device holds the lower jaw forward in a relaxed position, ensuring the tongue and soft tissue of the throat won’t collapse into your airway. And this in turn ensures that your airways remain relaxed and open while you sleep.

This is a simple dental device similar to a custom-fitted mouthguard that’s worn in sports or for teeth grinding. It’s comfortable and unobtrusive to wear and worn only when you sleep. It also won’t limit your ability to close or open your mouth, yawn or speak. And, best of all, you or your loved one can breathe safely and quietly.

To make an appointment, call 803.787.6646 or click here to request an appointment online.