Dr. Linda Hallman is an experienced dental professional with a special focus on sleep-disordered breathing and sleep medicine. If you are suffering from sleep apnea or experience any of the signs or symptoms and would like to explore your treatment options, we invite you to visit our Chevy Chase orthodontist office for a consultation with Dr. Hallman. We can work with you to determine if oral appliance therapy is the right solution for you. To learn more, contact us today.
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is categorized as a progressive sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep; this occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat collapse, therefore, blocking the airway.
For a person with sleep apnea, they may repeatedly stop breathing throughout their sleep cycle. When the airway is blocked, a person may briefly wake up and gasps for air until they get enough oxygen. Because OSA occurs during sleep, many patients do not realize they have the disorder until they begin to experience daytime symptoms. If you notice any changes in your sleep pattern or experienced symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or drowsiness, visit our team at Bite Fit Orthodontics.
Common Signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
If you notice one or more of the following signs, you may be experiencing a sleep disorder. Be sure to contact an experienced medical professional to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. With proper care, sleep apnea can be managed and treated.
- Snoring
- Irritability
- Depression
- Headaches, especially in the morning
- Teeth grinding
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Waking up gasping for air
Oral Appliance Therapy in Chevy Chase, MD
For patients with sleep apnea who are seeking an alternative to the CPAP machine, we offer oral appliance therapy. Oral appliance therapy is the use of a removable oral appliance that is custom fit for your mouth and is used during sleep. For many patients, oral sleep appliance therapy is a more comfortable alternative to the traditional CPAP machine. It is important to speak with your doctor to determine if oral sleep appliance therapy is right for your needs.
An oral appliance should be custom made just for you. This allows for the oral appliance to work efficiently and allow for proper airflow during your sleep. When you visit our office, we will take digital scans of your teeth, which will serve as an outline for your custom oral appliance.
In a few weeks, we will fit your custom oral appliance and make any final adjustments. We will discuss the proper usage and how to make the most out of your treatment.
We offer the following oral appliance therapies in our Chevy Chase orthodontist office:
ProSomnus® Sleep Apnea and Snoring Devices: These devices help relieve snoring and other symptoms of sleep apnea. As one of the smallest oral appliances on the market, ProSomnus Sleep and Snore Devices offer a comfortable and effective alternative to the CPAP machine.
SomonoDent ( Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance): This custom-made oral appliance is designed to position the lower jaw to a forward position to allow the tissues at the back of the throat to relax, which helps prevent the tongue from collapsing and blocking your airway. There is a wide range of oral appliances to choose from. Our team can work with you to find the right solution for your needs.
TAP ®: The Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) uses the same method as traditional CPR. In order for air to reach the necessary channels, the airway must be open. WIth sleep apnea, the airway consistently collapses, which causes a disruption to that airflow. With TAP, it holds the lower jaw in a more pronounced forward position which prevents it from opening and collapsing the airway.
Schedule A Sleep Apnea Consultation
Would you like to learn more about sleep apnea treatment? Visit our Chevy Chase orthodontist office to determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you. To schedule your appointment, request an appointment online.