Treatments

Snoring and Sleep Apnea

We address sleep disorders through advanced dentistry, protecting your overall well-being with precise diagnoses and specialized oral appliances.

Snoring and sleep apnea

What is snoring?

It is the sound produced by the vibration of soft tissues in the throat as air passes through during sleep, caused by a partial narrowing of the upper airway.

Main causes:

Overweight or obesity, alcohol consumption before sleep, and smoking

Nasal congestion, allergies, or sleeping on your back

Anatomical variations (enlarged tonsils, elongated soft palate or uvula, deviated septum)

Decreased muscle tone during sleep

Snoring symptoms: Loud noise during sleep, unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness, and disturbance to a partner or family members.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

It is a disorder where the upper airway becomes repeatedly obstructed during sleep, causing pauses in breathing (apneas) or severe reductions in airflow (hypopneas). These interruptions reduce oxygenation and fragment sleep.

Warning symptoms:

Loud, habitual snoring with pauses observed by others

Abrupt awakenings with a choking sensation, dry mouth, and morning headaches

Excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability

 

Risk factors: Obesity, large neck circumference, advanced age, male gender (and postmenopausal women), family history, smoking, alcohol/sedative use, and craniofacial or jaw abnormalities.

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of suffering from:

High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

Stroke and cardiac arrhythmias

Type 2 diabetes

Traffic accidents resulting from severe sleepiness and a clear decline in quality of life

Diagnostic Process
The clinical approach includes a detailed medical history and physical examination, upper airway evaluation, sleepiness questionnaires, and gold-standard diagnostic tests: polysomnography (in-lab sleep study) or home sleep apnea testing in selected patients.

Treatment Options

The therapeutic approach varies based on the severity of the condition:

General measures

Weight loss, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol/sedatives before bed, sleeping on your side, and maintaining regular sleep schedules.

Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)

Intraoral appliances custom-designed by the dentist that slightly position the jaw forward during sleep, widening the airway space. Indicated for primary snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea.

CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure device delivered through a mask, indicated for moderate to severe cases.

Surgery

Reserved for cases with clear obstructive anatomical variations or when other treatments have proven ineffective.

FAQ´S

Frequently Asked Questions About Snoring and Sleep Apnea

What is the role of a dentist in snoring and sleep apnea?

Dentists play a key role because they evaluate the anatomy of the mouth, palate, and jaw. In addition, they are responsible for custom-designing and fitting Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)—intraoral appliances tailored to effectively treat snoring as well as mild to moderate sleep apnea.

What is the difference between simple snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)?

Snoring is the sound produced by the vibration of tissues as air passes through a partially narrowed airway. In contrast, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes repeatedly blocked, leading to actual pauses in breathing and a drop in blood oxygen levels during the night.

What are Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs) and how do they work?

They are custom intraoral appliances that patients wear while sleeping. Their function is to slightly position the jaw and tongue forward, preventing tissue collapse and widening the upper airway to facilitate smooth breathing.

What are the consequences of leaving sleep apnea untreated?

If left undiagnosed and untreated, sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac arrhythmias, while causing severe daytime sleepiness that impacts safety and quality of life.

How do I know if I need a sleep study or an evaluation?

If you experience loud, habitual snoring, breathing pauses observed by someone else, waking up choking or with a dry mouth, or excessive daytime sleepiness, it is essential to undergo a medical and dental evaluation to determine if a sleep study (such as a polysomnography) is required.