Sleep Apnea : Snoring Disorder Treatment Clinic

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Disorder

Blocked Airway

Obstructive sleep apnea, OSA, is a breathing related sleep disorder which can cause people to snore, as well as pose serious health threats. OSA is a condition that occurs when a person regularly stops breathing (apnea) for 10 seconds or longer during sleep. It is usually caused by either the tongue or the soft palate falling back against the back of the throat when the muscles in the neck and throat relax during sleep. Periods of not breathing cause an alarming drop in the blood oxygen level and can lead to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.

Sleep apnea episodes can happen from 5 to 50 times an hour, and sometimes breathing stops hundreds of times each night. Additionally, from the interrupted loss of sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness can occur. This may put a person experiencing obstructive sleep apnea symptoms at even greater risk by causing them to fall asleep while driving or working.

A sleep study is the only way to positively diagnose sleep apnea. Once diagnosed, there are several types of sleep apnea aids and treatment that can offer patients a clear and open airway during sleep. For some people, developing good sleeping habits, losing weight, and avoiding sleep medications and alcohol may cure the sleep apnea syndrome. Other people may need to use a breathing device or oral appliance that prevents the airway from closing during sleep. Beyond surgery, an oral mechanical appliance is the most common prevention & relief for sleep apnea.

Normal Open Airway

Snoring, A Symptom of Sleep Apnea

Snoring is a breathing related sleep disorder, and even though it poses no direct health threats, it can cause very significant social problems. Severe snoring can disturb the sleep of an entire family, and especially of one's spouse. Many couples are forced to sleep in separate bedrooms because of loud snoring. Women are 50% less likely to snore than men, but most people snore occasionally. Chronic snorers tend to be overweight and middle-aged. Snoring sometimes points to a dangerous medical condition, the most serious being obstructive sleep apnea, in which the snorer can stop breathing from several seconds to two minutes.

Relief for Sleep Apnea & Snoring

If you think you have obstructive sleep apnea disorder, you should seek medical treatment. Snoring alone is a social problem and generally does not cause other medical problems. However, sleep apnea is a serious condition that could place one's life in jeopardy, even result in death. Our dental clinic offers relief for patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Using a unique and proven mechanical product, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner® (TAP) is our choice for snoring prevention and sleep apnea disorder related symptoms.

Developed with advanced dental technology, the TAP® device is similar to an athletic mouth guard that is worn while sleeping. The TAP® holds the lower jaw in a forward position so that it doesn't fall open during the night and cause the airway to collapse. This maintains a clear airway to reduce snoring, improve breathing, and reduce sleep apnea associated health risks, without the need for surgery or medications. For more information and a complete explanation of the benefits the affordable TAP® appliance can offer, call or come by our Houston, Texas sleep disorder help center.

Dr. Stephen A. Buehler, D.D.S.
3515 Ella Blvd.
Houston, TX 77018-6103

Phone: (713) 682-4406
Contact: Sleep Apnea Help