Snoring may seem completely normal, but it can be one of the main signs of a more serious and sometimes fatal condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.
The treatment we offer to prevent airway obstruction during sleep is based on the same principle as CPR: the airway must stay open to let air reach the lungs. A narrow or collapsed airway is a common cause of snoring and sleep apnea.
Our mandibular positioner
With our digital sleep analysis we diagnose the level and severity of the problem. The mandibular advancement appliance keeps the jaw in a relaxed, forward position to prevent the airway from collapsing during the night, reducing snoring and improving breathing.
It is similar to a sports mouthguard and is worn while sleeping. It reduces the health risks of mild to moderate sleep apnea without medication, surgery or uncomfortable devices.
What are snoring and sleep apnea?
- Snoring: when the jaw opens and the tongue falls back, blocking the throat, air passes through a smaller opening and creates vibrations in the throat.
- Sleep apnea: the airway collapses completely or partially and blocks airflow until the brain «partially wakes» the person to breathe.
- It can cause: daytime sleepiness and fatigue, morning headaches, heart attack, depression, high blood pressure and impotence.
Could you have sleep apnea?
- Your partner notices you snore loudly, choke or stop breathing for moments while you sleep.
- You wake up tired and groggy even after a full night's sleep.
- You feel sleepy during the day or have trouble concentrating.
If any of these sound familiar, an evaluation is worthwhile: treating sleep apnea improves rest, mood and productivity.
Types of sleep apnea
The most common is obstructive sleep apnea, caused by a physical blockage of the airway; this is the type we treat with the mandibular positioner. There is also central sleep apnea, in which the brain does not properly send the signal to breathe; this type is not treated with an oral appliance. For central or severe apnea, we refer the patient to a sleep specialist for evaluation.
“Both my wife and I are sleeping better thanks to Dr. Carrillo's excellent treatment.”
Francisco M.