Do you snore loudly at night? Has your partner ever witnessed you stop breathing during sleep? If so, you may have a condition called obstructive sleep apnea, which happens when the soft tissue collapses at the back of the throat and blocks your airway. If left untreated, sleep apnea can affect your quality of sleep and lead to health problems.
The good news is that our orthodontists offer sleep apnea treatment. This allows us to mitigate your symptoms so you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
There are certain factors that increase your risk of sleep apnea, such as being an overweight man age 50 or older. But you don’t have to fit this exact description to be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. That’s why it’s important that you schedule an appointment with our orthodontists if you suspect something is wrong.
Risk factors of sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight
- Being male
- Being age 50 or older
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of sleep apnea
Depending on your risk factors and symptoms, our orthodontists may refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. From there, the specialist may recommend a so they can diagnose and treat your condition.
We also offer oral appliances for sleep apnea that help move your jaw forward and keep your airway clear while you sleep. These sleep apnea devices are similar to a night guard.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Aren’t sure if what you’re experiencing is sleep apnea? Schedule an appointment with our office anyways for peace of mind. If you do have sleep apnea, it’s better to receive treatment sooner rather than later.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Snorting or choking sounds at night
- Waking up at night short of breath
Please contact one of our dental offices if you recognize any of the above .
Request an Appointment With Us
Our orthodontists in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and surrounding areas are proud to serve patients in eight convenient locations. They’re also accepting new patients and can determine if you’re a candidate for sleep apnea treatment. To request an appointment, please call Parrish Orthodontics or fill out our online contact form.
Want to Learn More About Sleep Apnea?
Check out some of our blog posts about sleep apnea.