A full night’s sleep is central to physical and mental health. When breathing is interrupted during sleep, the body and brain cannot complete important restorative cycles, which can affect energy, mood, and long-term wellness. Millions of adults experience obstructive sleep apnea and related breathing-related sleep problems; at the office of Bahri Dental Group we evaluate and treat sleep-disordered breathing with approaches that prioritize comfort, safety, and real health benefits.
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated reductions or pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions—called apneas and hypopneas—briefly lower oxygen levels and force the brain to partially awaken to restart normal breathing. Over time, this fragmented sleep increases daytime fatigue and places stress on the cardiovascular system.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse or the tongue falls back, narrowing the airway. Even short, repeated episodes can increase blood pressure, strain the heart, and contribute to metabolic and mood disturbances. Recognizing the broader health consequences helps patients and clinicians treat the condition proactively.
Because the problem occurs during sleep, many people do not realize they are affected. Partners or household members often notice the most obvious signs at night, and patients may only seek help once daytime symptoms—like persistent sleepiness or cognitive slowing—begin to interfere with daily life.
Nighttime signs commonly associated with sleep apnea include loud, chronic snoring, sudden gasping or choking episodes, frequent awakenings, and restless sleep. These disturbances may be sporadic at first, then become more frequent as the condition progresses. Observations from a bed partner can be the first clue that further evaluation is needed.
Daytime consequences are equally important: people with untreated sleep apnea often report excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes such as irritability or low patience. These symptoms can reduce productivity, increase the risk of accidents, and diminish overall quality of life.
Sleep apnea is also linked with other health conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of heart disease. Because of these associations, clinicians consider sleep-disordered breathing not just a sleep problem but a factor in whole-person health.
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed medical and sleep history and a physical exam that looks at airway anatomy, jaw alignment, and other oral health factors. Your clinician will ask about sleep habits, daytime symptoms, and any observations from a bed partner to build a full picture of your risk.
A sleep study—either an in-laboratory polysomnogram or a home sleep test—measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages to determine whether apneas or hypopneas are occurring and how severe they are. The results guide treatment decisions and help clinicians match therapies to each patient’s specific needs.
In many cases, collaboration between medical and dental providers produces the best outcomes. If a sleep physician determines that oral appliance therapy is appropriate, dental professionals skilled in Dental Sleep Medicine work from the sleep study data to design and fit a customized device.
For moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a commonly prescribed treatment. A CPAP device delivers a steady stream of pressurized air through a mask to hold the airway open during sleep, effectively reducing apneas and improving nighttime oxygenation.
While CPAP is highly effective when used consistently, some patients find mask fit, noise, or pressure settings challenging. Clinicians will work with patients to optimize comfort—adjusting masks, humidification, or pressure settings—and to troubleshoot adherence issues, because consistent nightly use is essential for CPAP’s benefits.
For patients who cannot tolerate CPAP or who have mild to moderate OSA, alternative therapies—such as positional therapy, targeted weight management, or a dental appliance—may be considered. The right approach depends on the severity of the condition, patient preferences, and overall health status.
Oral appliances are an effective first-line option for many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and for those whose snoring stems from airway collapse. These devices look similar to athletic mouthguards or orthodontic retainers and work by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to reduce collapsibility at the back of the throat.
Custom-fit appliances are made from precise impressions of the teeth and are adjustable to balance airway opening with dental comfort and bite alignment. Because they are small, portable, and quiet, many patients prefer oral appliances for travel and everyday use, and they are often easier to tolerate than some other therapies.
Clinical follow-up includes checking how the device affects sleep symptoms, verifying jaw position and bite, and monitoring for any changes in tooth alignment or jaw comfort. Coordination with a sleep physician—especially when adjustments are needed—ensures the appliance delivers the intended health benefits.
Dental sleep medicine requires attention to detail: a thorough oral examination, careful device selection, and precise fabrication all contribute to successful outcomes. At Bahri Dental Group we combine clinical experience with modern techniques to create appliances tailored to each patient’s anatomy and treatment goals.
After delivery, regular follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate symptom improvement, make incremental adjustments, and address any dental changes. This proactive monitoring helps maintain effectiveness and preserves oral health while supporting better sleep and daytime function.
Working with a coordinated team—including your primary care or sleep physician—ensures that oral appliance therapy is part of a comprehensive plan. Periodic reassessment of symptoms and, when appropriate, repeat sleep testing help confirm that the chosen therapy continues to meet the patient’s needs.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, contact us for more information about evaluation and treatment options. Our team is available to explain how different therapies work and to help you choose the approach that best fits your lifestyle and health priorities.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep that reduce oxygen levels and fragment normal sleep architecture. These pauses, called apneas or hypopneas, can last several seconds and recur many times each hour. Left untreated, sleep apnea can impair daytime function and increase health risks associated with cardiovascular and metabolic systems.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when soft tissues in the throat collapse or the tongue falls back and blocks the airway. Central sleep apnea is less common and involves a failure of the brain to signal the breathing muscles. A proper evaluation distinguishes the type and severity to guide appropriate treatment options.
Nighttime signs often include loud, habitual snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, choking or gasping awakenings, and restless sleep. Bed partners frequently notice irregular breathing patterns and prolonged gaps between breaths. These nocturnal symptoms are key clues that should prompt further evaluation.
Daytime symptoms commonly include excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and reduced stamina. Patients may also report falling asleep unintentionally during routine activities or having poorer memory and work performance. Recognizing both nighttime and daytime signs helps clinicians identify individuals who need testing.
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by a physical blockage of the upper airway during sleep, most often when the soft tissues in the throat relax and collapse inward. Anatomical factors such as a large tongue, enlarged tonsils, a bulky soft palate, or a retruded jaw can narrow the airway and increase the likelihood of collapse. Excess weight and fatty deposits around the neck also reduce airway size and raise risk.
Other contributors include nasal obstruction, alcohol use before bedtime, certain medications that relax the airway muscles, and age-related changes in muscle tone. Genetic and craniofacial traits can predispose some people to airway narrowing even if they are not overweight. A comprehensive evaluation identifies the combination of factors that contribute to an individual patient’s condition.
Adults with excess weight, a thick neck, or specific craniofacial features are at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea, as are people with a family history of the disorder. Men are more commonly affected than women, though risk for women increases after menopause. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol use, nasal congestion, and certain medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Children can also develop sleep apnea, usually due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and should be evaluated when symptoms are present. Because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, screening is important for anyone with daytime sleepiness, loud habitual snoring, or observed breathing pauses.
A formal diagnosis generally begins with a clinical evaluation that includes a sleep history, symptom review, and physical examination of the airway and oral structures. The most definitive test is a sleep study, which may be performed in a sleep laboratory (polysomnography) or with a validated home sleep apnea test for selected patients. These studies measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other sleep-related parameters to determine severity.
Dental professionals play a role by identifying oral and jaw features that contribute to obstruction and by communicating findings with a sleep physician. Collaborative care ensures that test results and clinical observations guide an individualized treatment plan. Follow-up testing may be used to confirm treatment effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
Treatment choices depend on the type and severity of sleep apnea as well as patient preferences and tolerance. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the most effective therapy for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it pneumatically splints the airway open during sleep. Lifestyle modifications, including weight management, sleep position changes, and avoidance of alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, are often recommended as adjunctive measures.
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy is an evidence-based alternative. Surgical options are considered when anatomical obstructions are correctable and other treatments are ineffective. A personalized plan developed with sleep medicine and dental professionals yields the best long-term outcomes.
Oral appliances treat obstructive sleep apnea by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to reduce airway collapse during sleep. Most devices advance the lower jaw slightly forward or stabilize the tongue, increasing the space behind the tongue and improving airflow. The mechanism is mechanical and individualized based on a patient’s anatomy and the type of appliance selected.
Properly fitted appliances are designed to balance effectiveness with comfort and to minimize pressure on teeth and temporomandibular joints. They are portable, quiet, and often easier for patients to use consistently than some other therapies. Regular monitoring is essential to confirm symptom improvement and to adjust the appliance for optimal benefit.
The process begins with a comprehensive oral examination and a review of sleep study results to determine whether an oral appliance is appropriate. Impressions or digital scans of the teeth are taken to create a customized device that fits the patient’s bite and oral anatomy. The lab then fabricates the appliance according to precise specifications developed with the clinician.
At the fitting appointment the appliance is checked for comfort, retention, and alignment, and initial adjustments are made to achieve therapeutic jaw positioning. Patients receive instructions on wearing the device, cleaning and storage, and how to report side effects or discomfort. Follow-up visits allow for titration of the device and verification that symptoms and sleep study metrics improve with therapy.
Common short-term side effects include increased saliva production, dry mouth, tooth or jaw discomfort, and transient bite changes, and these symptoms often improve with adjustments. Some patients experience mild temporomandibular joint (TMJ) soreness that typically resolves with fitting modifications or a gradual acclimation period. Most side effects are manageable and reversible with close follow-up.
Long-term risks can include gradual tooth movement or occlusal changes if the appliance is not monitored regularly, which is why periodic dental examinations are important. Serious adverse events are uncommon, but any new or worsening symptoms should prompt an expedited evaluation. Ongoing collaboration between the dental provider and sleep physician helps ensure safe, effective therapy.
Bahri Dental Group begins follow-up with an initial check a few weeks after delivery to assess fit, comfort, and early symptom response, followed by scheduled visits for titration and oral health checks. During these appointments the appliance is adjusted as needed, and the clinician evaluates teeth, bite alignment, and jaw joint function. Objective and subjective measures, including patient sleep reports, are used to document progress.
The practice coordinates care with the patient’s sleep physician to review sleep study results and determine whether further testing is needed to confirm treatment efficacy. Routine maintenance of the device and annual or semiannual dental exams help prevent complications and preserve oral health. Patients are instructed to report any changes in symptoms, new jaw pain, or dental shifts so the appliance and treatment plan can be revised promptly.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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