Sleep Dentistry

If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep because of sleep apnea and want to breathe easier, see the experts at Keller Smiles in Keller, Texas. Experienced dentist Jeffrey Osborne, DDS, and his compassionate team offer sleep dentistry, including sleep appliances, to improve airflow and your sleep quality. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or use the online booking feature today.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep is extremely important for your overall health and well-being. Sleep dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. If you struggle to breathe efficiently while you sleep due to a narrowed airway and reduced oxygen flow, the Keller Smiles team is here to help. They provide custom-fitted sleep appliances you can wear at night.

Why might I need sleep dentistry?

You may need sleep dentistry if you struggle with sleep apnea and its bothersome, sometimes dangerous, symptoms that may include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud snoring
• Breathing that starts and stops during sleep
• Waking up feeling tired
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Morning headaches
• Irritability
• Problems paying attention

In severe cases of sleep apnea, you’re at risk of falling asleep while driving or at work. If your doctor diagnoses sleep apnea and you don’t want to take sleeping medicine or use an airway pressure device requiring a mask, see the Keller Smiles team for an evaluation. 

Common risk factors for sleep apnea include carrying excess weight, smoking, having a thick neck and narrow airway, and being a man. Men are up to three times as likely as women to have the condition. 

Other risk factors include older age, a family history of sleep apnea, nasal congestion, some chronic medical conditions, and using alcohol or sedatives.

Is sleep dentistry right for me?

You’re a candidate for sleep dentistry at Keller Smiles if you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea. The practice also offers custom-made mouthguards if you grind your teeth at night when you sleep. 

To find out which treatment is best, the team discusses your symptoms, medical and oral health histories, and treatment preferences. They take dental X-rays if needed and examine your mouth, teeth, gums, throat, and breathing. 

What happens during sleep dentistry visits?

Your Keller Smiles provider scans your mouth to develop a custom-fitted device that repositions your airway, maximizes breathing, and helps you sleep easier. When your custom sleep appliance is ready, you can begin wearing it at night when you sleep. Take it out of your mouth in the morning and keep the appliance clean. 

Follow up with the Keller Smiles team to ensure your sleep appliance improves airflow and helps you sleep soundly. The bothersome symptoms of sleep apnea should subside after you begin using your new device.

To learn more about sleep dentistry and find out if it’s right for you, schedule an appointment at Keller Smiles by phone or request one online today.