If you are waking up tired despite a full night in bed, struggling with chronic headaches in the morning, or your partner has noticed that you stop breathing during sleep, you may be dealing with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious, and surprisingly common, sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans and goes undiagnosed far more often than it should.
At Carrington Square Dental, Dr. Bhrita Parikh and Dr. Aakar Chokshi offer custom oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea in Waxhaw, NC, providing patients with a comfortable, effective alternative to traditional CPAP therapy. Relief may be simpler than you think, and it starts with a conversation.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, preventing the body from reaching the deep, restorative rest it needs. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, narrowing or completely collapsing the airway.
Each time breathing stops, the brain partially wakes the body to reopen the airway, disrupting the sleep cycle dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without the patient ever being aware. Over time, this chronic sleep disruption takes a significant toll on the body, contributing to a wide range of health concerns that extend well beyond feeling tired.
Sleep apnea in Waxhaw, NC, does not always look the way people expect. While loud snoring is one of the most well-known signs, many patients experience symptoms that seem entirely unrelated to sleep. You may be dealing with sleep apnea if you regularly experience any of the following:
Sleep apnea is far more than an inconvenience; it is a serious health condition with well-documented links to systemic illness. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression, conditions that carry significant long-term consequences.
The repeated drops in oxygen during each apnea episode place considerable strain on the cardiovascular system over time. Addressing sleep apnea is not just about sleeping better; it is about protecting your long-term health.
For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance is one of the most effective and comfortable treatment options available. Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi will take precise digital impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard designed specifically for your anatomy.
The appliance works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue during sleep, keeping the airway open and preventing the collapse that causes apnea episodes. Unlike a CPAP machine, a custom oral appliance is small, silent, and easy to travel with, making it far more likely to be worn consistently.
A custom mouthguard for sleep apnea is an excellent option for a wide range of patients. You may be a strong candidate if any of the following apply:
Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea also grind or clench their teeth during sleep, a condition known as bruxism. The relationship between the two conditions is well established; sleep apnea episodes can trigger grinding episodes as the body responds to airway obstruction, and the resulting jaw tension compounds both conditions.
A custom oral appliance from Carrington Square Dental can address both concerns simultaneously, protecting your teeth from grinding damage while keeping your airway open throughout the night. If you have been told you grind your teeth or have noticed unusual wear on your teeth, mention it during your consultation so Dr. Parikh or Dr. Chokshi can factor it into your appliance design.
A formal diagnosis of sleep apnea from a physician or sleep specialist is recommended before beginning oral appliance therapy. This ensures your treatment is appropriate for the type and severity of your sleep apnea. If you have not yet been evaluated, our team can help connect you with the right resources to get that process started.
Store-bought devices are generic and not calibrated to your specific anatomy or the degree of jaw repositioning your airway requires. A custom appliance from Carrington Square Dental is fabricated from precise digital impressions of your teeth and adjusted to your individual needs, making it significantly more effective and far more comfortable to wear long-term.
Yes. Follow-up care with both your dentist and your physician or sleep specialist is important to ensure your appliance is working effectively and that your sleep apnea is being properly managed. Dr. Parikh and Dr. Chokshi will schedule periodic check-ins to monitor your appliance fit, your bite, and your overall progress.
In some cases, sleep apnea can improve with lifestyle changes such as weight loss or changes in sleep position. However, for most patients, it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. If you are experiencing symptoms, the most important step is getting a proper evaluation rather than waiting to see if things improve.
Many medical insurance plans, including Medicare, cover oral appliance therapy when sleep apnea has been formally diagnosed. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and determine what coverage is available to you. Flexible financing is also available through CareCredit, Sunbit, and Proceed Finance for any out-of-pocket costs.
