Serving Highlands Ranch & Surrounding Areas

Have you been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep? It is a condition in which the flow of air pauses or decreases during breathing while you are asleep because the airway has become narrowed, blocked, or floppy. OSA often results in a poor night’s sleep for both the sufferer and their spouse. The most commonly known symptoms are loud snoring and feeling excessively tired throughout the day. There are many more dangerous health risks associated with OSA, however, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to the lack of oxygen supplied to the body.

A well-known treatment for OSA is the wearing of a CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It is a treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open and can be effective for many patients. However, several patients often find wearing the CPAP extremely uncomfortable, clausterphobic, or difficult to travel with. Many patients decide they simply cannot tolerate sleeping with it.

Patients looking for an alternative may be candidates for an oral appliance to treat mild to moderate OSA. Willow Creek Dental is proud to work with SomnoMed™ to offer the SomnoDent MAS® appliance to qualified patients.

 The SomnoDent MAS® appliance is a custom made medical device designed to hold your lower jaw (mandible) forward while you sleep. This tightens the muscles of the upper airway to allow for easier breathing. Worn only while you sleep, the device is very discrete allowing you to close your lips so it is not obvious you are wearing it. It is custom made to fit your mouth and it does not impinge on your tongue. You can open and close your mouth normally as the appliance does not lock or fix your jaw together.

If you are CPAP intolerant and are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for alternative treatment for your obstructive sleep apnea, contact us at 303-779-2797. Additionally, many major medical insurance companies may cover an oral appliance to treat OSA. As a free service, we can contact your insurance company on your behalf to verify your benefits. Call today for a free consultation and start dreaming of a good night's sleep.