Sleep Apnea & Snoring Chicago, IL

Obstructive sleep apnea is a common health concern that we can address with oral appliance therapy in our Chicago dental office. Most patients are unaware that they’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea until a loved one or roommate informs them that they’ve been snoring in their sleep.

Loud snoring often happens when there’s a blockage of excess soft tissues preventing you from maintaining an open airway. Left untreated, this could cause severe health complications.

At Premier Dentistry, we can work with patients who are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea by providing custom dental sleep appliances. Together, we’ll come up with a plan to prevent your loud snoring and reduce your risk for associated health complications. We also treat common dental concerns at our Chicago dental office.

Loud Snoring Treatment Options in Chicago, IL

Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chicago, IL

Our office offers oral appliance therapy to treat mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. Oral appliance therapy involves the use of a dental sleep appliance similar to a mouthguard. It’s more compact than a traditional CPAP machine, which doctors often recommend for more extreme cases of sleep apnea.

Patients enjoy oral appliance therapy because it’s easier to use and maintain, in addition to being travel-friendly. If you’re unsure if you’ve been suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Loud snoring
  • Daytime fatigue
  • Waking up in the middle of the night
  • Gasping for air in your sleep
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain

Talk to Dr. Nechama Brand at your next appointment if you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms. Our team will do everything we can to give you the guidance and resources you need to treat your sleep apnea.

What Risks are Associated with Sleep Apnea?

While many assume that loud snoring is a harmless habit, it actually poses many health risks. This is because snoring indicates that something is preventing you from breathing properly while sleeping. Lack of a proper airway may cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, or even strokes.

Additionally, loud snoring often puts additional pressure on your close relationships. When you or your partner is sleep-deprived, this can begin to affect your overall mood and daily quality of life. It’s important that both you and your partner get enough restful sleep each night to avoid unnecessary conflict and the dangers of daytime fatigue.

While anyone can be affected by sleep apnea, there are certain factors that increase your risk of sleep apnea development. The following are common factors associated with sleep apnea development:

  • Excess weight and neck circumference
  • Being male
  • Being over 40 years old
  • Family history of sleep apnea
  • Medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease
  • Smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol
  • Nasal congestion

Patient Review

I always have a pleasant experience with Dr. Brand. Quick, easy, professional and clean. The office is equipped with modern technology that ensures me the treatment is first class. And a really nice and personable team beyond just the Drs!Ellie Meyer Zigulich

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the oral appliance actually work to stop snoring and sleep apnea?

The appliance is like a custom-fit mouthguard that you wear at night. It gently shifts your jaw or holds your tongue slightly forward. This keeps your airway open while you sleep and prevents the tissues from collapsing and blocking your breath.

Will the dental appliance be uncomfortable to wear all night?

Most patients find it very comfortable after a short adjustment period. Because it’s custom-made from molds of your teeth, it fits you perfectly. Dr. Brand will make sure it’s not too tight and show you how to adjust to wearing it.

How long does it take to get used to the sleep appliance?

It usually takes most people just a few nights to a couple of weeks to feel completely comfortable wearing it. You might notice a little bit of jaw tenderness or extra saliva at first, but this goes away quickly as your mouth adjusts.

How do I clean and take care of my oral appliance?

You clean it every morning by brushing it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Sometimes the dentist will give you a special cleaning solution. You should also keep it in its protective case when you’re not using it so it doesn’t get damaged.

What if I have a strong gag reflex? Can I still use one?

Yes, usually you can. The oral appliances used for sleep apnea are very small and don’t go far back in the mouth like some other devices, so they rarely trigger a gag reflex. Dr. Brand can show you what it feels like before you decide.

How long will the oral appliance last?

With proper care, a good oral appliance can last for 3 to 5 years before you might need to replace it because of normal wear and tear. You should bring it to your regular dental checkups so Dr. Brand can check it for any signs of damage or wear.

Can I use an oral appliance if I have dentures or no teeth?

It depends on your specific situation. You typically need some natural teeth for the appliance to anchor onto. However, there are different designs, so it’s best to talk to Dr. Brand about your options.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of a sleep apnea appliance?

Many medical and dental insurance plans do cover part of the cost because sleep apnea is a medical condition. Our office can help you check your specific insurance benefits to see what is covered.

What if the appliance doesn’t work for me?

If, after a adjustment period, the appliance isn’t helping your sleep apnea or is uncomfortable, talk to Dr. Brand. They can often adjust it for a better fit. If it’s still not working, they can discuss other treatment options with you.

Do I still need to see a medical doctor for sleep apnea?

The dentist is a key part of the team, but they often work with your doctor. A sleep study, usually ordered by a doctor, is needed to officially diagnose sleep apnea. The dentist then provides the appliance based on that diagnosis. Your doctor and dentist will work together to make sure your treatment is working.

Schedule A Dental Exam Today

At Premier Dentistry, we provide comprehensive and compassionate care to all our patients. If you’re concerned about symptoms of sleep apnea, we’ll build a treatment plan to evaluate and address these symptoms with appropriate care. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at 312-586-8596 today. We look forward to helping you achieve a good night’s rest again.