2520 W Hermosa Dr, Artesia, NM 88210
Better Sleep Starts with the Right Treatment
Sleep apnea affects far more than your nights. It can leave you exhausted, irritable and at greater risk for serious health conditions over time. At Smile Xpressions Family Dentistry, we offer custom oral appliance therapy as an effective, comfortable alternative to CPAP machines for patients in Artesia struggling with sleep apnea.
Many patients find CPAP machines bulky, uncomfortable, or difficult to stick with long-term. Our dental sleep medicine approach offers a simpler solution. A custom-fit oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw to keep your airway open throughout the night, helping you finally get the restful sleep you deserve.
Schedule a Sleep Apnea Consultation
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night, often due to the airway becoming blocked or collapsing. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much during sleep, narrowing or closing the airway.
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to poor sleep quality, chronic fatigue and increased risk of health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Recognizing the signs and seeking treatment early can make a significant difference in both your sleep quality and your overall health.
Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea don't realize they have it, since symptoms often occur during sleep. Common warning signs include:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Excessive daytime fatigue, even after a full night's sleep
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating during the day
- Irritability or mood changes
If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, it may be worth discussing sleep apnea treatment options with our team.
Your Path to Better Sleep
Getting started with oral appliance therapy is a straightforward process designed around your comfort and results. Here is what to expect at our Artesia office.
Initial Consultation
We will discuss your symptoms, review any existing sleep study results and evaluate your oral health and airway.
1
Sleep Study, if Needed
If you have not already been diagnosed, we can help coordinate a sleep study to confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis and determine its severity.
2
Custom Impressions
Once oral appliance therapy is recommended, we take precise impressions of your teeth to create an appliance made specifically for your mouth.
3
Appliance Fitting
When your custom appliance is ready, we will fit it carefully, making adjustments as needed to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
4
Follow-Up and Adjustments
We monitor your progress closely after you begin wearing your appliance, making any needed adjustments to improve comfort and treatment results.
5
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular follow-up visits help ensure your appliance continues fitting properly and effectively managing your sleep apnea over time.
6
Why Choose Oral Appliance Therapy?
- More Comfortable Than a CPAP
A custom oral appliance is small, portable and far less intrusive than a CPAP mask and machine, making it easier for many patients to wear consistently. - Quiet and Convenient
Unlike a CPAP machine, an oral appliance requires no electricity, hoses or noise, making it ideal for travel and easier for partners sharing a bed. - Custom Fit for Your Comfort
Every appliance is custom made to fit your mouth precisely, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit night after night. - Improved Consistency of Use
Because oral appliances are easier to tolerate, many patients find they actually wear them more consistently than a CPAP, which is key to effective treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those with severe sleep apnea who have been unable to tolerate a CPAP machine. During a consultation, our team will review your sleep study results and evaluate your oral health to determine whether an oral appliance is the right treatment option for you.
If you have not yet been diagnosed with sleep apnea but suspect you may have it, we can help guide you toward the appropriate testing before beginning treatment.
Reclaim Restful, Healthy Sleep
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but effective treatment does not have to be complicated or uncomfortable. Our team at Smile Xpressions is here to help you find a solution that fits your lifestyle, so you can wake up feeling rested and protect your long-term health.
Request Your Sleep Apnea Consultation