A good night’s rest is essential to your overall health—but for those living with sleep apnea, restful sleep can be hard to come by. Sleep apnea is the most common (and one of the most serious) sleep disorders, causing breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.
At St. Simons Island Dental Associates, we take sleep health seriously. Our team works closely with physicians and local sleep labs to provide comfortable, effective treatment options—helping you breathe easier, sleep soundly, and wake up refreshed.
Sleep Solutions
Breathe Easier. Sleep Better. Live Healthier.
Understanding the three different types of sleep apnea is important to getting the best treatment plan.
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This rare type of sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It’s related to the central nervous system rather than a physical blockage of the airway.
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This type combines both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Most cases of sleep apnea have some mixed characteristics, where breathing irregularities trigger additional central apnea events.
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The most common and serious form, obstructive sleep apnea happens when the airway becomes blocked—often by soft tissue in the palate, throat, or tongue—causing pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep.
Common Signs & Symptoms
You may be experiencing sleep apnea if you notice:
Loud snoring or snorting during sleep
Waking up gasping or choking
Morning headaches or dry throat
Difficulty staying asleep or frequent awakenings
Feeling tired, irritable, or unfocused during the day
Restless sleep or continuous movement during the night
If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at your sleep health.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
Our office offers convenient, take-home sleep studies to help screen for obstructive sleep apnea. We partner with a local sleep lab and board-certified physicians who can confirm a diagnosis and collaborate on your treatment plan.
If your physician determines that you’re a candidate for oral appliance therapy, our team can custom design a comfortable, easy-to-wear device that gently repositions your jaw and opens your airway while you sleep. This small but effective appliance can significantly reduce snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms—helping you and your partner enjoy a more peaceful night’s rest.
For patients who find CPAP therapy uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate, oral appliance therapy can be an excellent alternative. While CPAP remains the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, oral devices are a proven, non-invasive solution for many patients with mild to moderate cases or simple snoring.
Take the first step towards better sleep
Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from feeling your best. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy at St. Simons Island Dental Associates—and discover how better sleep can change your life.