Sleep Apnea Treatment

Do you have trouble feeling rested after you wake up? Maybe you snore loudly? You may have sleep apnea. While occasional snoring may be because of a virus or allergic reaction, consistent snoring problems often indicate sleep apnea, which can be serious if left untreated. 

While medical doctors can diagnose and treat sleep apnea, did you know dentists can, too? Dr. DeStefano at DeStefano Dentistry provides sleep apnea treatment, including oral appliances. Often, dental treatment options are more convenient and comfortable.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, contact our office today to set up a consultation!

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Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea Video

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What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes irregular breathing during sleep. Most often, this happens because of an obstructed airway. Obstructions can be caused by the position of the jaw, flattened tissues in the throat while sleeping, and blockage by the tongue. This is called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. 

With OSA, your breathing will stop and start many times throughout the night. You may find that you wake up gasping for breath. While usually your brain will ensure your breathing restarts before you pass out, it’s still very dangerous and impacts your mind and body in multiple ways. 

Sleep apnea can affect your quality of life and can contribute to medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.

Some of the more common symptoms of sleep apnea are:

  • Severe Snoring
  • Headaches When You Wake
  • Dry or Sore Throat
  • Irritability
  • Constant Fatigue
  • Difficulty Sleeping

Our dentist and team collaborate with licensed physicians and recommend that you talk to your medical doctor for a proper diagnosis before you receive treatment at our office. 

If you suffer from sleep apnea, we provide oral appliances to help open your airway while you sleep and lessen symptoms that can negatively affect your life. Your custom oral appliance can be fitted comfortably over your teeth while you sleep to help you have a good night’s rest.

We invite you to contact our dental office to learn more about sleep apnea treatments and see how we can help you sleep well, breathe easily, and have a better quality of life.

The Dental Connection: How We Can Help

Sleep apnea is often diagnosed by a medical doctor, but dentists play a critical role in treatment, especially when OSA is mild to moderate. In fact, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine endorses oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment in many cases.

Dr. Stefano works closely with local physicians and sleep specialists to ensure your diagnosis and care plan are comprehensive. Once diagnosed, our team can craft a custom oral appliance that gently repositions your jaw or tongue during sleep, helping keep your airway open to reduce apnea episodes.

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At-Home Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

Many people avoid sleep studies because they assume they’ll have to sleep in a medical lab hooked up to wires. That’s no longer the case.

At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer convenient at-home sleep testing. Using a small, wearable device, you can sleep in the comfort of your own bed while the device records your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and movement. The data is reviewed by a board-certified sleep physician, and we’ll discuss your results and treatment options with you during your follow-up.

This diagnostic tool makes it easier than ever to take control of your health, without the need for an overnight hospital stay.

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How Is Sleep Apnea Treated? 

Our caring dentist and team understand that many patients (and their partners) find snoring to be a common nighttime annoyance. Snoring is typically caused by obstructions in the airway, such as collapsing tissues in the throat, large tonsils, or the tongue rolling back in the throat. As airway muscles relax during sleep, these tissues can narrow the upper airway and result in snoring.

prosomnus appliance

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA, or if you’re unable to tolerate a CPAP machine, oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable and effective alternative. 

These appliances resemble mouthguards and are custom-fitted to your unique bite. They work by:

  • Holding the lower jaw slightly forward to prevent the throat tissues from collapsing
  • Preventing the tongue from falling back into the throat
  • Increasing airway space for smoother breathing

Most patients adjust quickly to wearing the appliance, and many experience symptom relief within just a few nights. Unlike a CPAP machine, oral appliances are silent, compact, and easy to travel with, making them an ideal solution for many people.

ProSomnus nighttime appliances are an effective, comfortable option for treating sleep apnea. This treatment method uses custom-made, clear aligners that you wear at night. The aligners look and work similarly to removable mouthguards for retainers. So, they are easy to take on and off.

You’ll set up an appointment with us and then get your at-home sleep study. Then, scans of your mouth are sent to the ProSomnus lab, and they rate your one-of-a-kind oral appliance. 

These devices are much more comfortable to wear than the traditional method for treating sleep apnea, called a CPAP machine. They are also quiet, discreet, and won’t disrupt others around you.

nightlase machine

If snoring or sleep apnea is affecting your rest, NightLase™ may be the solution you’ve been looking for. This non-invasive laser treatment helps reduce snoring and improve breathing by gently tightening the tissues in your throat, without surgery, pain, or downtime.

How NightLase™ Works

  • A laser is directed at the soft tissues in the back of the throat, including the uvula, tongue, and tonsils.
  • NightLase™ uses laser energy to stimulate collagen production in the soft tissues of your throat, causing the tissue to shrink and tighten.
  • This process helps keep your airway open, reducing snoring and improving airflow.

What to Expect

  • Each session takes about 30 minutes and is performed in-office.
  • The laser is applied comfortably inside your mouth, with no needles, no discomfort.
  • A full treatment consists of three sessions over six weeks for the best results.
  • Results can last up to a year, and the treatment can be repeated as needed.

Benefits of NightLase™

  • Reduces snoring for a quieter, more restful sleep.
  • Improves sleep apnea symptoms by enhancing airway function.
  • Completely non-invasive—no surgery, no pain, no recovery time.
  • No need for sleep devices like CPAP machines or mouthguards.

Sleep Better, Breathe Easier

NightLase™ offers a simple, comfortable way to improve your sleep quality without wearing a device at night or undergoing chemical treatments. Experience a more restful night and a refreshed morning with this gentle and effective solution.

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Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

While anyone can develop sleep apnea, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of experiencing this disorder. Understanding your risk is the first step toward prevention and early detection.

You May Be at Higher Risk If You:

  • Are overweight
  • Have issues with nasal congestion
  • Use alcohol or smoking 
  • Are over the age of 40
  • Have chronic nasal congestion or sinus problems
  • Have a family history of sleep apnea
  • Have certain medical conditions, such as Type 2 Diabetes or high blood pressure

Even children can suffer from sleep apnea, often due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids. If your child snores, sleeps restlessly, or has behavioral issues, it’s worth getting an evaluation.

Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters

Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your rest; it affects your entire life. When you’re not sleeping well, your body and brain don’t have a chance to fully recover. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems and lower your quality of life.

It is easy to overlook how sleep apnea impacts your mental and emotional well-being, but the effects can be profound. When your brain is constantly deprived of oxygen throughout the night, it can lead to:

  • Brain fog
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Lack of concentration
  • Mood disorders like anxiety and depression

Even if you think you’re getting “enough” hours of sleep, untreated sleep apnea prevents you from reaching the deep, restorative sleep stages your body and brain require. Over time, this can lead to decreased work performance, strained relationships, and even increased risk of neurological conditions. 

The good news? With effective treatment, like a custom appliance or NightLase therapy, you can see a dramatic improvement in energy, clarity, and mood.

The Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Sleep Apnea

  • Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes
  • Poor control of blood sugar and blood pressure
  • Higher likelihood of car accidents due to drowsiness
  • Reduced productivity and work performance
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Strain on relationships due to snoring or irritability

Sleep apnea is manageable with the right treatment. Whether it’s a custom appliance, laser therapy, or lifestyle changes, addressing your symptoms can transform how you feel each day.

CPAP vs. Oral Appliance Therapy: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’ve probably heard of the CPAP machine. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and it has been the traditional standard for treating moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, not everyone tolerates it well.

CPAP Machines: 

● Require wearing a mask connected to a machine
● Can be noisy and cumbersome
● Need regular maintenance and cleaning
● Often causes discomfort, dry mouth, or skin irritation
● Are difficult to travel with

Oral Appliances:

● Small, silent, and portable
● Worn like a mouthguard during sleep
● Easy to clean
● More comfortable for many patients
● Often more convenient for mild to moderate cases

At DeStefano Dentistry, we specialize in oral appliance therapy that provides a more user-friendly alternative to CPAP. For patients who have struggled with bulky machines, an oral appliance can be a life-changing solution.

You can also combine oral appliance therapy and CPAP therapy depending on how severe your sleep apnea is.

Partner With a Sleep-Focused Dentist in Pittsford

Not every dentist is trained in dental sleep medicine. Dr. DeStefano has a strong interest in helping patients find relief from sleep-related breathing issues through modern, minimally invasive techniques. From early screening and at-home testing to advanced appliances and laser therapy, we offer the support you need!

Sleep apnea doesn’t have to rule your life. With expert care from DeStefano Dentistry, you can breathe easier, sleep better, and live well again.

Pediatric Sleep Apnea: What Parents Should Know

Although most people associate sleep apnea with adults, children can suffer from it too, and the signs aren’t always obvious.

In kids, sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids, jaw development issues, or chronic allergies. Left untreated, it can lead to:

  • Behavioral issues that mimic ADHD 
  • Poor school performance
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Bedwetting 
  • Morning headaches
  • Learning difficulties

If your child snores, breathes through their mouth at night, or seems overly tired during the day, they may benefit from a pediatric sleep evaluation. Dr. DeStefano can assess their airway and recommend a course of treatment that supports both their sleep and long-term development.

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Sleep Apnea & Your Partner

You’re not the only one affected by your sleep apnea; your bed partner likely suffers, too. 

Loud, frequent snoring and gasping can prevent your partner from getting adequate rest. Many couples find that treating sleep apnea not only improves health but also restores peace and intimacy in their relationship.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Treatment

In addition to dental or medical treatment, making some lifestyle changes can help minimize the effects of sleep apnea:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
  • Sleep on your side instead of your back
  • Establish a regular sleep schedule
  • Stay active, exercise improves breathing and circulation
  • Quit smoking, it reduces airway inflammation

Dr. DeStefano will review your habits and help you develop a complete treatment plan that supports better breathing and better rest.

Commonly Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

If you frequently snore, wake up gasping for air, feel tired during the day despite a full night’s sleep, or have been told you stop breathing while sleeping, you may have sleep apnea.

Yes! Dentists like Dr. DeStefano, who are trained in dental sleep medicine, can treat sleep apnea with oral appliances that help you keep your airway open while you sleep. We work in coordination with your physician to ensure comprehensive care.

Snoring is the sound of air passing through a partially blocked airway. While snoring can occur on its own, it is also a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, especially when it’s loud, frequent, and paired with other symptoms like gasping or daytime fatigue.

Yes. Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and depression. It can also affect your memory, mood, and daily functioning. If you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact our office to learn more!

Not necessarily. While CPAP is commonly prescribed, oral appliance therapy is a highly effective and more comfortable alternative for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. At DeStefano Dentistry, we offer custom-fit devices that are small, quiet, and easy to wear.

Not at all. Our oral appliances are custom-made for a precise, comfortable fit, similar to a sports mouthguard. Most patients adjust to wearing them within a few nights and find them far more tolerable than CPAP masks.

Many patients experience improved sleep and reduced symptoms within a few nights of starting treatment with an oral appliance or NighLase. Full results may take a few weeks as your body adjusts, but better sleep is well within reach.

Rest Better with Sleep Apnea Treatment! 

A good night’s rest is key to living a healthy life. If you aren’t getting enough deep sleep throughout the night, you will always feel tired. Exhaustion impacts your ability to function in work and school, at home, and much more.

But, you don’t have to live with restless nights and chronic fatigue. When sleep apnea is the source of your problem, Dr. DeStefano can assist you with effective, comfortable sleep apnea treatment in Pittsford. 

If you snore frequently, we encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about snoring treatment and schedule your next visit with our dentist.

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