Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Whitby

Brock Starr Dental Care offers sleep apnea treatment in Whitby using custom-made oral appliances that can help reduce snoring and improve breathing during sleep. If you or your partner are losing sleep because of loud snoring, or if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, our team can help you explore a comfortable, non-invasive option.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring happens when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partly blocked during sleep. As you sleep, the muscles in your throat, tongue and soft palate relax. These tissues can narrow the airway and vibrate as you breathe, causing the sound of snoring. Factors that can make snoring worse include:

• Nasal congestion or allergies
• Sleeping on your back
• Alcohol use before bed
• Excess weight
• The shape of your jaw, mouth or airway

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which the airway becomes blocked again and again during sleep, causing breathing to stop or become very shallow for short periods. These pauses can happen many times each night and disturb your sleep, even if you do not remember waking up. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to other health concerns, including high blood pressure and heart problems, so it is important to have it assessed.

Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing, choking or gasping during sleep
• Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headaches
• Feeling tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep
• Trouble concentrating or memory problems
• Irritability or mood changes

If you notice these signs, talk to your family doctor. Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a physician, usually with a sleep study.

How a Dentist Can Help

For people with snoring, and for many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom-made oral appliance can be an effective treatment option. Oral appliances may also be an option for people who find a CPAP machine difficult to use. We work together with your physician to support your sleep health.

Oral Appliance Therapy

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device that you wear in your mouth while you sleep, similar to a mouth guard. It gently moves your lower jaw slightly forward, which helps keep your airway open and reduces the vibration of soft tissues that causes snoring.

Benefits of oral appliances include:

• Comfortable and custom-made to fit your mouth
• Quiet, with no machine or electricity needed
• Small and easy to travel with
• Easy to clean and care for
• Non-invasive, with no surgery required

What to Expect

1. Consultation: The dentist reviews your symptoms, medical history and any sleep study results, and examines your teeth, jaw and airway.
2. Diagnosis: If sleep apnea is suspected and has not been diagnosed, we will recommend that you see your physician for assessment.
3. Impressions: Impressions or scans of your teeth are taken so your appliance can be custom-made.
4. Fitting: Your appliance is fitted and adjusted for comfort.
5. Follow-up: We check your progress, make adjustments as needed and work with your physician to confirm that the treatment is effective.

Tips to Reduce Snoring

• Sleep on your side instead of your back
• Avoid alcohol and heavy meals before bedtime
• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Treat nasal congestion and allergies
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking

Why Choose Brock Starr Dental Care?

• Custom-made oral appliances designed for comfort
• We work with your physician to support your care
• Evening and Saturday appointments available
• Conveniently located at 858 Brock St N in Whitby

Sleep Apnea and Snoring FAQs

Do I need a sleep study before getting an oral appliance?
For snoring alone, a sleep study may not be required. If sleep apnea is suspected, a diagnosis from a physician, usually through a sleep study, is needed before treatment.

Will an oral appliance stop my snoring?
Many patients notice a reduction in snoring with an oral appliance. Results vary, and the dentist will make adjustments to help improve comfort and effectiveness.

Is an oral appliance covered by insurance?
Some dental or extended health insurance plans may provide coverage for oral appliances, especially with a physician’s diagnosis. Our team can help you check your coverage.

Book a Sleep Apnea Consultation in Whitby

If snoring or poor sleep is affecting your life, book an appointment online or call Brock Starr Dental Care at 905-668-3884. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward a better night’s sleep.