Why see a Dentist for Sleep Problems?

Many people who are seeking relief from snoring and sleep apnea are initially surprised to learn that a dentist can often help them more than a traditional physician. In reality, there are many different specialists who can help eliminate the breathing problems that can interfere with sleep. Dentists are one of the most important providers of sleep apnea therapy, often collaborating with physicians, psychologists, technicians, and therapists to help patients overcome their sleep disorders.

What makes a dentist uniquely qualified to help relieve snoring and treat obstructive sleep apnea?

• During their medical training, dentists receive comprehensive education in the anatomy of the nose and mouth, the diagnosis of sleep disorders, and the application of sleep apnea therapies.

• Dentists are highly knowledgeable in a variety of oral dental devices used to treat sleep apnea.

These convenient oral mouthpieces are widely preferred to the more cumbersome CPAP therapies. Most of these appliances are fitted over the teeth and tongue, similar to an orthodontic retainer, to prevent soft tissues from collapsing into the airway and interfering with breathing patterns during sleep. For more advanced sleep apnea therapies, some external dental devices fit around the head and chin to hold the jaw in a fixed position. Two of the most common devices used for snoring relief are the Mandibular Repositioning Device and the Tongue Retaining Device. Learn more about the benefits of oral appliances.

• In addition to knowing about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), highly qualified professionals are also knowledgeable about the Temporomandibular Joint and its functions. 

Known by many names, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD, TMJ or TMD), or TMJ syndrome can be caused by tension, grinding and other stress related factors.  Many snoring and sleep apnea patients have TMJ disorders and many TMJ patients have sleep disorders of various degrees of severity. Treating sleep apnea by using an oral appliance can positively physically change the occlusion (position or alignment of the jaw and bite) as well at the joint.  This means patients using an oral appliance for sleep apnea can also experience relief from the pain and discomfort that is caused by TMJ.

• In order to simultaneously treat OSA and TMJ, the dentist must have comprehensive knowledge of both TMJ and OSA disorders and treatments.  Dr. Mark Kleive has many years of experience working with and successfully treating TMJ/TMD disorders.  Learn more by visiting Mark's other website, RenewingSmiles.com.

Dr. Kleive offers no fee consultations and he and his team pride themselves on personalized services and fantastic results.  He will work with you to find the right solution for you.  For effective sleep apnea therapy, it’s important to see a sleep apnea dentist with proven experience in snoring relief. Your dentist will fit you for your custom device, instruct you on how to use it, and go over any potential side effects.  Hear what our patients say about us.

Learn more about how a sleep apnea dentist can prescribe sleep apnea therapies and help you get relief from snoring. Contact Dr. Mark Kleive at (828)669-2974 or send him an email.