Getting eight hours of restful sleep can be a challenge, given our busy, stressful lives.
That challenge is even greater for those with sleep apnea, a disorder involving frequent pauses in breathing and partial or complete blockage of the airway while sleeping.
A chronic disease, sleep apnea can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and other issues.
Some patients manage their sleep apnea through the use of oral sleep appliances, which should be made by dentists who’ve received specialty education in dental sleep medicine.
Many sleep apnea patients are fitted for these appliances or receive other treatments at Healthy Smiles of Birmingham, a leading provider of top-quality dentistry since 2007.
Dr. Paige Lester at Healthy Smiles treats patients who’ve already been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a licensed sleep physician but are unable to tolerate a CPAP machine. She can determine if a patient is a candidate for an oral sleep appliance.
For patients who qualify, Healthy Smiles makes a custom appliance called the mandibular advancement device. When the patient puts it in their mouth before going to sleep, it brings the lower jaw forward, preventing the tongue from drifting back into the throat, thus allowing easy movement of air while inhaling and exhaling.
Custom oral sleep appliances are easy to use, easy to travel with because they’re small and don’t require electricity, and don’t make noise that can disturb a bed partner.
“Because we make each one specifically for each patient, our appliances are more comfortable and less bulky than over-the-counter ‘snore guards,’” Dr. Lester says. “We guide patients through the process and follow up with them after they’re fitted with an appliance to ensure the treatment is effective at achieving improved breathing during sleep.”
Healthy Smiles can also help patients with combination therapy, in cases where both an oral sleep appliance and other treatment methods are needed to get patients to their optimal sleep quality.
Dr. Lester has treated patients with snoring and sleep apnea since 2004. She’s a Diplomate with the American Sleep and Breathing Academy and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dentists are not allowed to diagnose sleep apnea, but Dr. Lester and her team are trained to screen patients for signs and symptoms of sleep breathing disorders. Healthy Smiles can get a patient tested by a sleep doctor if they suspect the patient has an undiagnosed sleep issue.
“Helping patients sleep better is especially rewarding because I’m a sleep apnea patient myself,” Dr. Lester said. “I know the effect poor sleep can have on a person’s daily life. Hearing the relief in a patient’s voice after they begin treatment, start sleeping better and have renewed energy is a joy.”
At Healthy Smiles, Dr. Lester and Dr. Bradley Kirkpatrick offer both comprehensive dental examinations and a wide array of cosmetic, preventative, general and specialized dental services using the latest technology.
They also genuinely care about their patients and offer each of them customized, personal service.
“My wish is not only for my patients to have beautiful, healthy teeth, but to help them improve their overall health,” Dr. Lester says.
