Sleep Related Breathing Disorders

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For Patients

How We Can Help You Improve Your Sleep

When someone suffers from a sleep-related breathing disorder, their quality of life is diminished. What many do not know, however, is that people with these disorders may not realize they have them. It is common for patients to think they just snore a little too loud or to feel fatigued on a regular basis without understanding why.

Oftentimes, the first step in getting treatment is just realizing that these symptoms could indicate something much bigger.

One of the most common sleep-related breathing disorders we treat is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With this disorder, the airway is obstructed at times during sleep. This obstruction tends to be in the soft palate to the base of the tongue, where no rigid structures are located to force the airway to stay open.

OSA is a misunderstood condition. Many believe it to only be an issue impacting older adults and those who are overweight. While excess weight and advanced age can make someone more likely to develop OSA, people off all ages and sizes can suffer from the condition—including infants.

In fact, it is common for children who are diagnosed with behavior disorders to actually be suffering from OSA. Enlarged tonsils and small structural features of the maxilla/nose, mouth and throat may contribute to childhood OSA. Once treated, conditions such as ADHD improve, or are even eliminated.

OSA is not a condition that can be diagnosed or treated at home, no matter the age of the patient. OSA is a life-threatening disorder. Patients with suspected sleep apnea must undergo a study to determine if they indeed have the disorder, and if so, what type it is. If it is obstructive, we can offer help. We are happy to help our patients schedule their sleep study to get the answers they need.

Expert Sleep Services

Here at TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Cleveland, we provide a service known as dental sleep medicine. If you have never heard of this before, don’t worry—our practice is pretty unique. In essence, dental sleep medicine is the management of diagnosed sleep-related breathing disorders using appliance therapy for adults and orthopedic orthodontics for airway development and correction in children.

Sleep Services For Adults

Once an adult patient has a diagnosis, we take the diagnosis and craft a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause and manages the symptoms that give the patient discomfort. Our plans can include any number of elements, including behavior and lifestyle changes, Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) wear Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP), and in extreme cases, surgery.

There are more than 100 types of appliances with FDA approval for OSA treatment and we know how to select the best to meet your individual needs. The doctors of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre use precision equipment and imaging programs to measure the airway, predict what improvement will look like, and generate customized appliance designs. We also provide ongoing care and monitoring to ensure long-term success.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms for Adults

  • Unexplained daytime sleepiness
  • Restless sleep
  • Loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps)
  • Morning headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety and depression
  • Forgetfulness
  • Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Changes in urination
  • Frequent heartburn and heavy night sweats

 

Adults who are obese, over the age of 40, and have abnormalities in the anatomy of their upper airway are more likely to develop OSA than others. A family history of the disease, drinking alcohol regularly, smoking, having hypertension, and chronic use of sedatives also put a patient at greater risk.

 

Learn more about what our patients have to say

about the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Cleveland

Chagit R.

5.0 ★★★★★

Dr. Wolf has provided me with amazing care. My symptoms have nearly completely resolved and she is extremely comprehensive in her treatment. I would highly recommend her to anyone having jaw or sleep issues.

Teri C.

5.0 ★★★★★

This is the office and staff to go to, for TMJ and or just sleep difficulties. Not only is Dr. K’s knowledge of both areas stellar, but she strives to continually educate herself to provide support and answers for her patients. I so wish I had known about the root of my sleeping problems yrs ago, but I am so thankful I have been under her care now. So many issues have improved and I am grateful.

Lisa V.

5.0 ★★★★★

Dr. Kristina and her team are very knowledgeable and caring professionals. I started with their office due to jaw pain as a result of a sleep disorder. Dr. Kristina uses sophisticated imaging equipment which results in a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. I always appreciate their geniune concern and also their smiles at my office visits! Thank you for making a difference in my health and quality of life!