Sleep is more than a nightly reset — it’s a foundation for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance. When breathing is interrupted repeatedly during sleep, the consequences can ripple through daily life and long-term well-being. An estimated 25 million adults in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea, and many more experience disruptive snoring. At the office of Po Dentistry in Lancaster, PA, we evaluate and provide dental-based therapies that can improve airway stability and help patients get safer, more restorative sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the upper airway narrows or collapses during sleep, causing partial or complete pauses in breathing. These interruptions reduce oxygen delivery and fragment sleep architecture, so a person may drift in and out of lighter sleep without fully waking but still lose the restorative stages of sleep. Over time, this strain on the body increases the risk of daytime fatigue and other health problems.
The mechanics are straightforward but impactful: relaxed throat muscles, excess tissue, an enlarged tongue, or structural features of the jaw can contribute to airway obstruction. Unlike central sleep apnea, which stems from the brain’s failure to signal breathing muscles properly, obstructive sleep apnea is primarily a physical airway problem that responds to mechanical strategies aimed at keeping the airway open.
Severity varies from person to person. Mild cases may involve brief reductions in airflow and occasional snoring, while moderate to severe OSA includes frequent apneas and marked oxygen desaturation. Identifying the pattern and cause of obstruction is essential to choosing an effective treatment plan.
Nighttime clues often come from a bed partner or household member. Loud, persistent snoring, observed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking noises, and frequent awakenings are common red flags. Many people with sleep apnea don’t fully realize their sleep is disrupted because they don’t remember these brief awakenings.
Daytime signs are equally important. Excessive daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, morning headaches, mood changes, and a decline in daytime alertness are typical consequences of poor sleep quality. These symptoms can impair work performance, increase accident risk, and reduce overall quality of life.
Sleep apnea is also frequently associated with other medical conditions. High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, and certain cardiovascular problems can coexist with OSA. Recognizing these connections helps clinicians develop a comprehensive approach that addresses both sleep and general health.
Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical screening and a careful review of symptoms and medical history. Dentists with training in sleep medicine play a valuable role in screening patients, especially when airway anatomy or bite alignment suggests a dental contribution to obstruction. We work collaboratively with physicians and sleep specialists when further testing is needed.
Polysomnography — the in-lab sleep study — is the most comprehensive test, recording breathing patterns, oxygen levels, sleep stages, and other physiological signals overnight. For many patients, home sleep testing can provide reliable information about breathing events and oxygen levels in a more comfortable setting. The choice of test depends on symptoms, underlying health concerns, and the suspected severity of the condition.
Results from these evaluations help determine whether dental appliance therapy is appropriate or whether other medical treatments should be prioritized. A coordinated care plan between dental and medical providers ensures the chosen therapy aligns with a patient’s overall health profile.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains a widely used and highly effective medical therapy for keeping the airway open during sleep. However, patient tolerance and adherence vary. When CPAP is not tolerated or when obstructive events are mild to moderate, dental solutions are an important alternative that can produce meaningful improvement in breathing and sleep quality.
Lifestyle and behavioral measures are foundational and often recommended alongside device-based therapies. Weight management, positional strategies (avoiding supine sleep), alcohol moderation, and smoking cessation can all reduce the frequency and severity of apneas. These interventions are tailored to the individual and form part of a holistic treatment plan.
Surgical options exist for select patients with identifiable anatomical causes of obstruction, but surgery is considered only after careful evaluation and when less invasive options have been explored. The dental perspective complements these options by offering non-surgical appliance therapies that reposition the jaw or stabilize the tongue to maintain airflow during sleep.
Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fit device, worn like a mouthguard, to hold the lower jaw forward or stabilize oral tissues and reduce airway collapse. These appliances are especially effective for many people with mild to moderate OSA or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP. A successful appliance starts with an accurate dental examination and impressions that capture each patient’s bite and oral anatomy.
After fabrication, appliances are titrated — gradually adjusted — to find the position that balances airway opening with comfort and dental function. Follow-up visits are essential to monitor symptom improvement, adjust fit, and address bite changes or jaw discomfort. Because these devices interact with teeth and jaws, regular dental oversight ensures both sleep benefits and oral health are preserved.
Long-term maintenance includes periodic monitoring of appliance condition, routine dental exams, and communication with the patient’s sleep physician when combined care is needed. For many patients, a well-designed and monitored oral appliance provides a comfortable, convenient path to reduced snoring and fewer breathing interruptions at night.
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for oral appliance therapy. People with severe, untreated central sleep apnea, unstable dental conditions, or certain temporomandibular joint issues may need alternative approaches. During the evaluation process, we assess candidacy carefully to recommend the safest and most effective option.
If you think you or a family member may be experiencing sleep apnea, consulting with a provider can clarify next steps. Contact Po Dentistry for more information about dental sleep medicine and how we collaborate with sleep specialists to support better breathing and more restorative sleep.
Sleep apnea is a disorder marked by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep that interrupt normal sleep architecture and oxygen delivery. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, happens when the soft tissues and muscles in the throat relax and partially or fully block the airway. Left untreated, these interruptions can lead to fragmented sleep and increased risk for long-term health problems.
Prevalence estimates indicate that roughly 25 million adults in the United States have obstructive sleep apnea, and many others experience habitual snoring from airway narrowing. Because nighttime breathing pauses are often unnoticed by the person affected, screening by a clinician or dental professional can be an important first step toward diagnosis. Early recognition allows for timely evaluation and management to protect sleep quality and overall health.
Obstructive sleep apnea results from a collapse or narrowing of the upper airway during sleep, which reduces airflow and oxygen levels. Anatomical contributors include excess tissue in the throat, enlarged tonsils, a large tongue, a narrow jaw, or a large neck circumference, and these factors are often compounded by age-related muscle relaxation. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, sedating medications, and nasal congestion can also worsen airway collapse at night.
Other medical conditions increase the likelihood of airway obstruction, including obesity, hypothyroidism, and certain craniofacial abnormalities. Family history and male sex are additional risk factors, and weight gain or aging can convert mild, occasional obstruction into a clinically significant problem. Understanding the underlying contributors helps guide individualized treatment planning and the choice of therapy.
Nighttime signs of sleep apnea often include loud, habitual snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing, gasping or choking episodes, and frequent awakenings. Many people also report unrefreshing sleep despite spending sufficient time in bed, while bed partners may notice irregular breathing patterns. These nighttime events commonly lead to fragmented sleep and reduced sleep efficiency.
Daytime consequences include excessive sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, morning headaches, and irritability. Chronic sleep apnea is associated with higher rates of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux, and mood disorders. Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a clinical evaluation is important to determine whether sleep apnea is the primary cause.
Diagnosis typically begins with a clinical screening that reviews symptoms, medical history and risk factors, and may include questionnaires or an examination of the airway and dentition. Definitive diagnosis usually requires objective testing with an overnight sleep study, either in a sleep laboratory as polysomnography or at home with an approved home sleep apnea test that records breathing, oxygen levels and related metrics. These tests quantify apneas and hypopneas and help determine the severity of the disorder.
Dentists with training in dental sleep medicine can identify patients who would benefit from further evaluation and often work collaboratively with sleep physicians to interpret results and coordinate care. Follow-up testing may be used after starting therapy to confirm treatment effectiveness and guide adjustments. Ongoing communication between the dental team and medical sleep specialists ensures a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.
Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of sleep apnea, patient anatomy and preferences, and medical comorbidities. Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, remains the first-line therapy for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea because it reliably splints the airway open during sleep. When CPAP is not tolerated or for milder disease, alternatives include custom oral appliances, positional therapy, weight management, and targeted surgical interventions for specific anatomic causes.
Lifestyle interventions such as weight loss, reducing alcohol and sedative use before bedtime, and addressing nasal congestion can meaningfully reduce symptoms for some patients. A multidisciplinary approach that combines medical, dental and surgical expertise offers the best chance to control symptoms and reduce health risks. Regular follow-up is important to assess response and make necessary adjustments to therapy.
Oral appliances are a well-established treatment option for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are particularly useful for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. These devices are worn in the mouth during sleep and work by advancing the lower jaw or stabilizing the tongue and soft tissues to maintain an open airway. Clinical studies show that many patients experience significant reductions in apnea events and snoring with properly fitted appliances.
Effectiveness depends on device design, proper titration and patient-specific anatomy; therefore, appliances should be custom-made and monitored by a clinician experienced in dental sleep medicine. Side effects such as temporary tooth or jaw discomfort, increased salivation or bite changes can occur and are managed with adjustments and regular follow-up. When chosen and managed appropriately, oral appliances provide a practical, portable alternative that can improve sleep quality and daytime function.
Good candidates for a custom oral appliance typically include people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who primarily snore and have airway-related symptoms. Patients who have tried and been unable to tolerate CPAP, or who travel frequently and need a compact therapy option, may also benefit from an appliance. Adequate dental health and enough stable teeth are important because the device needs secure anchorage to function safely and effectively.
Individuals with severe sleep apnea, inadequate dentition, active periodontal disease or certain temporomandibular joint disorders may require alternative therapies or careful evaluation before an oral appliance is considered. A comprehensive dental examination and collaboration with a sleep physician help determine candidacy and ensure the chosen therapy aligns with the patient’s overall medical needs. In many cases a trial of a custom appliance under clinician supervision can clarify its suitability.
The process begins with a detailed clinical evaluation, dental impressions or digital scans, and a discussion of treatment goals and possible side effects. A custom appliance is then fabricated to fit your bite and airway anatomy, and an initial fitting appointment ensures comfort and proper alignment. Patients are typically instructed on how to use and care for the device and given guidance about an adaptation period during which minor soreness or increased salivation may occur.
Follow-up care is essential and includes periodic adjustments to optimize airway opening, assessment of symptom improvement and monitoring for dental or jaw changes. Long-term follow-up may involve repeat sleep testing to document treatment efficacy and coordination with the sleep physician for any additional needs. Regular dental exams allow the clinician to detect and manage dental or occlusal changes early, maintaining both sleep benefits and oral health.
Treating sleep apnea reduces the frequency of nighttime breathing interruptions, which improves sleep quality, daytime alertness and cognitive function. Effective therapy has been associated with lower blood pressure, improved control of cardiovascular risk factors and reduced strain on the heart, especially in patients with hypertension or existing heart disease. Patients often report better mood, concentration and overall quality of life after successful treatment.
Addressing sleep apnea can also positively affect metabolic health by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation linked to chronic intermittent hypoxia. Additionally, treatment lowers the risk of accidents related to excessive daytime sleepiness and supports better outcomes for comorbid conditions such as depression and gastroesophageal reflux. Because benefits span multiple systems, a comprehensive plan that successfully manages sleep apnea contributes meaningfully to long-term wellness.
If you or a bed partner notice loud, habitual snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, frequent gasping during sleep or persistent daytime sleepiness, you should seek an evaluation to rule out sleep apnea. Contact the practice if you have risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, daytime fatigue that interferes with work or safety, or if a primary care provider or specialist has suggested a sleep study. Early assessment helps determine whether testing or referral to a sleep physician is warranted.
Po Dentistry and our clinical team routinely screen patients for signs of sleep-disordered breathing during routine exams and can advise on next steps, including coordination with sleep medicine specialists. If you already have a diagnosis and are interested in dental sleep medicine options such as a custom oral appliance, reach out to discuss a consultation and treatment plan. Timely communication and collaboration between dental and medical providers ensures safe, effective care tailored to your needs.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
