smilefactorydentaltx.com

Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

Breathe Easier. Sleep Better. Restore Your Health in Cypress, Texas.

Sleep should leave you refreshed — not exhausted, stressed, or struggling for air. For many adults, undiagnosed sleep apnea and chronic snoring disrupt nightly rest, strain the heart and lungs, and affect daily focus and mood. At Smile Factory Dental, we offer advanced, non-invasive dental solutions that help open the airway, improve breathing, and promote healthier sleep patterns.

Our customized oral appliances provide an effective alternative to CPAP for many patients, offering comfort, simplicity, and real results.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during sleep. These pauses can happen dozens — even hundreds — of times per night, preventing the body from getting the oxygen it needs.

There are two main types:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

The airway collapses or becomes blocked due to relaxed throat muscles, tongue position, or soft tissue obstruction.

  • Central Sleep Apnea

The brain temporarily fails to signal the muscles responsible for breathing (less common).

At Smile Factory Dental, we focus on dental-device solutions for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the most widespread form.

Common Signs You May Need a Night Guard

Bruxism often goes unnoticed until damage occurs. Symptoms may include:

  • Worn, chipped, or flattened teeth
  • Morning jaw soreness or tightness
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Clicking/popping in the jaw
  • Facial or ear pain
  • Cracks or fractures in teeth or dental work
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully

If you experience any of these signs, a professional evaluation can determine whether a night guard is recommended.

Why Snoring Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Snoring is not just an inconvenience — in many cases, it’s the first indicator of airway restriction. While not all snorers have sleep apnea, habitual snoring often suggests airflow resistance, which can progress into more serious breathing issues over time.

Early evaluation leads to better long-term outcomes.

How Dentistry Helps Treat Sleep Apnea

Many patients assume sleep apnea can only be treated with CPAP machines. However, modern dentistry offers effective, comfortable alternatives through custom-made oral appliances.

What Is an Oral Sleep Appliance?

This small, adjustable device is worn during sleep and works by:

  • Repositioning the jaw slightly forward
  • Keeping the tongue from collapsing into the airway
  • Stabilizing the tissues that narrow the throat

These appliances increase airflow, reduce snoring, and minimize breathing interruptions.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Compared to CPAP, which some patients find bulky or difficult to tolerate, oral appliances offer:

  • Comfortable, quiet therapy
  • Easy travel convenience
  • No noise, hoses, or machinery
  • Improved compliance rates
  • Effective reduction of mild to moderate OSA symptoms
  • Better airway stability without forced air pressure

For many patients, this is a life-changing alternative.

Our Sleep Apnea Evaluation Process

1. Medical & Sleep History Review

We discuss symptoms, sleep habits, and overall health considerations.

2. Oral & Airway Examination

We evaluate tongue position, jaw alignment, soft tissues, and signs of bruxism or airway restriction.

3. Custom Appliance Fabrication

Using precise digital impressions or scans, we design a device tailored to your airway needs.

4. Fit Adjustment & Titration

We adjust your appliance for comfort and optimal airway support.

5. Long-Term Monitoring

Follow-up visits ensure ongoing effectiveness and comfort.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

This treatment is ideal for patients who:

  • Have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
  • Struggle to tolerate CPAP machines
  • Prefer a low-profile, portable solution
  • Experience snoring that disrupts household sleep
  • Have TMJ issues aggravated by nighttime jaw position
  • Seek an alternative to surgical airway interventions

Our goal is to identify the safest, most effective option for your specific sleep condition.

How Sleep Apnea Impacts Health

Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke risk
  • Weight gain
  • Diabetes complications
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Decreased immune function
  • Cognitive decline

Improving nighttime breathing helps restore balance to overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment

 No — apnea-specific appliances differ from night guards and are designed to open the airway, not just protect teeth.

 Not always, but persistent snoring can be an early warning sign of airway obstruction.

 Yes. Diagnosis of sleep apnea must be made through sleep testing before treatment begins.

 Most patients adapt within days and prefer it over CPAP.

 Children with airway issues may require orthodontic or ENT evaluation, but adult-style apnea appliances are not typically used for kids.

Breathe Better. Sleep Restfully. Live Healthier.

If you or a loved one struggles with snoring, interrupted sleep, or signs of sleep apnea, Smile Factory Dental offers effective, comfortable treatment options tailored to your needs.

Scroll to Top