Sleep Apnea Treatment - Waco, TX

Why Choose Heart of Texas Smiles for Sleep Apnea Therapy?

• Sleep appliances custom-designed for each patient
• Able to stop snoring the very first night
• Can provide an alternative to a CPAP machine

What Causes Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

With sleep apnea, airflow is intermittently obstructed as you sleep. This occurs when the tongue and muscles in the back of the throat relax and obstruct the airway in your throat. When this airflow is obstructed from your lungs, a distress signal is sent to your brain. Your brain then wakes you up momentarily to contract your throat muscles and clear the airway obstruction. Once the airway is cleared and the distress signal fades, your brain allows you to fall back asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night. Snoring is caused by the vibrations of moving air forced through the obstruction.

What Increases My Risk of Developing Sleep Apnea?

Millions of Americans have undiagnosed sleep apnea. There are many factors that increase the chance of developing sleep apnea. Men are more likely to have sleep apnea than women until menopause. But risks increase for everyone with age, obesity, family history, and chronic nasal congestion. Sleep apnea symptoms also worsen when you lay on your back and during REM sleep.

What Treatments Are Available for Snoring & Sleep Apnea?

What is CPAP? - The most common treatment of sleep apnea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP). CPAP machines are used while you sleep to increase air pressure in your throat and prevent the airway from collapsing. You breathe through a mask that covers the nose or the nose and mouth. However, CPAP is an invasive treatment with many side effects including: nightmares, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, eye and skin irritation, and bloating.

Oral Appliances for Non-Invasive Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Waco, TX

Oral appliances (snore guards) are a less invasive treatment for sleep apnea. Oral appliances look similar to athletic mouthguards or nightguards used to treat Bruxism. These devices prevent the tongue and fatty tissues at the back of the throat from collapsing as you sleep. You can be fitted for a custom oral appliance which can be worn every night to prevent snoring and sleep apnea symptoms from occurring. Make an appointment today to see if Oral Appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea is right for you. Heart of Texas Smiles also provides ongoing follow up care to ensure sleep apnea is properly treated. Make an appointment with Heart of Texas Smiles for a more peaceful night’s sleep tomorrow. Dr. Lassetter and Dr. Rivacoba proudly serves patients throughout Waco, TX, Robinson, Woodway, and the surrounding communities.