Sleep Apnea mouth guard in Fort Collins, CO
Sleep
Apnea
Sleep Apnea at Harbor Dental
Sleep apnea occurs when muscles relax while you sleep, causing soft tissues in your throat to collapse and block your airway. These blockages can last for a few seconds to more than a minute, reducing your oxygen levels and disrupting your sleep. This may explain why you wake up feeling fatigued and drowsy. If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or snore, wearing a sleep apnea mouth guard while you sleep may help.
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses can last for several seconds to minutes and may occur hundreds of times a night. Symptoms often include loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. The two main types are Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common form that occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway during sleep, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which happens when the brain fails to send appropriate signals to the muscles controlling breathing.
Risk factors for apnea include male gender, obesity, age over 40, large neck circumference, nasal congestion, allergies, and a family history of the condition. Untreated apnea can result in serious complications such as high blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, and diminished quality of life.
A sleep apnea oral appliance is a mouthpiece that fits in your mouth like a custom orthodontic retainer. Our device fits into your mouth using two pieces that fit over your upper and lower teeth. Hinges connect the two pieces. The mouthpiece supports your jaw in a position that keeps your upper airway open and soft tissues out of your airway.
Because of this design and positioning, snoring and the effects of obstructive sleep apnea are often reduced. The pictures below show how you can open (left) and close (right) your mouth while wearing the sleep apnea mouth guard, unlike other devices that may lock your jaw in one position.
We start the process of fitting you with a sleep apnea oral appliance with a sleep apnea risk assessment. If you appear to be at risk for sleep apnea, we will recommend a sleep study from a sleep specialist to evaluate your signs and symptoms.
If we determine the device may help, we can begin making a customized, FDA-approved sleep apnea appliance for you. First, we will take a look at your teeth, jaw, tongue, and airway, and possibly take X-rays of your mouth.
Then, we will make digital models of your teeth and send them to a lab that makes sleep apnea mouth guards. Finally, when it’s ready, you will come back to our office for fitting, wearing, and cleaning instructions.
What To Expect During your Visit
Nervous about visiting the dentist? We understand. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you can expect on your first visit. As well as some more helpful information about our sleep apnea services.
Contact Us Today!
At Harbor Dental Clinic, we’re committed to providing high-quality, personalized dental care. If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are experiencing symptoms as described above, call us today to see how we can help you achieve a better night’s sleep.
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Sleep apnea occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, causing the airway to become blocked or narrowed, reducing oxygen levels and repeatedly interrupting your rest. Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty focusing. If untreated, it can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. At Harbor Dental Clinic, the team emphasizes early diagnosis to improve your sleep quality and protect your long-term health. Treating sleep apnea not only helps you rest better but also boosts your energy, mood, and concentration throughout the day.
Several factors increase the likelihood of sleep apnea, including age (over 40), obesity, nasal congestion, alcohol use, a large neck circumference, and a family history of the condition. Men are statistically more likely to develop it, though it can affect anyone. Harbor Dental encourages patients with these risk factors to seek screening if they experience snoring or poor-quality sleep. Identifying these issues early can prevent complications and lead to faster, more effective treatment.
The process begins with selecting a composite resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid applied to help the bonding material adhere. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material, after which it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of the tooth surface.
Dentists can provide a custom-made oral appliance designed to reposition your jaw slightly forward during sleep, keeping your airway open and reducing snoring or breathing pauses. At Harbor Dental Clinic, this non-invasive solution is created using detailed scans or impressions to ensure a precise and comfortable fit. It’s a convenient alternative for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP machines or prefer a smaller, travel-friendly option. Working closely with your physician, the dentist ensures your treatment plan addresses both dental and medical aspects of sleep apnea.
The process starts with a sleep apnea risk assessment, followed by a referral for a sleep study if necessary to confirm your diagnosis. Once you’re approved for an oral appliance, the dentist takes digital scans or impressions of your teeth to create a custom device that fits perfectly. After your fitting, you’ll receive instructions for use and follow-up visits to fine-tune comfort and effectiveness. This personalized approach helps ensure better results and long-term relief from sleep-disordered breathing. You’ll quickly notice improved rest, less snoring, and more energy during the day.
The biggest benefits include improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, better oxygen flow, and a comfortable, mask-free experience compared to CPAP therapy. Oral appliances are small, portable, and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for frequent travelers or light sleepers. However, they’re most effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and may not fully treat severe cases. Harbor Dental monitors each patient’s progress closely to ensure the therapy is working effectively and adjusts as needed for the best long-term outcome.
