Sleep Apnea Services in Newport Beach

Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, have become a significant health issue in the United States. Although an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, about 80 percent of the cases of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) go undiagnosed. At Coastal Smiles in Newport Beach, Dr. Green specializes in sleep apnea screenings and oral appliance therapy (OAT) for patients with mild or moderate OSA that help improve their health and quality of life.

Sleep Apnea Treatments We Offer

Thanks to education provided by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), more and more dentists like Dr. Green are now trained to identify and treat OSA and other snoring disorders in their practices. If you have trouble tolerating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or prefer an alternative treatment for OSA, Dr. Green may be able to help. 

At Coastal Smiles, we treat sleep apnea with these oral appliances:

• Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) – As the most widely used device for sleep apnea, a MAD resembles a mouth guard used in sports. These devices snap over the upper and lower dental arches and feature metal hinges that allow the lower jaw to be eased forward. Some MADs, like the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP), let you control the degree of advancement.

For people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and notably those who sleep on their backs, oral appliance therapy may improve sleep and reduce the frequency and loudness of snoring. Because they are typically easier to adjust to and require less care, dental OSA devices also have a higher compliance rate than CPAP therapy. 

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea may occur when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate (uvula), the throat’s sidewalls, and the tongue. 

As the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you breathe in. Not breathing in enough air may cause your blood oxygen level to drop. Your brain then senses your inability to breathe and briefly wakes you up so that your airway will reopen. Most of the time, the awakening is so brief that you don’t even remember it. 

The symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air during sleep
• Morning headache
• Irritability
• Waking up with a dry mouth
• Trouble staying asleep (insomnia)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Difficulty concentrating while awake 

Although loud snoring may indicate a potentially significant problem, not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Left untreated, OSA has been linked to a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart failure, depression, acid reflux, adult-onset asthma, poor blood sugar control in diabetics, and other health problems. If you have any symptoms of OSA, it’s best to schedule a sleep apnea screening with Dr. Green. 

What to Expect During a Sleep Apnea Screening

As the most common type of sleep apnea, OSA can affect anyone, including children. Certain risk factors also increase your likelihood of developing OSA, such as smoking, drinking alcohol to excess, being overweight, neck circumference, being male, your age, family history, and specific medical conditions. 

During your sleep apnea screening, Dr. Green will review your medical history, ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing, and conduct a physical examination of your oral cavity and neck. If you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy, she will present your treatment options and patiently answer your questions.  

If your OSA is more severe, Dr. Green will be happy to refer you to a licensed sleep specialist for further evaluation. 

Cost and Insurance

In most cases, your medical insurance will offer at least some coverage for OSA. At Coastal Smiles, we understand that every patient has unique financial circumstances. That’s why our team will work with you to devise a payment program that best meets your dental care and oral health needs. For your convenience, our office networks with several insurance carriers. To learn more about your financing and payment options, please contact our office today. 

Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment

Don’t let OSA keep you or your partner from getting the restful sleep your body desperately needs. At Coastal Smiles, we’ve been providing personalized concierge dentistry and oral health care in Coastal Orange County for 10 years now. As a leader in general and family dentistry, Dr. Green has worked with many of Orange County’s elite and celebrities. To schedule your sleep apnea screening appointment with Dr. Green, contact our office today at 949-640-9554.