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Snoring Therapy/Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea affects more than 20 million Americans and needs to be taken very seriously. The Greek word "apnea" literally means "without breath." Patients with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep, sometimes hundreds of times during the night and often for a minute or longer.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused by a blockage of the airway, usually when the soft tissue in the rear of the throat collapses and closes during sleep. With each apnea event, the brain briefly arouses people with sleep apnea in order for them to resume breathing, but consequently sleep is extremely fragmented and of poor quality.

Sleep apnea is very common with risk factors that include being male, overweight, and over the age of forty, but sleep apnea can strike anyone at any age, even children. Yet still because of the lack of awareness by the public and healthcare professionals, the vast majority remain undiagnosed and therefore untreated, despite the fact that this serious disorder can have significant consequences.

Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues. One such treatment option is an oral appliance made by our office. It is called a SomnoDent appliance.

SomnoDent Appliance

What is the SomnoDent® MAS

The SomnoDent® MAS is an oral device, which fits over the upper and lower teeth, much like a sports mouth guard. However unlike a sports mouth guard it is a discreet, precision-made and clinically-tested medical device that is recognized for its clinical validity by FDATGA, ISO 13485 and Swiss medic standards. Backed by over 7 Years of clinical research it is no wonder that the SomnoDent® MAS is known as the MAS GOLD STANDARD among Dental Sleep Professionals across the world.

In the vast majority of cases the SomnoDent® MAS is a highly effective treatment method for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with patients often having higher compliance rates than CPAP.

The SomnoDent® MAS / Flex:

Made from our unique SMH BFlex material and acrylic, the Flex provides superior retention and comfort.

SMH BFlex is a soft polymer that is heat-cured, packed and pressed utilizing an exclusive chemical formula that facilitates soft to hard polymer bonding at the layers interface. The result is a fit that is unmatched and unlike anything seen before in a resilient material, securely anchoring splints with a snug fit – even on short teeth with little undercut. It comes with a three year warranty against manufacturing defects and breakage and is suitable for all dentitions. SMH BFlex does not discolor or attract odors. Patients and dentists may prefer this model, particularly where crown and bridge work is present. If you snore or have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, ask us about The SomnoDent.

Advantages of using the SomnoDent® MAS

Comfort

The SomnoDent® MAS is comfortable and easy to wear. The appliance uses the smallest amount of material possible, reducing bulkiness in the mouth. It is made up of two separate pieces, which allow you to speak, yawn and drink. Our design does not limit tongue space which results in a high comfort level with the SomnoDent® MAS.

96% of patients with proven OSA stated they would like to continue to use the SomnoDent® MAS.

Effectiveness

The SomnoDent®MAS is a highly effective solution, for the majority of patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Its exceptional levels of patient acceptance and compliance as well as treatment efficacy are backed by a large body of clinical research.

91% of patients reported substantial improvement in sleep quality with the SomnoDent® MAS.

  • Travels well
  • Sleep free from attachments
  • Speak and drink while in use
  • Makes NO noise
  • Does not requires electricity
  • No cumbersome head gear
  • No consumable parts to replace
  • Does not limit sleep positions

WatchPAT

Our office recently purchased a WatchPAT and it is now available for our patients. For years, the only way sleep apnea could be tested for and diagnosed was to perform a sleep study at a hospital sleep lab. The patient sleeps in a foreign bed with a sleep technician watching and videotaping you and there are many electrodes attached to your body. Who gets a NORMAL night of sleep in this environment? Nobody, in our opinion. To add insult to injury, a hospital sleep study can cost as much as $1000 to $5000. Our home sleep study test with the Watch PAT is $299. So what is a Watch PAT?

WatchPAT is an FDA-approved diagnostic device that uses innovative technology to ensure the accurate detection of sleep apnea. Its ease of use is unparalleled and it is greatly complemented by the fact that WatchPAT testing is done in the comfort of your own bedroom, an environment that best reflects the pattern of your sleep habits. That fact alone may prove to be a lifeline for the millions of undiagnosed patients who are unwilling to spend the night away from home in a hospital sleep center. WatchPAT monitors changes in peripheral arterial tone and activity, as well as in blood oxygen saturation levels. It also identifies sleep apnea events just like the equipment used in polysomnography (PSG) sleep studies performed in hospital sleep labs.

WatchPAT represents the best that 21st century medicine and science have to offer for at-home testing. Thanks to WatchPAT’s ease-of-use and automated data analysis, you don’t have to wait to get your diagnosis. Once you return the WatchPAT to our office, you will receive an immediate detailed sleep report, which you can take to your physician who will determine if you have sleep apnea or not. This instantaneous report generation—compared to a lengthy wait in most hospital-based settings—allows you to initiate sleep apnea treatment without delay.

Alan D. Belenski, D.D.S. and Kevin H. Moore, D.D.S.

  • Alan D. Belenski, D.D.S. and Kevin H. Moore, D.D.S. - 225 W. South Boulder Rd., Suite 200, Louisville, CO 80027 Phone: (303) 666-5080

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