What is Sleep Dentistry?
Proper jaw alignment and airway positioning play an important role in healthy breathing and sleep quality. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help improve airway function and reduce contributing factors associated with sleep-disordered breathing.
Our team works closely with patients seeking both sleep dentistry and orthodontist-guided solutions to improve oral health, bite alignment, and airway support.
For some patients, Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to support better sleep and overall wellness.
Sleep Apnea Explained
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can reduce oxygen levels, disrupt sleep cycles, and place added stress on the body.
The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Frequent nighttime waking
If left untreated, sleep apnea may contribute to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Memory problems
- Increased accident risk
Our sleep dentistry team can help patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea explore comfortable alternatives to CPAP therapy.
Signs You are a Candidate for Sleep Dentistry Treatment
You may benefit from sleep dentistry treatment if you:
- Snore loudly or frequently
- Wake up tired even after a full night of sleep
- Experience daytime sleepiness
- Wake up gasping for air
- Have morning headaches
- Struggle with concentration or memory
- Experience jaw pain or TMJ symptoms
- Have been diagnosed with mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea
Our cosmetic dentist team will help determine the best treatment plan for your goals during your consultation.
Barton Oaks Dental Group Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Evaluation
Your care begins with a detailed consultation to review your symptoms, sleep concerns, medical history, and oral health.
We’ll discuss:
- Snoring patterns
- Daytime fatigue
- Breathing interruptions
- TMJ symptoms
- Previous sleep apnea diagnoses
- Treatment goals
We will also explore the following avenues of sleep apnea treatment:
Sleep Testing Support
While we do not diagnose sleep apnea directly, we help guide patients through the testing process.
We collaborate with SleepTest.com to provide convenient at-home sleep testing.
This allows patients to complete a professional sleep evaluation from the comfort of home before visiting our Austin dentist office to discuss treatment options.
TMJ and Airway Support
Sleep apnea and TMJ disorders are often connected. Our sleep dentistry team is experienced in evaluating jaw alignment, muscle tension, and airway concerns together to create more comprehensive treatment plans.
By addressing both airway health and jaw function, we help patients improve comfort, sleep quality, and long-term wellness.
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
For qualifying patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may provide a comfortable alternative to CPAP.
These custom appliances gently reposition the jaw and airway to improve airflow during sleep.
Our cosmetic dentistry team continues advanced post-graduate training to stay current with the latest techniques and technology in sleep dentistry.
Patient Testimonial
"I have been a patient at Barton Oaks Dental Group for over thirty years. The reason I keep coming back is not only because of the highly skilled dental care I have received, but also because of the calm, courteous, and caring atmosphere created by all who work there.
Dr. Lauren Lewis and her assistant, Taylor, are the best! They have earned my trust by keeping me informed and involved in every decision and by being genuinely interested in me and my family. I truly believe that having a good dentist all these years has been a key to maintaining my overall health."
– S.B
Begin Your Path to a Comfortable Sleep
Begin Your Path to a Confident Smile
