What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that affects one in every four individuals.  Sleep apnea is when breath (while sleeping) is abnormally low, or even stops for a few seconds and up to a few minutes.  Sufferers are at risk for life-threatening occurrences which include irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

How Do We Diagnose this Disorder?

Loud snoring is a major sign of obstructive sleep apnea, as it occurs when you relax and your lower jaw and tongue drop against the back of your throat. This constricts the airway and reduces your oxygen while you sleep.

 Other signs include waking up not refreshed (for no reason) and falling asleep during conversations and driving.  If any of these are a concern to you (or your partner), please come in for a consultation.

During this consultation, Dr Martin has a simple screening questionnaire. From this, we can determine whether a simple snoring appliance or further diagnosis is the best solution for you.

If further diagnosis is required, the next step will be to collect data while you sleep using the latest technology in diagnosing sleep apnea.  When you go to bed, you will wear a ‘watch-like’ device which contains a lightweight data storage unit. This will then record your breathing pattern while you sleep. We then can transfer the unit data to a computer for analysis consequently final diagnosis by a medical doctor. Dr Martin will make the appliance based only on the written prescription from the medical sleep doctor.

The Solution to Snoring and Sleep Apnea

A Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) is an appliance that treats sleep apnea and snoring by holding the tongue and jaws in their optimum position for sleeping.  It prevents the collapsing of the airway, keeping breathing relaxed and normal.  Worn when sleeping, it fits snugly on the teeth so there is no risk of displacing the device.

Dr Martin will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth and may use x-rays to confirm your oral health status.  Dental impressions are then required to fabricate the customized appliance. Once the appliance is custom made for you, it will be fitted by Dr Martin who will show you how to insert and remove it yourself as well as clean and care for it.

Advantages of the 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