Question 1

What are your options if you cannot tolerate CPAP?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot wear CPAP comfortably, you may be a good candidate for a custom oral appliance. Your sleep doctor can prescribe this option, and Better Nights Rest can fabricate an appliance designed to help with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring. It offers a simpler, more comfortable alternative for many people who want better sleep without the mask and machine. 🙂

Question 2

Can children have Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children can have sleep apnea related to large adenoids, tonsils, throat and palate shape, as well as other factors.  Children also may grind their teeth as a result of sleep disturbances. Some studies note a resulting lower IQ in children with untreated sleep apnea.

Question 3

What increases the risks of Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive Sleep Apnea risks rise with factors like obesity, large neck or tongue size, and poor sleep habits. Explore CPAP alternatives in Ontario to address these issues and improve your sleep quality.

Question 4

How is it treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no single treatment option for the condition as it largely depends on the cause.  As a patient, you will undergo a sleep study followed by a review of your medical history and dental history, teeth, periodontal status, jaw joint, hygiene, radiographic examination to determine a treatment plan.  The Sleep Doctor will advise either a CPAP machine or an Oral Appliance to treat a snoring problem or Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Exercise, sleep position and weight reduction are also advised as these have a positive impact on the patient’s breathing.  Better breathing improve  daytime sleepiness, quality of life and mood state.

Question 5

What are the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms are often manifested in a partner's loud and persistent snoring punctuated with periods of silence and then gasping or snorting. The individual can experience excessive tiredness during the waking hours, including immediately after waking up, being irritable, high blood pressure and the tendency to doze off while at work, driving or even during conversations. Some patients even have trouble falling asleep.

Question 6

What causes Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

In its most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs when the back of the throat (Oropharynx), tongue and related structures relax during sleep. These structures either completely or partially block the airways causing a total or partial reduction of airflow to the lungs. Obesity is a common contributor of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Central Sleep Apnea can be a result of accident or stroke.

Question 7

Who suffers from Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Sleep Apnea can occur in all ages, but is primarily found among adults starting in their 30s. The condition is most prevalent in adult males above age 49, certain ethnic groups and in the obese.  Severely Obese males and females with age greater than 49 years are at greatest risk of Sleep Apnea. Shift workers are also more likely to have sleep disturbances than the general population. These can include increased daytime sleepiness and increased difficulties in falling asleep.

Question 8

What is a sleep study?

Accepted Answer

A definitive diagnosis of Sleep Apnea can only be made by conducting a sleep study called Polysomnography (PSG) conducted during a visit to a sleep lab, usually overnight, or a home study performed with special equipment. These studies are done to determine if a patient suffers from a specific sleep disorder. A healthcare professional will monitor and record the results of your sleep to determine your condition and offer treatment options.

A sleep study generates several records of activity during several hours of sleep, usually about six. Generally, these records include an electroencephalogram, or EEG, measuring brain waves; an electroculogram, or EOG, measuring eye and chin movements that signal the different stages of sleep; an electrocardiogram, ECG, measuring heart rate and rhythm; chest bands that measure respiration; and additional monitors that sense oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood and record leg movement.

Question 9

Who can diagnose if I have Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Only a trained medical professional can accurately diagnose Sleep Apnea. This is done by conducting a laboratory sleep study. The results are analysed and treatment options will be discussed.

Question 10

If untreated, what other conditions occur?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea and you are not being treated, your chance of serious medical conditions is significantly greater than the average.  Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, poorly controlled diabetes, and mood alterations.  Poor Uncle Fred ‘who died quietly in his sleep’, probably died from a potentially manageable sleep apnea related event.

Question 11

Does insurance cover treatment costs?

Accepted Answer

While the patient is responsible for the treatment fee, in some instances, third party insurance coverage is available. Financing is also available through a third party company.  Our staff would be pleased to discuss which options would be right for you.

Question 12

I can’t use my CPAP, what else can I do?

Accepted Answer

CPAP is a first line treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. When a patient is unable or unwilling to wear their CPAP device, the sleep Doctor can recommend an Oral Appliance as an alternative. CPAP alternatives in Ontario, like oral appliances, offer a quieter, more comfortable solution. These alternatives are ideal for those facing challenges with CPAP devices, such as claustrophobia, air leakage or mask discomfort. Consult a qualified sleep-trained dentist for personalized treatment and annual checkups.

Question 13

Can children have Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children can have sleep apnea related to large adenoids, tonsils, throat and palate shape, as well as other factors.  Children also may grind their teeth as a result of sleep disturbances. Some studies note a resulting lower IQ in children with untreated sleep apnea.

Question 14

What increases the risks of Sleep Apnea?

Accepted Answer

The risks of developing a common condition like Obstructive Sleep Apnea increase with being overweight, large neck size, tongue size, excessive alcohol consumption and poor sleep hygiene.

Question 15

Am I a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Accepted Answer

You may be a good candidate if you have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, primary snoring, or difficulty using CPAP. Dr. Richardson reviews your sleep study and your bite, jaw, and dental health before recommending treatment.

Question 16

How does a custom oral appliance help with sleep apnea or snoring?

Accepted Answer

A custom oral appliance holds the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. This helps keep the airway more open, which can reduce snoring and help manage mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It is a quiet, portable option for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Question 17

How do I clean and care for my oral appliance?

Accepted Answer

Clean the appliance daily with a soft brush and mild soap or the cleaner we recommend. Rinse it well, keep it dry when not in use, and store it in its case. Regular care helps the appliance last longer and stay comfortable.

Question 18

What happens at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

At your first visit, we review your sleep history, your diagnosis, and your treatment goals. If an oral appliance is a good fit, we take the records needed to plan a custom device for you.

Question 19

Will the appliance feel uncomfortable at first?

Accepted Answer

Some patients need a short adjustment period. You may notice mild jaw or tooth tenderness at first, but this usually settles as you adapt. We check the fit and make small adjustments so the appliance feels as comfortable as possible.

Dr.Ron Richardson, BSc DDS

Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment

Frequently asked questions

What are your options if you cannot tolerate CPAP?

Can children have Sleep Apnea?

What increases the risks of Sleep Apnea?

How is it treated?

What are the symptoms?

What causes Sleep Apnea?

Who suffers from Sleep Apnea?

What is a sleep study?

Who can diagnose if I have Sleep Apnea?

If untreated, what other conditions occur?

Does insurance cover treatment costs?

I can’t use my CPAP, what else can I do?

Can children have Sleep Apnea?

What increases the risks of Sleep Apnea?

Am I a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?

How does a custom oral appliance help with sleep apnea or snoring?

How do I clean and care for my oral appliance?

What happens at my first appointment?

Will the appliance feel uncomfortable at first?