As a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Maryam Avin has advanced training in dental sleep medicine & works with physicians to support coordinated patient care. At Avin Dental Care, she provides custom oral appliance therapy for appropriately selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) & snoring.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. These interruptions can affect sleep quality and oxygen levels and may contribute to daytime fatigue and other health risks.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Loud or persistent snoring
- Pauses in breathing observed by a bed partner
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Not everyone with these symptoms has sleep apnea. A qualified medical provider can determine whether testing or further evaluation is appropriate.
Dr. Avin Is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
How Oral Appliance Therapy Helps
A custom oral appliance is a dental device worn during sleep. Many appliances gently position the lower jaw forward to help maintain an open upper airway.
For appropriately selected patients, oral appliance therapy can be an effective treatment option. It is particularly worth discussing if you have difficulty tolerating CPAP or prefer to explore an alternative.
The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your condition, your medical history & your individual needs.
Procedure Overview
1. Medical Evaluation & Diagnosis
Sleep apnea requires appropriate medical evaluation & diagnosis. If you have not been diagnosed, we can discuss the appropriate next steps with you & your medical provider.
2. Dental Evaluation
Dr. Avin evaluates your teeth, gums, jaw & oral health to determine whether oral appliance therapy may be suitable.
3. Custom Appliance Fabrication
If treatment is appropriate, a custom appliance is made to fit your mouth.
4. Fitting & Adjustment
Follow-up visits allow us to assess comfort, evaluate your response & make adjustments as appropriate.
5. Follow-up Testing and Ongoing Care
Follow-up sleep testing coordinated with your medical provider helps determine whether the appliance is adequately treating your sleep apnea.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
If you are concerned about snoring, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or are struggling with CPAP, contact Avin Dental Care to discuss whether custom oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for you.
