Sleep Apnea Treatment in Oak Lawn, IL

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse during sleep, partially or completely blocking the airway. This interruption in breathing can happen dozens of times per hour, often without the sleeper realizing it.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Daytime fatigue or brain fog
• Morning headaches
• Irritability or mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, the first step is a formal diagnosis—typically through a home sleep test or a referral to a sleep specialist. Once diagnosed, our role is to help manage the condition with dental appliance therapy when appropriate.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

For patients with mild to moderate OSA—or those who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine—we offer custom oral appliances designed to reposition the jaw slightly forward, helping keep the airway open throughout the night.

These devices:

• Are worn only during sleep
• Are quiet, portable, and easy to travel with
• Allow for natural breathing through the mouth or nose
• Fit securely and comfortably based on your unique bite
• Do not require electricity, tubing, or masks

Dr. Smith will take impressions of your teeth to design an appliance that fits precisely. This process is simple, pain-free, and requires no surgery or invasive procedures. Once delivered, we’ll monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to improve effectiveness.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for this type of sleep apnea treatment if:

• You’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
• You snore regularly and have risk factors like obesity or jaw alignment issues
• You cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or prefer an alternative option
• You travel frequently or want a quieter, more convenient solution
• You’ve been told you grind or clench your teeth at night

We often see overlap between airway issues and conditions like Bruxism or TMJ disorders, making a dental approach particularly valuable for comprehensive treatment.

Sleep Apnea in Children

Children can also suffer from disrupted sleep due to airway restriction, especially if they have a narrow palate, enlarged tonsils, or mouth-breathing habits. In these cases, we may recommend early evaluation using the Healthy Start system to encourage proper jaw development and improved breathing.

Dr. Smith is experienced in identifying the signs of pediatric airway issues and can work with parents to determine the most effective path forward.

The Role of Jaw Position in Airway Health

Your jaw plays a critical role in the size and stability of your airway. In some cases, improving jaw alignment or posture with a dental appliance can significantly reduce nighttime obstructions. We may recommend options like the VIDA or POD appliance, which are especially helpful for patients who also experience TMJ-related symptoms.