Sleep apnea affects nearly 30 million American adults—and most of them don’t even know they have it. In the short term, sleep apnea leads to poor-quality sleep. Left untreated, it can increase your risk of serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke.
At Harmony, we’re here to help. We not only treat sleep apnea using options like Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), but we also offer sleep apnea diagnosis right here in Oakland, CA. Our approach to dental-medical integration makes the process of diagnosing, managing, and treating sleep apnea simple and seamless for our patients.
There are several types of sleep apnea, but Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common. With OSA, the soft tissues in your mouth and throat collapse during sleep, blocking your airway—hence the term “obstructive.”
These blockages last for at least 10 seconds at a time and can occur hundreds of times per night, depending on the severity of the condition. This restricts airflow, limits oxygen levels in your blood, and disrupts your sleep cycle.
In the short term, OSA causes poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and difficulty focusing. In the long term, untreated OSA increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
The best way to find out is by taking a sleep test—something we can help facilitate at Harmony. Still, there are some common symptoms to look out for:
There are many ways to treat sleep apnea—including CPAP machines, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgery. At Harmony, we specialize in Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for our patients in Oakland.
An oral appliance is a small, custom-made device—similar to a mouthguard—that gently shifts your lower jaw forward while you sleep. This opens the airway and prevents soft tissue collapse, allowing you to breathe properly throughout the night.
OAT is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
At Harmony, our experienced sleep dentists are here to help—whether you’ve already been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or you’re still unsure. We offer comfortable, effective treatment options like Oral Appliance Therapy to help you get the rest you deserve.
Better sleep starts here. Don’t let poor-quality rest affect your health and quality of life. Call Harmony or book your first visit online today to start your journey to better sleep and better health.
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