If you struggle with headaches, jaw-related pain, trouble sleeping, or constant fatigue, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, also known as sleep-disordered breathing, is a common but potentially high-risk condition that can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest and even lead to more severe health problems due to low blood oxygen levels in the sleeper. The condition is characterized by shallow breaths or long pauses in breathing during sleep that cause disruptions in the sleeping pattern. Fortunately, Drs. Chris and Patrice Winterholler have helped dozens of patients get a restful night’s sleep thanks to sleep apnea dentistry with oral appliances—instead of enduring a bulky C-PAP machine, we solve your sleep apnea problem using advanced imaging technology for a precise diagnosis and custom oral appliances for long-term treatment success. In addition, we have extensive training in the orthodontic treatment of sleep apnea and other effective treatments such as innovative neuromuscular dentistry techniques.
When our team meets with you for a sleep apnea consultation, we will review your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan for you, and create a custom device that is designed to improve airflow while you are sleeping. In some more severe cases, we may recommend orthodontic correction to help open your airway, or even a W-4 Implant Solution® to open your bite and reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. We also treat patients for snoring with a useful custom device called a snore guard. Snore guards are worn at night to hold the jaw in a better position for undisturbed sleeping, enlarging the airway space so that as you breathe, the soft tissues in the throat will not vibrate and cause a snoring sound.
Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you are suffering from any combination of the following symptoms, we suggest you make a consultation appointment at our practice so that we can work with you to solve your sleep apnea issue once and for all:
- Non-restorative sleep
- Insomnia
- Inability to concentrate
- Memory problems
- Anxiety/Irritability/Depression
- Unexplained headaches
- Difficulty performing work/school duties
- Disruption of the sleep of a bed partner
At Winterholler Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry, we have extensive training in sleep apnea dentistry as well as the orthodontic treatment of sleep apnea and other effective treatments such as innovative neuromuscular dentistry techniques.
Neuromuscular Dentistry
Neuromuscular dentistry is slightly different from the traditional approach to dentistry. Instead of focusing solely on the health of teeth and gums, neuromuscular dentists look at how the upper and lower teeth come together, the stress levels of facial muscles, and if the jaw is positioned correctly. Neuromuscular dentistry takes a holistic approach to care so that our patients can benefit from a more balanced, functional bite that’s free from pain and conditions such as sleep apnea and snoring. Whatever neuromuscular issue you’re struggling with, numerous neuromuscular dentistry techniques can potentially address it at our practice.
Dr. Patrice Winterholler helps our patients get relief from sleep apnea with her extensive training in innovative and highly effective neuromuscular dental solutions. Both Dr. Chris and Dr. Patrice have LVI training (Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies) in neuromuscular dentistry. LVI is a world-class center for post-graduate dentistry training. Our sleep apnea patients can be confident that they are in safe, skilled hands when receiving neuromuscular treatments at Winterholler Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Read Dr. Patrice Winterholler’s full bio here.
Orthodontic Correction for Cosmetics and Airway
Orthodontic treatment for prevention and/or correction of sleep apnea can be very effective and vastly improve a patient’s quality of life and overall health. When it comes to sleep apnea treatment, we approach care from multiple angles, including orthodontic correction if needed. Dr. Patrice Winterholler has helped patients achieve their dream smile for more than 20 years through cosmetic and orthodontic solutions. Many patients who have severely worn teeth seek cosmetic treatment to restore their smile—but this wear often indicates a larger functional problem such as bite misalignment or issues with the airway. When this is the case, a combination of functional orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry can be used to restore your oral function and smile as well as help treat potentially serious conditions such as sleep apnea.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea in Scottsdale, AZ, and Payson, AZ
Successful management of sleep apnea is one of the most gratifying treatments that we provide because the quality of life of our patients is so drastically improved. Drs. Chris and Patrice Winterholler offer many cosmetic dental and general dental solutions to our patients with sleep apnea and snoring. If you suspect you are suffering from sleep apnea, or if you have been recommended for sleep apnea treatment, we encourage you to contact our practice to schedule a free consultation at either of our two convenient Central Arizona locations. We appreciate the opportunity to help enhance your quality of life at Winterholler Dental Implants & Cosmetic Dentistry.
