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Sleep Dentistry in Mundelein, IL

Excellent Dentistry provides sleep dentistry services for families in Vernon Hills, Libertyville and Mundelein, Illinois. To learn more, call 847-566-7850 today to schedule an appointment, or schedule an appointment directly online.

What is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry refers to dental treatments and interventions that can improve a patient’s quality of sleep. Snoring and sleep apnea are most commonly caused by situations in the mouth, primarily misalignment of the teeth and bite.

Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by the soft tissues of the mouth, primarily the tongue, sliding back toward the throat while you sleep. Snoring is the sound of the tissues vibrating as air moves over them, indicating a partial obstruction of the airway. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes completely obstructed, causing you to stop breathing for seconds or even minutes at a time. This cessation of breathing interrupts your natural sleep cycles and prevents you from getting quality sleep at night.

Procedures Offered

We offer the following sleep dentistry treatments:

Snoring Therapy. We can provide you with a custom mouthpiece you can wear at night that positions your jaw and tongue in a way that stops snoring.
Sleep Apnea Treatment. The same type of mouthpiece that can stop snoring can also prevent sleep apnea, keeping your airway open while you sleep so that you can breathe effectively without interrupting your sleep.
Orthodontic Treatment. Orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign, can reposition the teeth in a way that can stop snoring and prevent sleep apnea for some patients.

Why Choose Excellent Dentistry?

As a dental practice we believe strongly in our role in diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing. We treat the whole person, with the goal of improving your overall health and wellness in addition to your dental health. When you get better quality sleep, you feel better, live longer, and avoid many serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Our office is an open environment where patients can feel comfortable talking about any health concerns they have.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea

Can you die from sleep apnea?

You will not suffocate due to sleep apnea because your brain will register the lack of oxygen, and you will wake up and start breathing again. However, the health conditions associated with untreated sleep apnea can eventually lead to death, such as heart attack and stroke.

Does snoring mean you have sleep apnea?

Just because you snore does not necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea. However, snoring is a common symptom that often indicates sleep apnea. The louder the snoring, the more likely it is related to sleep apnea.

Does a mouthpiece work as well as a CPAP?

CPAP machines are another treatment option for sleep apnea. They deliver a constant flow of air through a mask worn over your mouth and nose, keeping your airway open while you sleep. For many patients, a mouthpiece is just as effective, and it is small, compact, and easy to travel with. But, for some types of sleep apnea and in certain cases, a CPAP may be necessary.

Does snoring need to be treated?

If you or your partner snore and there are no other signs of sleep apnea, treatment may not be absolutely necessary. However, treating your snoring can help you and your partner sleep better with fewer interruptions due to the noise.

Does insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?

With an official sleep apnea diagnosis, a mouthpiece is typically covered by insurance. However, in the case of snoring alone, it is not. It still depends on the specific coverage of your plan.