The effect on health, quality of life and safety has led obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to become a significant public health issue.  There are millions of people that suffer from all degrees of sleep disordered breathing from simple snoring without pathology to obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring and OSA are related to excessive daytime sleepiness, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, heart attack, irregular heartbeats, strokes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, learning and memory problems, sexual dysfunction, and depression.  An article published in March 2008, atated that loud snorers had 40% greater odds of having hypertension, 34% reater odds of having a heart attack and 67% greater odds of having a stroke than people who did not snore.  Out of every 100 people who have sleep apnea only 5-10% has been diagnosed and are unaware of their increased risk for health conditions listed.

While CPAP is considered the gold standard for treatment of OSA, some patients have difficulties with these cumbersome devices.  Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is an alternative to CPAP and may be the first choice for treatment of mild and moderate sleep apnea.

While qualified Dentists play an important role in treating OSA, Dentists are not permitted to diagnose Sleep Apnea.  Dentistry does offer a less obstrusive solution - a dental mouthpiece worn totally within the mouth.