Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which the upper airway becomes obstructed, reducing the flow of oxygen throughout the body.
Left untreated, this sleep disorder can lead to concerning health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Drs. Talmadge D. Wilkins IV and Leah B. Wilkins offer sleep apnea treatment at the Center for Dentistry in Aiken, SC.
What are some warning signs of obstructive sleep apnea?
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Dentists are often the first ones to detect sleep apnea, either during an exam or discussing the patient's health history. As a qualified dentist recognized and approved by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Wilkins has undergone more extensive training in this area than most practitioners.
If our team suspects that you could have sleep apnea, we may refer you for a sleep study. During a sleep study, the exact cause of the condition can be more clearly determined.
Once a diagnosis has been made, your healthcare team can determine the best course of action. While some individuals may require CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), many patients can correct the problem with oral appliance therapy, a minimally invasive treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Often the first line of defense against obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy repositions the lower jaw into a more favorable position. This opens the airway and allows for more oxygen to pass through.
"Dr. Wilkins is a qualified dentist recognized by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)."
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Help?
Treating the Root Cause with MyoBrace
There are several factors that can lead to sleep apnea. Oftentimes, it is due to developmental issues or poor oral habits. MyoBrace® is a revolutionary system that addresses these concerns and can be tailored to patients of all ages.
Young patients are still in the developmental stage. This means that orofacial bones can be moved much easier. When issues are detected early on, MyoBrace can help correct them to encourage proper airway function.
Skeletal issues are more difficult to address in adult patients because the orofacial bones have stopped growing. However, MyoBrace offers a three-step plan that gently corrects bad oral habits and aligns the teeth.
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Andrea K.
2020
What a wonderful experience! Everyone was so warm and personable, and I had an excellent dental cleaning as well. We're new to the area and it's always a gamble to find the right Vet, physician, and dentist. I'm thrilled to have found these people and now my husband can't wait to come in for a cleaning and exam. I feel like I can place my trust in them.
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Jennifer Barrett
2020
Had a great experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I learned more about my teeth in 90 min than I had the rest of my life. Thank you for your high-quality care!
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