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Crown Point, IN 46307
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Sleep apnea is more than just snoring or interrupted rest—it’s a serious medical condition that can affect nearly every part of your body and your overall quality of life. Characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea disrupts the body’s ability to get deep, restorative rest. Over time, these repeated interruptions can lead to fatigue, concentration issues, mood swings, and even chronic health problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.
At Crown Point Smiles, we recognize the toll that untreated sleep apnea can take on your day-to-day life and long-term health. Our dental team is experienced in identifying the signs of sleep apnea and offering comfortable, non-invasive solutions tailored to your needs. If you’ve been struggling with snoring, daytime drowsiness, or frequent waking during the night, exploring professional sleep apnea treatment in Crown Point could be the first step toward better health and better rest.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing for short periods while asleep. These pauses in breathing can happen dozens or even hundreds of times each night. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles relax too much and block the airway. Central sleep apnea (CSA), though less common, happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles to breathe properly.
Many people with sleep apnea are unaware they have it because the interruptions typically don’t fully wake them up. However, even though they may not remember it in the morning, their body is constantly being jolted out of deep sleep to restart breathing. Over time, this fragmented sleep pattern takes a toll on energy, focus, and health.
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious systemic health problems. These include:
Many are surprised to learn that dentists play an important role in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. At Crown Point Smiles, we collaborate with sleep specialists and use dental technologies to offer effective, non-invasive treatments.
We often use custom oral appliances—also known as mandibular advancement devices—that help keep the airway open by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue during sleep.
Your visit begins with a thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and oral structures. If sleep apnea is suspected, we may refer you for a sleep study—either at-home or in a clinic. Based on those results, we determine the best course of treatment tailored to your needs.
For mild to moderate OSA, oral appliance therapy can be highly effective. At Crown Point Smiles, we custom-design each device using digital impressions for a perfect fit. These appliances are compact, easy to use, and CPAP-free—ideal for travel or side sleepers.
CPAP machines aren’t for everyone. If you’ve struggled with masks or noise, oral appliance therapy may offer a quiet, portable, and more comfortable alternative—often with similar effectiveness in mild to moderate cases.
Treatment doesn’t stop with the appliance. We follow up to ensure effectiveness, adjust for comfort, and work closely with your sleep physician or primary care provider. Our goal is to provide continuous support so you can get the restorative sleep you need.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or are seeking an alternative to CPAP, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and explore comfortable, effective treatment options designed for your lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Not necessarily, but it could be a sign. Snoring is often one of the first symptoms people notice with sleep apnea, especially if it's loud or includes gasping or choking sounds during the night. If you wake up feeling tired despite a full night's sleep, or if your partner has noticed pauses in your breathing, it's worth getting evaluated. We can help guide you through the process of determining whether sleep apnea is the cause.
It’s a great title, and yes—dentists play a key role, especially when it comes to treating obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliances. At Crown Point Smiles, we work with sleep specialists for diagnosis, then create custom-fit devices that help keep your airway open while you sleep. It’s a collaborative approach that can be highly effective, especially for people who can’t tolerate CPAP machines.
A CPAP uses air pressure delivered through a mask to keep your airway open, which works well for some people but can feel bulky or uncomfortable. The oral appliance we provide is a small, custom-made device that fits in your mouth like a retainer and gently shifts your jaw forward to keep the airway clear. Many of our patients find it much easier to wear and travel with.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—or if you snore and are looking for a solution—there’s a good chance you’re a candidate. We’ll evaluate your symptoms, review your sleep study if you have one, and help you decide if an oral appliance is the right fit for your needs and lifestyle.
For many people, yes. Because the appliance keeps your airway from collapsing during sleep, it often reduces or eliminates snoring. That said, results vary based on the severity of your condition and other factors like weight or sleeping position. We’ll check in with you after you start using it to make sure it’s working effectively.
Most patients adjust to it quickly. It’s custom-made to fit your mouth, so it should feel snug but not intrusive. You might notice it for the first night or two, but after that, it typically becomes part of your normal routine. If you ever need adjustments, we’re here to help.
In many cases, yes—a formal diagnosis usually comes from a sleep specialist, and we often work with providers who offer take-home sleep studies. If you haven’t been diagnosed yet but are experiencing symptoms, we can guide you through what to expect and help you connect with the right professionals.
Most medical insurance plans do offer coverage for oral appliance therapy, especially when it's prescribed to treat diagnosed sleep apnea. Coverage varies, but we’ll help verify your benefits and handle the paperwork to make the process easier.
That’s actually a common reason patients come to us. If CPAP wasn’t a good fit for you, we can explore whether a dental appliance might be a better option. It’s more compact, doesn’t require electricity, and is often much more comfortable, especially for people who travel or sleep on their side.
Start by giving our office a call. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or you’re just starting to notice symptoms, we’ll talk with you about what you’re experiencing, content your titles, and help map out the next steps. The sooner we get started, the sooner you can get back to sleeping (and feeling) better.
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1192 North Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307