Always Tired?
Surprise! Arch Orthodontist has a tool to bring you ZZZ’s. Treating sleep apnea is an investment in your long-term health.
(Issued Winter 2019) — Iconic Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) died at age 60 in 2017 due to health problems related to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Do you get at least seven hours of truly deep sleep every night? Experts say that’s the minimum you need to function at your best, stay healthy – even live longer! It’s estimated that 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Most don’t know it.
Dr. Andrew Chase of ARCH Orthodontics, which operates 9 offices from Boston to Hyannis, says a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is much more important than most people think. He says if you wake up tired and are fatigued during the day, you may have sleep apnea which should be diagnosed and confirmed by a sleep specialist. A sleep study is performed at a sleep center or via a home sleep monitor
Several ARCH patients with sleep apnea have been treated successfully using a comfortable, non-invasive solution: a precision-engineered oral orthotic appliance combined with Dr. Chase’s special training. The device resembles and fits like a sports mouth guard or Orthodontic retainer and is worn only during sleep. It forces the lower jaw slightly down and forward to keep the airway open.
Dr. Chase says, “Research has shown that not treating apnea can take years off your life – even shorten it by eight years or more. Addressing apnea with oral orthotic therapy is an investment in your long-term health.”
Sleep apnea – brief breathing interruptions caused by blocked air passages – can occur hundreds of times each night – enough to disturb your sleep but not enough to wake you. The most common telltale sign of apnea is snoring — but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Sleep deprivation can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, dementia, memory problems, obesity, diabetes, and depression. It can lead to highway and workplace accidents. Sleep apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow
reflexes, poor concentration, moodiness, irritability, and depression.”
Sometimes sleep apnea can be remedied with simple changes like cutting caffeine or getting more exercise. For more severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy can be effective. “But we suggest that patients try our orthotic device for ease and comfort,” Dr. Chase says.
ARCH Orthodontics has a reputation for pioneering leading-edge technologies including custom-made mouth guards; orthotic devices to relieve TMJ/neck pain; and an appliance that can speed alignment, often cutting treatment time by 50%. ARCH also offers 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), making possible a higher level of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
ARCH, with nine offices between Boston and Hyannis, offers free initial consultation (a $500 value), and interest-free financing. Veterans and members of the military and their families receive a courtesy discount. For more info and/or a no-obligation appointment, contact smilemaker@archorthodontics.com or call us at 781-209-6776.
