Dental Sleep Medicine & Oral Appliance Therapy

Understanding Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common signs of sleep-disordered breathing.

These conditions include:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, reducing oxygen flow

• Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) – a related condition involving airway restriction without complete collapse, often leading to fragmented sleep and chronic fatigue

Left unaddressed, these conditions are associated with increased cardiovascular stress, metabolic dysfunction, and long-term systemic health concerns.

A Clinical Perspective

Sleep-disordered breathing is frequently underdiagnosed. Many patients adapt to poor sleep quality over time and do not recognize the role airway function plays in overall health.

Clinical patterns often include:

• Chronic fatigue despite adequate time in bed

• Increased physiologic stress during sleep

• Reduced cognitive performance and recovery

Treatment Options

There is no single solution that works for every patient. Treatment must be individualized.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

CPAP can be effective for some patients. However:

• Requires consistent use and monitoring

• Effectiveness may decrease over time

• Many patients struggle with long-term compliance

CPAP is a management tool, not a cure.

Dental Sleep Medicine: Oral Appliance Therapy

Midwest BioHealth provides custom oral appliance therapy, also known as a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD).

These devices:

• Reposition the lower jaw forward

• Help maintain an open airway

• Reduce collapse of soft tissues during sleep

For many patients, this leads to improved sleep quality and symptom reduction.

Clinical Considerations

Oral appliance therapy is effective but may lead to changes in bite over time. These risks are discussed prior to treatment.

In some cases, patients pursue orthodontic or orthopedic care to establish long-term structural stability.

A More Foundational Approach

Orthognathic (jaw) surgery may be considered for patients seeking a structural correction of airway limitation.

This procedure repositions the maxilla and mandible to increase airway space and improve breathing.

Referrals are made to experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, including:

• Dr. William Arnett

• Dr. Michael Gunson

• Surgeons trained within their treatment philosophy

Advanced Airway Protocols (Referral-Based Care)

Advanced protocols such as Oral Systemic Balance (OSB), developed by Farrand Robson, DDS, and taught by Richard Quinttus, DDS, can provide meaningful outcomes for select patients.

These treatments are highly technique-sensitive.

At this time, patients seeking this level of care are referred to Dr. Richard Quinttus in Dayton, Ohio.

Next Steps

Patients experiencing symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing should begin with a comprehensive evaluation.

Midwest BioHealth helps determine appropriate treatment options and guides patients toward the most effective path forward based on individual needs.