Morgan Orthodontics has established the Adult Orthodontics & Dental Sleep Medicine Center at our Leesburg (Lansdowne) office. Patients are evaluated for constricted airways that may be contributing to poor sleep, snoring, or sleep apnea. If mild to moderate sleep apnea is diagnosed, an orthodontic sleep appliance (TAP3) may be prescribed to improve the airway, decreasing episodes or apnea and snoring. Dental sleep appliances are a good alternative to uncomfortable CPAPs in some patients in addressing sleep apnea and are often covered by medical insurance.
Signs of sleep apnea may be snoring, waking feeling unrefreshed, excessive sleepiness during the day, difficulty concentrating, and decreased energy and motivation. Prolonged sleep apnea can lead to other medical issues, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and a shortened lifespan.