Sleep Apnea Treatment

Smith Dentalworks is proud to offer sleep apnea treatment with the Vivos System®, in collaboration with Vivos-approved doctors. This innovative option is non-surgical and pain-free. Unlike other treatments, patients typically do not require further intervention after using the system for 12 to 24 months.

Sleep Apnea Basics

Over one billion individuals suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, also called OSA. This condition causes your throat muscles to intermittently relax and block your airway. As a result, you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep. Although sleep apnea is very common, 80% of people with this condition don’t know they have it.

Loud snoring is the most noticeable symptom of this sleep disorder. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. It’s important to consider whether you have any other symptoms and to see a doctor for a sleep study if you are concerned that you may have sleep apnea.

In addition to snoring, some other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Excessive sleepiness or difficulty concentrating during the day
  • Waking up abruptly at night while gasping or choking
  • Having a dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening
  • Morning headaches
  • High blood pressure

Certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of having sleep apnea. These include excess weight, aging, smoking, diabetes, asthma, and a family history of the condition.

a woman waking up refreshed after sleep apnea treatment

The Importance of Healthy Sleep

Sleep has an effect on a variety of biological processes including proper brain function, emotional well-being, weight regulation, and heart health. There is still much we don't know about sleep and its impact on our health, but the current research makes it clear that healthy sleep is essential. Conditions like OSA that disrupt sleep can have a wide-reaching effect on your life, and treating them can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.

a man standing in front of a brick wall and smiling after professional teeth whitening

An Alternative to CPAP

One of the most common treatment options for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). While CPAP can help some patients, machines are noisy and compliance for this treatment method is often low. You will also need to keep using CPAP for the rest of your life to maintain any symptom relief.

If you are looking for an alternative to CPAP, you should consider the Vivos System.

cpap machine for sleep apnea treatment
a women sleeping happily

How The Vivos System Works

The process of treatment with Vivos involves a collaboration between our dental office and a physician. This multidisciplinary approach is indicated for mild-to-moderate OSA.

a man registering his details at a family dentist in oro valley

1. Sleep Apnea Diagnosis

The first step to treating your sleep apnea with the Vivos System is a sleep wellness assessment. This is in order to make or confirm a diagnosis of OSA. To arrive at a diagnosis, your healthcare team will take a complete health history and will also conduct an in-home sleep study.

a man registering his details at a family dentist in oro valley
dentist in oro valley looking at a 3d chart of human anatomy

2. Medical Imaging and Airway Treatment Algorithm

Your Vivos doctor will use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) along with a 3D oral scanner to precisely measure the hard and soft tissues that make up your airway. Then, they will use the sophisticated Vivos algorithm to construct a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to correct any craniofacial development deficiencies that are contributing to your symptoms.

custom oral appliance to treat sleep apnea placed in a blue background

3. Custom Oral Appliance

This is where the team at Smith Dentalworks comes in. We will work with your doctor to create a custom oral appliance for you. You will wear this in the evenings and while you sleep for a period of 12 to 24 months, depending on your specific treatment plan.

custom oral appliance to treat sleep apnea placed in a blue background
a man having restful sleep after sleep apnea treatment

4. After Treatment

Unlike other sleep apnea treatments that only address the symptoms and require lifetime use, the Vivos System actually corrects the deficiencies that lead to OSA. After the treatment period, most patients are able to enjoy a vibrant, healthy life without further intervention.

Ready to Treat Your Sleep Apnea?

If you are tired of feeling exhausted due to mild-to-moderate sleep apnea, we can help. The Vivos System is an excellent alternative to CPAP or surgical interventions. Smith Dentalworks is proud to work with our medical partners to provide this innovative treatment option.

To learn more about how we can relieve your sleep apnea symptoms, contact us today.

At Smith Dentalworks, the mission that drives our team is based on three simple words, informative, innovative, and individualized. Here’s how we incorporate these core beliefs into how we treat our patients.