Sleep Apnea Treatment in Silver Spring, MD

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring. It is a serious condition that can significantly impact your overall health, mood, and quality of life. At Connection Dental in Silver Spring, MD, we help patients recognize the signs of sleep apnea and explore modern, effective solutions—including non-invasive dental appliances. If you wake up feeling tired or your partner notices you gasp for air during the night, you might be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea. Our team is here to help.



Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and many do not even know it. It is estimated that up to 80% of moderate and severe cases go undiagnosed. Because symptoms often occur during sleep, people may not recognize the pattern on their own. That is why it is so important to pay attention to subtle signs and seek professional help.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This disruption prevents the body from getting enough oxygen and can lead to daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and other health issues.


There are three main types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

    This is the most common form and occurs when the muscles in the throat relax too much, causing a blockage in the airway. This often leads to snoring, gasping, and repeated awakenings throughout the night.

  • Central Sleep Apnea

    In this less common form, the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. There is no physical blockage, but the brain’s communication with the body is interrupted.

  • Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome

    Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this type is a combination of both obstructive and central types of sleep apnea. It can be more challenging to treat and may require a multidisciplinary approach.

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a sleep study, which can be conducted either at home or in a sleep laboratory. A sleep study records data such as oxygen levels, heart rate, breathing patterns, and sleep stages. Once diagnosed, a healthcare provider can determine the type and severity of sleep apnea and recommend appropriate treatment.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:

  • Loud, chronic snoring


  • Gasping or choking during sleep


  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat


  • Morning headaches


  • Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)


  • Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)


  • Irritability and difficulty concentrating.


  • Frequent nighttime urination


If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it is time to seek professional evaluation and support.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Health

Sleep apnea can have far-reaching consequences beyond poor sleep. When your breathing pauses repeatedly during the night, your body does not receive the oxygen it needs. Over time, this oxygen deprivation can lead to severe conditions that affect your entire body.

  • Short-Term Effects

    • Daytime drowsiness

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Mood swings and irritability

    • Decreased work productivity

    • Strained personal relationships

    • Reduced motivation and memory issues

  • Long-Term Risks

    • High blood pressure

    • Heart disease

    • Stroke

    • Type 2 diabetes

    • Metabolic syndrome

    • Liver problems

    • Depression and anxiety

Sleep apnea also increases the risk of accidents due to drowsiness, such as falling asleep while driving or making critical errors at work. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can place strain on relationships due to irritability, lack of intimacy, or sleeping in separate rooms due to snoring.


Sleep apnea does not just affect your sleep—it affects your entire life. That is why early detection and effective treatment are so important.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

The good news? Sleep apnea is treatable. There are various treatment options available, depending on the type and severity of your serious condition. Your healthcare provider may recommend one or a combination of the following approaches:

  • CPAP Therapy

    Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It uses a machine that delivers steady air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep.


    Pros:


    • Highly effective for moderate to severe cases

    • Reduces snoring and improves oxygen flow

    Cons:


    • Can be uncomfortable

    • Some patients find it hard to tolerate long-term.

    • May interfere with intimacy or travel

    • Requires electricity and cleaning maintenance

    Many patients stop using CPAP due to discomfort, mask leaks, or noise. That is why alternative treatments, such as oral appliance therapy, have become popular for milder cases or patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.

  • Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

    Oral appliances are custom-made devices worn during sleep to gently reposition the lower jaw or tongue, helping keep the airway open. These are available through qualified dentists, including our team at Connection Dental.


    Pros:


    • Comfortable and easy to wear

    • No electricity or mask required

    • Quiet and travel-friendly

    • Can be combined with lifestyle changes for added effectiveness

    Cons:


    • Best suited for mild to moderate OSA

    • Requires regular dental follow-up to ensure proper fit and function

  • Lifestyle Changes

    • Weight loss (if applicable)

    • Avoiding alcohol or sedatives before bed

    • Quitting smoking

    • Sleeping on your side instead of your back

    • Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

    • Managing allergies and nasal congestion

  • Surgical Options

    For patients with structural issues in the nose, throat, or jaw, surgery may be a suitable option. Options include:


    • Tonsil or adenoid removal

    • Nasal septum correction

    • Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)

    • Maxillomandibular advancement surgery (jaw repositioning)

  • Positional Therapy

    Some individuals experience sleep apnea only when sleeping on their backs. Positional therapy utilizes special pillows, belts, or devices to encourage side sleeping and can be especially helpful for mild cases and for reducing restless nights.

How a Dentist Can Help With Sleep Apnea

You might not expect your dentist to be part of your sleep apnea care team. Still, dentists are uniquely positioned to offer one of the most effective solutions for certain types of sleep apnea: oral appliance therapy.


At Connection Dental, we work closely with sleep physicians to co-manage your care. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, and CPAP is not the right fit for you, a custom oral appliance may be the answer.

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliances are similar to mouthguards or retainers. These devices are custom-fitted to your mouth and worn at night to reposition the jaw or tongue gently. This helps keep your airway open, allowing for uninterrupted breathing.


These appliances are FDA-approved and supported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine as a first-line therapy for mild to moderate OSA.

Benefits of Oral Appliances:

  • Comfortable

    Custom-fit means minimal disruption to your sleep.

  • Easy to Use

    No tubes, cords, or bulky machines.

  • Portable

    Ideal for frequent travelers or those who prefer not to use CPAP

  • Effective

    Clinically proven to treat mild to moderate OSA and reduce snoring.

  • Insurance Friendly

    Many medical insurance plans, including Medicare, offer coverage.

Our Process:

  • Consultation

    We will review your sleep study results and determine if you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy.

  • Custom Fitting

    We use digital scans or impressions to create a precise-fit appliance.

  • Ongoing Care

    We monitor your progress and adjust the appliance as needed to ensure optimal results.

CPAP vs Oral Appliance: A Quick Comparison

When comparing CPAP machines to oral appliances, each has distinct advantages depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. CPAP machines are highly effective for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, but many patients find them uncomfortable, noisy, and challenging to travel with. Oral appliances, on the other hand, offer a quiet, compact, and comfortable alternative that is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate CPAP. While CPAP is still considered the gold standard for severe cases, oral appliances are FDA-approved and supported by sleep specialists as a first-line treatment for many patients. Choosing the right option depends on your diagnosis, lifestyle, and comfort preferences—something we help you navigate at Connection Dental.


Choosing oral appliance therapy can be life-changing, especially when CPAP does not work for you. With our friendly and experienced team guiding the way, you will never have to navigate the process alone.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

Untreated sleep apnea is a serious condition that can impact your health and quality of life, but it does not have to. With the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that fits your needs, restful sleep is within reach.


At Connection Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve restful nights and energized days. We provide compassionate, personalized care and collaborate with local sleep specialists to ensure you receive the best treatment tailored to your unique needs.


If you or a loved one suffers from loud snoring, fatigue, or interrupted sleep, do not wait. Schedule a consultation at Connection Dental in Silver Spring to explore sleep apnea solutions tailored just for you. Our compassionate team is here to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and feel your best every day.

Call Today to Learn More About Sleep Apnea Treatment

in Silver Spring

Your journey to better sleep starts here. Contact Connection Dental to find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you. We proudly serve patients from Silver Spring and surrounding communities.