Breathe Easier and Sleep Better with Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics

Are you drowsy during the day with no explanation? Do you snore loudly or wake up breathless in the middle of the night? If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be one of more than 12 million Americans who are affected by sleep apnea.

At Woodfin Cabassa Orthodontics, our approach to orthodontics is centered around your comfort, health, and overall well-being. Dr. Woodfin, Dr. Cabassa and our skilled team are dedicated to helping patients not only address sleep apnea but also encourage proper facial growth. We believe that a healthy smile and better sleep go hand in hand.

The Sleep Apnea Connection

Sleep apnea is more than just a nuisance; it's a serious medical condition that can have far-reaching effects on your health and quality of life. It occurs when your airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to breathing interruptions. These interruptions can be brief, but they can happen many times throughout the night, causing you to wake up frequently without even realizing it.

This constant interruption in your sleep cycle not only leaves you feeling groggy during the day but can also have long-term health consequences, including heart problems, high blood pressure, and even diabetes.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, contact our practice.

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Loud snoring at night
• Waking up at night short of breath
• Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
• Headaches upon waking in the morning
• Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
• Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Are there different types of sleep apnea?

There are three categories of sleep apnea. The most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and occurs due to a physical blockage, usually the collapsing of the soft tissue in the back of the throat. Less common is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which breathing stops because the muscles involved don’t receive the proper signal from the brain. And some people suffer from “mixed” or “complex” sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central.

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatments for sleep apnea depend on the severity of each individual case, and the type of apnea. Basic treatment can be behavioral — for instance, patients are instructed to lose weight, stop smoking, or sleep on their sides instead of on their backs. Beyond that, oral devices can be used to position the mouth in such a way that prevents throat blockage. In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option.

What should I do if I suspect that someone in my family suffers from sleep apnea?

Contact our practice, and we can refer you to a sleep apnea specialist. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the precise extent of the problem, and can prescribe appropriate treatment. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Contact Us Today!

Our friendly team is waiting to answer any of your questions and start you or your child on a path to a gorgeous smile. Contact us today for a complimentary virtual or in-person consultation! Call us at any of our local offices: Pensacola: (850) 477-2180 Gulf Breeze: (850) 934-2828 Perdido: (850) 477-2180.