Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a condition that affects men more often than women and occurs in episodes of apnea and hypopnea during sleep.

In individuals with this sleep disorder, the tongue and muscles of the upper airways relax to such an extent that they collapse, obstructing the airways during sleep. Due to interrupted breathing during sleep, the person struggles for air and feels suffocation, leading to sleep disruption and sudden awakenings. This significantly impairs the quality of sleep, preventing the person from reaching deep sleep stages, resulting in morning fatigue and sleepiness.

Apnea is the obstruction of up to 100% of oxygen flow to the lungs. Hypopnea is the reduction of oxygen flow to the lungs by up to 4%. As the patient attempts to catch their breath after each apneic and hypopneic pause, the sleep becomes lighter, preventing deep rest. The most common symptoms of apnea are:

 Daytime Symptoms:

1. Lethargy and fatigue (feeling unrested during the night)
2. Headaches (especially in the morning)
3. Poor memory, concentration problems
4. Frequent mood changes (irritability)
5. Depression

 Nighttime Symptoms:

1. Frequent snoring
2. The lower jaw drops during sleep
3. Multiple respiratory pauses during sleep
4. Frequent nighttime urination
5. Light, unrestful sleep

Apnea most commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 60 (in women, it often begins after menopause). Factors that worsen this condition include:

1. Excessive body weight
2. Alcohol (before bed)
3. Antidepressants
4. Muscle relaxants (before bed)

 The health consequences of OSAS include:

1. Increased risk of heart attack
2. Elevated arterial hypertension and cholesterol
3. Congestive heart failure
4. Risk of an acute cardiovascular accident
5. Risk of developing diabetes

Patients diagnosed with mild or moderate sleep apnea benefit from treatment with ortho-apnea devices (TAP) during the night, which, by holding the lower jaw and base of the tongue, will open the airway, thus avoiding the use of a CEPAP device (device for continuous positive pressure, which many patients do not tolerate).

Simple analysis of airways with the help of CBCT device and CS Airway module used for visualization of airway narrowing. Color-coded 3D views clearly highlight airway narrowing.

There are various splints and orthodontic devices on the market today, with different mechanisms of action, duration, comfort, and so on. They represent a simple and effective therapeutic method for snoring and sleep apnea.

These devices are custom-made based on a scanned and 3D-printed model of the patient. They are created in a dental laboratory according to the doctor’s instructions and therapy plan. They can be made from materials like foil, rubber, or autoacrylate, depending on the manufacturer, and include a mechanism that pushes the lower jaw forward.

Orthodontic devices hold the lower jaw, tongue, and oral structures forward during sleep, expanding the pharyngeal cavity, reducing breathing resistance and mechanically keeping the airflow open during sleep. This ensures uninterrupted breathing.

Patients are also advised to undergo endoscopy during sleep, or somnoscopy, to determine the exact location of airway obstruction. After wearing the therapeutic device for some time, a follow-up examination and sometimes a sleep study with the device are necessary to determine whether the device suits the patient and whether snoring and apnea problems have decreased.

Anti-snoring devices are an excellent option for individuals who have long suffered from snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

During consultations with our specialists, we will suggest the best option for you. A dental status evaluation determines whether you are an ideal candidate for this therapeutic procedure. The assessment includes a complete dental examination.