SLEEP AND AIRWAY SOLUTIONS

Snoring Problem?
Trouble Sleeping?

If you are snoring heavily, sleepy during the day, and never feel truly rested despite getting a full night’s sleep, these could be signs of obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder during which your breathing pauses or becomes very shallow multiple times throughout the night due to obstruction in your airway. Sleep apnea not only increases a patient’s risk for heart attack and stroke, but also causes you to spend less time in the deep restorative sleep required for energy and mental sharpness. Leaving sleep apnea untreated can leave you at risk for serious health problems.

Photo of Dr. Shaina Holman and Dr. Colin Pedersen

Benefits of Sleep Apnea Treatment

• More Energy
• Better Night’s Sleep
• Quieter Sleep
• Increased Focus
• Increased Clarity

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

During sleep, the muscles in the mouth, jaw, and throat naturally relax. However, for those who have obstructive sleep apnea, these muscles become so relaxed that they collapse and obstruct the airway, making it difficult to breathe and commonly stopping breathing for a few seconds. The decreased flow of oxygen caused by sleep apnea usually results in sudden, repeated awakenings throughout the night – sometimes hundreds of times – and an overall poor quality of sleep.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

• Daytime Sleepiness
• Snoring
• High Blood Pressure
• Weight Issues

• Frequent Irritability
• Diabetes
• Acid Reflux
• Teeth Grinding

Because symptoms are largely present during sleep and often go unnoticed, only a small percentage of patients who suffer from sleep apnea have been diagnosed. Dr. Holman and her team are working to change that in the community by raising awareness, educating her patients and offering FREE SLEEP CONSULTATIONS. 

Personalized for You

As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and AADSM, and a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Holman and her team have access to the latest treatment methods for sleep disorders. Her team will work closely with you to advise your specific sleep issues and create a treatment plan for you. If a sleep appliance is necessary, we will design a custom fit oral appliance that will keep the lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep, allowing your airway to remain open for an uninterrupted, better night’s sleep.

 

Comfortable and Convenient Solution

While traditional approaches typically include an uncomfortable and inconvenient CPAP machine, we use an FDA approved appliance that is more like a simple mouthguard. It is small, portable, quiet, comfortable, and highly effective. The results lead to a good night’s sleep and more energy throughout the day as well as increased mental focus and clarity. Many patients (and their spouses) find treatment to be a lifesaver.‍

Sleep Apnea Solutions

Mandibular Advancement Device

Sleep through the night with an oral appliance designed for patients with mild sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. MADs can help reduce the symptoms and effects by moving your jaw into a forward position while you sleep. This position will expand your airway, helping you breathe better reducing apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) and daytime sleepiness. 

Photo of a team member and a paitent walking down a hallway
Photo of a team member and a paitent walking down a hallway

snoring device

Snoring doesn’t merely interrupt your sleep cycle, it can also be embarrassing and disruptive to sleep partners. We can treat snoring with a dentist-prescribed snore guard appliance.

Myobrace®

The Myobrace® System is a preventive pre-orthodontic solution designed to enhance sleep quality while working to promote proper natural jaw development, reducing the need for traditional orthodontic treatment. Children aged 3 to 15 wear a series of removable appliances for 1-2 hours during the day and while sleeping. The Myobrace® encourages the lips to remain closed and tongue to rest on the palate during sleep, opening the airway and promoting nasal breathing. This can help prevent symptoms of poor sleep quality, such as ADHD, bed wetting, snoring, and grinding.

Photo of a team member and a paitent walking down a hallway

Myobrace® Solutions

Corrects poor oral habits
Develops & aligns the jaws
Straightens the teeth
Optimises facial development
Improves overall health
Promotes healthy eating habits

Myobrace® Helps Children

Breathe through the nose
Correct tongue resting position
Swallow correctly
Keep lips together

Adult & Child Tongue-Tie release

“Tongue Tie" is a condition that restricts the tongue's range of motion. Although tongue-tie is often identified and resolved in children and infants, treatment is also available for adults. Left untreated, patients often experience increasing levels of discomfort and complications. Tongue ties can impact speech and prevent the tongue from resting fully on the roof of the mouth during sleep, which can obstruct the upper airway. Tongue ties can also cause tension in the head and heck, resulting in headaches, teeth grinding, and poor posture. Some experience gag reflex sensitivity as a result of the tongue tie restricting their ability to swallow. Dr. Holman's advanced training allows her to treat patients of all ages.

Symptoms and Complications in Adulthood

•Overcrowding of the teeth
•Narrowing of the teeth
•Speech and chewing difficulties
•Increased risk of sleep apnea and TMJ
•Chronic Head and Neck Tension

Treatment

Tongue-ties can be treated with frenectomy surgery where the frenum tissues of the upper lip, lower tip, and/or underneath the tongue are released to allow freedom in mobility. A frenectomy is generally a simple procedure and is typically performed with local anesthesia.

Functional Frenuloplasty

Having received extensive training by renowned Dr. Zaghi, Dr. Holman also performs functional frenuloplasty; an alternative approach to tongue-tie release which takes into consideration the changes that happen during a tongue-tie release, and prepares the body for the best post-treatment healing.

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we can't wait to meet you

We invite you to experience Holman Family Dental Care. Call today or click below to set up your first visit.

(919) 932-7811