Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Maine | General & Cosmetic Dentistry + Dental Sleep Medicine | 650 Brighton Avenue, Portland, Maine

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The Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Maine is located at 650 Brighton Avenue, Portland, Maine. Learn More ›

What We Do

The Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Maine supports health care professionals and consumers interested in overcoming sleep apnea and snoring challenges.
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Whether a doctor’s practice or a consumer group, Dr. Corwin would love to talk about how oral appliances can help people with sleep apnea. Call to arrange at 207.773.6331.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Thomas Corwin DDS, FAGD, D. ABDSM and the Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Maine want to hear from you. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to contact us.

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I Know That I Snore. Should I Be Concerned?

Snoring can be disruptive, but it can also be life threatening. Snoring is often the most obvious symptom of underlying Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a cessation of breathing while you are asleep.

There are three types of sleep apnea:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), caused by airway obstruction
  • Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which is a neurological condition
  • Complex Sleep Apnea, a combination of the two.

OSA is the most common of the three.

Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?

Sleep Apnea has been associated with a variety of life issues that range from “annoying” to life-threatening. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Drowsiness while driving
  • Diabetes
  • Marital disharmony
  • Memory problems
  • Job issues
  • Excessive daytime drowsiness

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring?

Structures in the mouth and/or throat can create a breathing obstruction. In many cases, a patient’s lower jaw slides back a bit during sleep. When this happens, the tongue or soft tissues of the mouth can block free airflow.

Snoring occurs when tissue in the mouth or throat vibrates during sleep. While most sleep apnea sufferers snore, not all snorers have sleep apnea.

Other factors that contribute to obstructive sleep apnea include being overweight, large tonsils and/or adenoids, deviated septum, receding chin, large tongue, congestion, alcohol consumption, medications, heredity, and age.

How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?

While some screening exams can help you understand your risks, the only way to know for sure is to have an overnight sleep study administered.

Thomas Corwin DDS, FAGD works with respected sleep study labs and sleep medicine physicians who diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. You may need to stay overnight at a sleep lab for proper diagnosis. The Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Center of Maine team can help determine if this is something that you need to have done and refer you to a reliable sleep physician to have the sleep study administered. We will be happy to help you arrange appointments and assist in making the process convenient and easy.

Why Shouldn’t I Use an Over the Counter “Boil and Bite” Appliance?

Over the counter appliances have several important problems when compared to custom-fitted oral appliances:

  1. “Boil and bite” appliances are not adjustable so you cannot get the best result.
  2. “Boil and bite” appliances may stop snoring, but will mask the underlying sleep apnea, thus allowing the health threatening problems to continue. You will think you are better, but you will not be.
  3. Studies have shown that compliance with “boil and bite” appliances is poor when compared to custom appliances, thus reducing the effectiveness.
  4. “Boil and bite” appliances are not nearly as comfortable as custom fitted ones, due to their poor fit. This often leads to poor compliance and poor results.
  5. There is no professional supervision of a “boil and bite” appliance so the side effects go unattended, possibly resulting in permanent harm.

Does Insurance Cover Treatment for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Yes, oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are normally a covered expense under most medical insurance plans. Treatment of simple snoring is not usually a covered expense.  You will need a diagnosis from a physician, usually through a sleep study.

What Should I Do Next If I Think I Need Help?

If you know that you want to have an oral appliance made, contact our office and schedule a Sleep Examination. With this exam, Dr. Corwin can determine if you are a candidate for oral appliance therapy.  He can answer your questions and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

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