Sleep Dentistry

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious condition that occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, blocking the flow of air into the lungs. Sleep apnea is often accompanied by snoring. The two most common ways of treating sleep apnea are: 1. The use of a special dental appliance designed to open the airway during sleep and/or 2. Use of a CPAP breathing apparatus to create continuous pressure in the airway, keeping it open.

Dr. Redfern offers special sleep appliances designed to relax and open the musculature that often constricts the airway during sleep. This  allows for increased airflow. Dr. Redfern's appliances are smaller, more comfortable and more effective in opening the airway than some other types of appliances in use today.

Dr. Redfern first evaluates a patient's medical information and symptoms. He does a complete examination of the patient's teeth, jaws, mouth, throat and neck. This examination often includes a CT scan performed in Dr. Redfern's office. Dr. Redfern then uses this information to build a custom sleep appliance to match each patient's unique requirements.

Dr. Redfern's appliance may be effective in treating sleep apnea and in reducing or eliminating snoring. In some cases, it may even eliminate the need for the use of a CPAP breathing apparatus altogether. For those patients who require a CPAP machine, this appliance may improve the efficiency of the CPAP machine. In many CPAP intolerant patients, Dr. Redfern's appliance may improve the patient's breathing and the ability to tolerate the CPAP machine. (Any alteration in the use of a CPAP machine must be coordinated with your sleep doctor.)

Dr. Redfern is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has been helping patients improve their sleep and decrease snoring for three decades. The most common comment we hear from our patients is: " I can't believe how much better I am sleeping".