·  Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the cessation of breathing
               while asleep.  Most commonly it is associated with
               obstruction of the upper airway. Essentially, a person
               with sleep apnea is suffocating while they sleep. 
               Some people can stop breathing 80 or 90 times an
               HOUR.  

    Sleep Apnea is diagnosed by a Physician specializing in Sleep Medicine.  A sleep study is usually required for diagnosis and most commonly, treatment is with a CPAP machine, Pillar® Palatal Implants and/or an oral mandibular advancement orthotic (Fabricated for Dr. Barber by SomnoMed, Inc.  www.somnomed.com).  There are also surgical options.

    If the cause is other than upper airway obstruction, such as neurological or lower airway obstruction, then an oral appliance will not work.  Contact our office for a FREE evaluation.

    For many patients, Pillar® Palatal Implants and/or an oral appliance can prove very effective in preventing or lessening snoring and sleep apnea.  The Palatal Implants stiffen the tissue in the back of the throat, and an appliance holds the lower jaw forward.  Used independently, or in combination, these treatment options open the airway and allow passage of air.  Sometimes the oral appliance can be modified to function as a TMJ or bruxism splint if necessary.

Please see our SERVICES Page to learn how Pillar Palatal Implants and oral appliances work.