Your Smile

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Procedures

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep—often due to the tongue or soft tissues in the back of the throat collapsing and obstructing airflow. These interruptions in breathing, known as apneas, can happen multiple times throughout the night and prevent your body from getting the oxygen it needs.


OSA is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing, affecting millions of people, with many undiagnosed. When left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as:


  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Dep
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea may vary between night and day. You may notice:


During Sleep:

  • Loud, chronic snoring
  • Pauses in breathing or gasping for air
  • Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
  • Clenching and/or grinding


During the Day:

  • Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling like you could fall asleep anytime—even while driving
  • Mood changes or irritability


Anyone can be affected by OSA, even children. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to a

physician or sleep specialist about getting screened for sleep apnea or other sleep-related

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea & Snoring

Oral appliance therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
These small, custom-made devices are worn during sleep—similar to a night guard or retainer. They work by gently repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open, preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the back of the throat. This allows for smoother airflow and more restful, uninterrupted sleep.


Oral appliance therapy is an excellent option for many individuals, particularly those who:



  • Snore regularly
  • Have mild to moderate OSA
  • Find it difficult to tolerate CPAP therapy


For patients with more severe sleep apnea who cannot adapt to other treatments, oral appliances may offer relief and improve sleep quality.

Location

John T. Moran D.M.D

Zachary S. Zemla DMD & Michael Pignataro DMD

353 Monmouth Rd.

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

Phone: (732) 870-8660

West Long Branch Location

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