Sleep Apnea Treatment in Winnetka, IL
Obstructive sleep apnea interrupts breathing during sleep, leaving you exhausted during the day and placing real strain on long-term health. At Winnetka Dental Group, Dr. Amanda Murphy provides oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, a comfortable alternative or complement to CPAP for many patients.
Oral appliance therapy
A custom-fitted oral appliance gently positions the lower jaw to keep the airway open during sleep. It is quiet, portable, and easy to travel with, and many patients who struggle with CPAP adapt to it quickly. Care is coordinated with your physician’s sleep diagnosis so treatment fits your overall health plan. Learn more about obstructive sleep apnea from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Why treatment matters
Untreated sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, and daytime fatigue that affects work and driving. Snoring is often the most visible sign, but the health effects run deeper.
What treatment looks like
After a physician-directed sleep study confirms the diagnosis, we take precise impressions and records, and your appliance is custom fabricated. At the fitting we adjust it for comfort, then fine-tune the jaw position over follow-up visits until it works effectively. Routine checks confirm the appliance continues fitting well and your symptoms stay controlled.
Signs worth taking seriously
Loud, persistent snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, morning headaches, a dry mouth on waking, and daytime sleepiness that interferes with work or driving are all common signals. Often a bed partner notices the pauses in breathing first. If this sounds familiar, it is worth a conversation.
Common questions from patients
Do I need a sleep study first?
Yes. A physician-directed sleep study confirms the diagnosis. We work alongside your physician to determine whether an oral appliance is right for you.
Is an oral appliance as effective as CPAP?
For mild to moderate cases, oral appliances are often very effective, and the best device is the one you will actually wear each night.
Will insurance cover it?
Medical insurance often contributes toward oral appliance therapy. Our team helps you understand costs before starting.
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
Only a sleep study can confirm the diagnosis. If your symptoms suggest sleep apnea, we help coordinate testing with your physician and then discuss whether an oral appliance fits your treatment plan.
How long does an oral appliance last?
With good care, most appliances last three to five years or longer. We inspect yours at routine visits and recommend replacement when wear begins to affect the fit.
What if I already use CPAP?
CPAP remains the standard for severe cases, and some patients use both: CPAP at home and an appliance for travel. If CPAP is not working for you, do not simply stop; talk with your physician and us about alternatives.
Ready when you are
If you are considering sleep apnea treatment and want thoughtful, unhurried guidance, we invite you to connect with our team. Please call or text (847) 441-5939, or request an appointment online.
