Can’t Sleep? Maybe Your Orthodontist Can Help You Count Sheep

After Eric K., highly successful in the finance industry and a frequent traveler, complained to his doctor about chronic fatigue, a sleep test was prescribed. Results showed he was one of the 30 million Americans suffering from sleep apnea in which sleep is interrupted many times a night. In most cases, the afflicted individual isn’t aware of the interruptions (apneas) which nightly can number in the hundreds.

Eric’s doctor prescribed CPAP therapy (pronounced see-pap –Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)– a device with a facemask and hoses that delivers a prescribed dose of oxygen.  “I tried CPAP for a year,” says Eric, “but I couldn’t bring the equipment on my 50 annual business trips  – so my sleep apnea persisted. My wife started to complain about my snoring again.”  Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea.

Eric’s wife, who had been an Invisalign (invisible braces) patient at ARCH Orthodontics (http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics), learned from Dr. Andrew Chase about a simple orthotic device designed to treat sleep apnea. Eric agreed to try the custom mouth guard that prevents the tongue from falling back into the throat, thus increasing airway volume and eliminating snoring. Another piece moves the lower jaw into a forward position, increasing space in the airway and reducing air velocity and soft tissue vibration.

After using the orthotic device for a few months, Eric underwent a new sleep study. The results were very good: No more sleep apnea! “It’s so convenient for travel,” says Eric. “It’s comfortable and easy to clean, my wife doesn’t miss the CPAP unit’s air pressure sound. She says I don’t snore — so she sleeps better, too.” The mouth guard is adjustable and Eric says he needed a bit of easy trial and error at first.

“I used to wake up groggy. Now I wake up refreshed. Having a more positive, alive outlook, I even hired a personal trainer,” he says. “Dr. Chase and his team were great, including tremendous support and follow-up. Unbelievably, he gave me his personal cell number in case I had problems.” Dr. Chase notes, “In addition to creating beautiful smiles, we want everyone to sleep well, to be alert and healthy, because there are so many reasons to smile every day. You certainly don’t want to sleep through them.”

Medical insurance may cover orthotics if prescribed and approved by the patient’s doctor. This usually requires a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis. Left untreated, chronic fatigue can lead to serious ailments including hypertension, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke – even death.

ARCH offers free consultations for all ages – a $500 value – and no-interest financing.  The 42 year-old practice also offers a courtesy discount to those serving in the military, veterans and members of their immediate families, and to municipal employees in the towns where ARCH has offices. ARCH, the Official Orthodontist of Miss Massachusetts, has seven offices south of Boston and two on Cape Cod.  For more info or to schedule a free consultation:  email smilemaker@archorthodontics.com /  1-800-28-SMILE.  Visit  http://www.sesameblogs.com/archorthodontics.