Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Chicago, Illinois
Our Treatments
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which the upper airway repeatedly narrows or collapses during sleep. When normal breathing patterns are disturbed, oxygen levels lower and restorative sleep is disrupted, leading to fatigue and excessive sleepiness throughout the day. Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can place significant strain on the body. Untreated OSA raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms. It is also strongly linked to type 2 diabetes, mood imbalance, and a higher likelihood of accidents due to excessive daytime sleepiness. Millions of Americans have undiagnosed OSA (an estimated 92% of women and 80% of men), making early awareness and evaluation essential in order to improve longterm health and quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include the follow, please note that not everyone with OSA has all of these signs or symptoms!
- Snoring, especially loud and chronic snoring
- Gasping, choking, or pauses in breathing while sleeping (often observed by a partner)
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
- Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and trouble concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
- Restless sleep or frequent nighttime awakenings
Causes & Risk Factors
- Obesity: Excess weight is a significant risk factor for OSA
- Neck Circumference: A neck circumference greater than 15 inches for women, 17 inches for men
- Age: The risk of OSA increasing with age
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop OSA; however, the risk for females increase post-menopause
- Use of Alcohol and/or Sedatives: can worsen OSA
- Family History: genetic predisposition may play a role in the development of OSA
Treatment for OSA & Snoring
We are proud to be the only dental office in the Chicagoland area to offer both oral appliance therapy and NightLase!
We are committed to helping patients breathe easier, sleep better, and protect their overall wellbeing. At Bristle Dental Studio, we offer two effective treatment options to address obstructive sleep apnea and snoring—oral appliance therapy and NightLase.
- Oral Appliance Therapy: Oral appliance therapy (OAT) is a comfortable, effective alternative to CPAP for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliance therapy uses a custom, adjustable device worn during sleep to gently shift the lower jaw and tongue forward. This positioning helps stabilize the airway, reduce collapse, and supports uninterrupted breathing throughout the night. These appliances are often recommended for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, or for those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. They are quiet and discreet, comfortable to wear, and easy to travel with, making them a lowmaintenance option for effective OSA management.
- NightLase: NightLase® is quick and minimally invasive laser therapy designed to reduce snoring and improve sleep. NightLase® works by stimulating the production of collagen and tightening the soft tissues at the back of the throat. The reduction in tissue laxity results in reduced vibration (snoring), improved airway patency during sleep, and potential reduction in mild airway obstruction. It functions as a primary treatment option for snoring and as a complement to oral appliance therapy or CPAP for the management of obstructive sleep apnea. Treatment typically involves three short sessions, each about 30 minutes, spaced 3-4 weeks apart. There is no anesthesia, no downtime, and many patients notice improvement after just one session. Clinical studies show high success rates, with patients and partners reporting less snoring, easier breathing, better sleep, and improved daytime alertness. Results typically last up to a year or longer, and the procedure can be repeated if symptoms return.
Why Bristle Dental Studio?
We, at Bristle Dental Studio in Chicago, IL offer TWO effective treatment options for snoring and sleep apnea. We are proud to be the only dental office in the Chicagoland area to offer both oral appliance therapy and NightLase! In addition, Dr. Kait has undergone extensive training in dental sleep medicine, through the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), to learn the intricacies of oral appliance therapy. She is a qualified dentist with AADSM and is pursuing diplomate status with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)—a designation only around 1300 dentists have achieved.
Call our local dental office at 312.620.7733 to book your nearby professional dental cleaning appointment or request one online today!
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