Our Alternative to CPAP The gold standard for the management of moderate to severe sleep apnea is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) device. The patient employs a specially designed machine that forces a continuous stream of air into their nose or mouth throughout the night. However, many people find this uncomfortable and they stop wearing the mask.  If you have sleep apnea and can’t get used to or are irritated with your CPAP, modern dentistry has produced alternative solutions in the form of oral appliances. Our dentists can custom fit you with an oral appliance such as the Respire Blue Series™ or TAP™ (Thornton Adjustable Positioner). These small acrylic devices slide over your upper and lower teeth much like an orthodontic retainer or mouthguard. They correctly align your tongue and jaw to open your airway and allow more air to flow into your lungs as you sleep. They are easy to place and remove, simple to clean, and convenient for travel. Over 90% of patients have ...

Snoring Isn’t Just an Annoyance Snoring is often an indicator of the critical health concern known as sleep apnea. People with this problem experience a blockage of their airway while they sleep. This obstruction keeps them from receiving oxygen regularly throughout the night, and unfortunately, they usually don’t even realize it. Sleep apnea is a major contributing element to heart disease. Sufferers of this disorder experience elevated blood pressure, which is a key risk factor in incurring heart disease and strokes.  The consequences of sleep loss can create serious health concerns and even result in premature death. Sleep deprivation negatively affects your brain function, increases stress hormones, and can induce depression. Even if you have only minor issues with sleep apnea, being fitted with an oral appliance can result in a decrease or even a cessation of snoring. This could be a great gift to your partner! Cox Family Dentistry      James T. Cox, III, DM...

Sleep Apnea Ruins More Than Just Your Night Sleep apnea robs your body of the rest and oxygen it needs to thrive. It is crucial that your brain has the time necessary to re-boot every single day. Your body, specifically your heart, collects stress throughout the day. When you finally go to sleep, your heart decelerates and begins to let go of those stresses it has gathered. Your blood pressure declines, and the pace of age-related diseases slows down. The ability to retain your physical wellbeing is dependent upon this downtime to revitalize and produce enough energy to tackle the next day. Heart attacks, strokes, cardiovascular disease, and, in severe circumstances, even death have all been connected to sleep disorders. Cox Family Dentistry   James T. Cox, III, DMD   Dallas J. Kunkel, DMD   101 Perpetual Square Drive   Anderson, SC 29621   (864) 226-4300   CoxFamilyDentistrySC.com