Sleep Disorders Dentistry

Sleep Disorders Dentistry is an emerging dental field concentrating on the reduction of patients' respiratory distress during sleep. By determining the location and degree of airway obstruction, Dr. McVicker can place your airway in optimal breathing position.

Do you Snore?
Do you have High Blood Pressure?
Do you wake up Tired in the Morning?
Do others Complain about your Snoring?
Do you suddenly wake up Gasping for Air?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you could be suffering from a serious sleep disorder. Sleep disordered breathing is caused by airway obstruction. Those who have sleep breathing disorders experience breathing difficulty ranging from mild to acute: snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome, and a very serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. It is often signaled by snoring and is generally followed by tiredness the next day. Sleep apnea can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that should be properly diagnosed and treated. Dr. McVicker uses airway orthotics (oral appliances) which is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for sleep apnea.

Eccovision® Acoustic Diagnostics
In order to determine the severity of your snoring or sleep disorder, Dr. McVicker will "map" your nasal passages and your airway with the new Eccovision acoustic diagnostic system. The Eccovision system works by emitting sound waves through two tools - the Rhinometer and the Pharyngometer. Determining the severity of sleep disordered breathing with the Eccovision diagnostic system is quick and painless.

Oral Appliances for Snoring
There are several oral appliances that have been FDA approved for the treatment of snoring, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. New "airway orthotics" are designed for comfort and durability. The oral appliance gently holds your jaw in the right position to maintain proper airway function as you sleep.