Breathe Better. Sleep Deeper. Wake Refreshed.
Are you—or someone you love—struggling with loud snoring, restless sleep, or constant fatigue during the day? These could be signs of sleep apnea, a common yet serious condition that affects breathing during sleep.
At Dressler Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer sleep apnea treatment in Chattanooga, TN to help patients improve their sleep, protect their health, and feel like themselves again. Under the care of Dr. Keith Dressler, we provide comfortable, non-invasive solutions that can dramatically improve your quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the throat relax too much, blocking the airway.
Each pause in breathing can last 10 seconds or more—and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night. This prevents your brain and body from getting the oxygen they need, leading to poor sleep and long-term health risks if left untreated.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because the symptoms occur during sleep. However, there are some key warning signs to watch for:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Excessive daytime fatigue or trouble concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Trouble staying asleep (insomnia)
- High blood pressure or heart problems
If you or your partner notices any of these symptoms, it’s time to talk to a professional.
The Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Ignoring sleep apnea doesn’t just leave you tired—it can significantly impact your long-term health. Untreated OSA is linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain and metabolic issues
- Cognitive decline and memory problems
- Increased risk of car or workplace accidents
Sleep apnea can also strain relationships due to poor sleep quality for both the patient and their partner. Getting treatment is a crucial step toward restoring your health and peace of mind.
How Dressler Orthodontics Can Help
While many people associate orthodontists with straightening teeth, professionals like Dr. Keith Dressler also play a vital role in treating sleep apnea—particularly mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea—using oral appliance therapy.
Oral Appliance Therapy
An oral appliance is a custom-made device worn at night, similar to a retainer or mouthguard. It gently repositions the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Non-invasive and easy to wear
- No masks, hoses, or machines
- Quiet and travel-friendly
- Custom-fit for maximum comfort and effectiveness
- FDA-approved for sleep apnea treatment
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea—or suspect you might have it—Dr. Dressler can evaluate your airway and work with your sleep physician to determine if an oral appliance is right for you.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Without a CPAP Machine
While CPAP therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, many patients struggle to use it consistently due to discomfort, noise, or inconvenience. Oral appliances offer an effective CPAP alternative for many adults—especially those with mild to moderate OSA or those who are CPAP-intolerant.
If you’ve been told you need a CPAP but can’t tolerate it, talk to our team about oral appliance therapy. We’ll help you find a solution that fits your lifestyle and helps you sleep better.
What to Expect from Treatment
Consultation and Evaluation
You’ll meet with Dr. Dressler for a thorough airway evaluation. If you haven’t had a sleep study, we can refer you to a trusted sleep physician to get a proper diagnosis.
Custom Oral Appliance Design
If an oral appliance is recommended, we’ll take digital impressions to create a device specifically tailored to your bite and jaw alignment.
Fitting and Adjustment
Once your appliance is ready, we’ll ensure a comfortable fit and make any necessary adjustments to maximize effectiveness.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Support
You’ll have regular check-ins to monitor your progress, ensure continued comfort, and make refinements as needed. We’ll also work closely with your sleep doctor to track your sleep improvement.
Why Choose Dressler Orthodontics for Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chattanooga?
With decades of experience and a deep commitment to patient health, Dr. Keith Dressler is a trusted provider of oral appliance therapy in the Chattanooga area. At Dressler Orthodontics, we combine orthodontic expertise with advanced airway evaluation to provide safe, effective treatment that helps you reclaim restful sleep and protect your overall health.
When you choose us, you get:
- A compassionate, knowledgeable team
- Custom solutions that fit your lifestyle
- A comfortable and modern treatment environment
- Ongoing support before, during, and after treatment
Sleep Better—Starting Today
You don’t have to live with fatigue, snoring, and disrupted sleep. If you’re looking for effective, personalized sleep apnea treatment in Chattanooga, TN, Dressler Orthodontics is here to help. Schedule your free consultation today.