Do you snore loudly or wake up feeling exhausted despite spending a full night in bed? If so, you may be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that disrupts your breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea affects more than just your rest – it can contribute to serious health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease and cognitive decline.
Dr. Ronald Konig and Dr. Diane Banks are dedicated to helping patients find effective, noninvasive solutions for sleep apnea and chronic snoring. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, seeking specialized care is the first step toward restoring restful sleep and improving your overall wellbeing.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. Several factors can contribute to airway obstruction, including:
- Mouth Breathing – Breathing through the mouth rather than the nose can lead to airway collapse, increasing the risk of sleep apnea and other breathing disorders.
- Tongue Positioning – When the tongue relaxes and falls back toward the throat, it can obstruct airflow and cause interruptions in breathing.
- Jaw Development Issues – Misaligned jaw structures, such as an overbite, underbite or narrow airway, can contribute to sleep apnea by limiting airflow.
- Obesity and Weight Gain – Excess weight around the neck can compress the airway, making breathing more difficult.
- Nasal Obstruction – Chronic congestion, allergies or anatomical nasal blockages can force individuals to breathe through their mouths, increasing the likelihood of snoring and sleep apnea.
Signs & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is critical in seeking timely treatment. Common signs include:
- Loud, persistent snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Frequent morning headaches
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood swings, anxiety or depression
If left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly impact your health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even stroke.
Noninvasive Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Traditional sleep apnea treatment often relies on CPAP therapy, but many patients find CPAP machines uncomfortable and difficult to tolerate. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments designed to open the airway and promote uninterrupted breathing without the need for bulky equipment.
- Oral Appliance Therapy – Custom-fitted oral appliances gently reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These devices are comfortable, effective, and easy to wear.
- Myofunctional Therapy – Targeted exercises strengthen the tongue and orofacial muscles, improving breathing patterns and reducing airway obstruction.
- Lifestyle Modifications – Weight management, reducing alcohol consumption and improving sleep posture can contribute to better breathing and improved sleep quality.
Why Treating Sleep Apnea is Essential
Ignoring sleep apnea can have long-term consequences for your health. Repeated oxygen deprivation throughout the night places strain on the heart and increases stress hormone production, leading to systemic health complications. Patients with untreated sleep apnea are at a higher risk for hypertension, metabolic disorders and even cognitive decline.
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of sleep apnea, seeking professional care is essential. With advanced treatment options from our dentists relief is within reach and restful, restorative sleep can become a reality once again.
Learn More & Schedule An Appointment
Our team specializes in personalized sleep apnea solutions designed to improve your breathing and enhance your quality of life. We invite you to call Konig Center for Cosmetic & Comprehensive Dentistry at 713-668-2289 to schedule a consultation with our experienced dentists today to learn more about sleep apnea treatments in Houston, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea beyond snoring?
Sleep apnea can cause symptoms like restless sleep, frequent waking throughout the night, night sweats and difficulty staying asleep. You might also experience daytime symptoms, including persistent tiredness, memory issues, irritability or trouble focusing. Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed, making it crucial to monitor these signs if you feel consistently unrested.
Can children develop sleep apnea?
Yes, children can develop sleep apnea, although it is less common than in adults. Signs include restless sleep, snoring, bedwetting, hyperactivity and breathing through the mouth during the day. In children, sleep apnea may be linked to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and early treatment is essential to avoid developmental and behavioral issues.
How can sleep apnea affect daily life?
Untreated sleep apnea impacts more than just your sleep — it can reduce energy, impair cognitive function and increase the risk of workplace accidents or driving-related incidents. Chronic fatigue and mood swings may strain relationships, while the lack of restorative sleep can lead to decreased productivity and an overall decline in quality of life.
What types of oral appliances are available for sleep apnea treatment?
Oral appliances come in several designs to suit different needs. Some adjust the lower jaw to maintain an open airway, while others prevent the tongue from collapsing backward. Custom-made options ensure comfort and effectiveness, and our dentists can help select the right appliance based on your anatomy and condition severity.
What areas do you serve?
Dr. Konig and Dr. Banks provide sleep apnea treatment in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including Sugar Land and The Woodlands, Texas, as well as Oklahoma and Louisiana. Call today to schedule an appointment and learn more!