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Sleep Apnea

You may be suffering from a dangerous condition and not even know it. Here at North Aurora Smiles, we believe there’s more to patient care than just fixing teeth. Our goal for you is whole-body health. Ultimately, it’s our job to benefit your physical well-being in any way we can, and we believe that one of the first steps in the journey to whole-body health is an effective breathing wellness program.

More than 22 million Americans suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea, a condition studies have shown to be directly correlated to anxiety and chronic fatigue. If left untreated, it can lead to numerous serious health conditions or even death. If you or someone you love is suffering from sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing, we may be able to help.

THE CAUSE

Failure of the upper and lower jaw to develop properly is a common cause of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition, called maxillary hypoplasia and/or mandibular retrognathia/retrusion, often results in a compromised upper airway.

THE SIGNS

Obstructive sleep apnea has many signs and symptoms—some are so common we ignore them or even consider them normal. The following are a few of the most common signs that you or someone you love is suffering from sleep apnea:

Snoring

  • Frequent sleep interruptions
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Morning headaches
  • High blood pressure

THE SOLUTION

The Vivos System is a multi-disciplinary treatment protocol that may treat your sleep apnea and sleep disordered breathing issues. The treatment, which averages 12-24 months in duration, is non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical.

THE SCIENCE

Pneumopedics® is the physiologic enhancement of the upper airway via naturally-occurring and treatment-induced changes over time. The Vivos System incorporates the science of Pneumopedics® in its treatment protocols for addressing maxillary hypoplasia and mandibular retrusion.

THE BENEFITS

Sleep apnea affects every aspect of our lives. You’ll be amazed at the difference an effective breathing wellness program can have on your life and the lives of your family. It may reduce fatigue and anxiety, increase productivity, lessen the frequency, and severity of headaches – the list goes on and on.

Not only does the quality of life improve, but an effective breathing wellness program can reduce the risk of dangerous conditions such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Breathe new life today. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hammad Aziz.

Statistics

  1. “100% of American’s [are] directly or indirectly affected by snoring and sleep apnea.”
  2. According to the Journal of Sleep Medicine, “38,000 annual cardiovascular deaths [are] related to sleep apnea.”
  3. In 2017, the Mayo Clinic’s article, “Sleep Apnea” stated, “1 in 5 people have shortness of breath”
  4. Studies have shown that people with untreated sleep apnea have an 8-12 yearshorter life span.

Sleep Apnea Video

Sleep Apnea Video
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea.
Video Transcript

Frequently Asked Questions

Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly caused by the failure of the upper and lower jaws to grow correctly. This disorder, known as maxillary hypoplasia or mandibular retrognathia, frequently causes upper airway impairment.

Sleep disruptions regularly, chronic fatigue, morning headaches, snoring, choking or gasping while sleeping, waking up unrefreshed, being tired during the day (at work or while driving), and frequent bathroom use at night.

Sleep apnea can be treated with oral appliance therapy (OAT), which includes traditional MAD devices (mandibular advancement device) and the Vivos System—a comprehensive approach. While the Vivos System offers a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical option, MAD devices provide a quicker dental solution for sleep apnea.

Several patients claim that their symptoms improve during the first few days to months of wearing the daytime/nighttime device. To get optimal progress, you will require periodic modifications during your therapy, which averages 12-24 months in duration.

Untreated sleep apnea can lead to diabetes, heart problems (like high blood pressure and increased stroke risk), cognitive issues (such as brain fog and higher risk of dementia), a weakened immune system, and potential links to severe diseases like cancer. Seeking treatment is crucial to avoid these health complications.

Dr. Stephanie Janes uses these treatments to ease bruxism and TMJ pains. They can alleviate symptoms like jaw clenching, snoring, and TMJ discomfort associated with sleep disorders. Consulting Dr. Janes can offer personalized approaches to manage related symptoms alongside sleep apnea treatments.

Success Stories

Dr. Hammad Aziz, North Aurora Smiles, IL
Dr. Stephanie Janes, North Aurora Smiles, IL

North Aurora Smiles

North Aurora Smiles is a patient-centered practice offering gentle, comprehensive dental care services for the whole family. Our top priority is to ensure the optimal health and wellness of our patients, and helping them to achieve healthy beautiful smiles for life. The doctors pride themselves on being whole-health focused with an overall philosophy of being minimally invasive in their dental treatment.

Dr. Hammad Aziz is a skilled and experienced professional, having graduated from Loyola University Chicago, Cum Laude with departmental honors and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry. He is certified in Invisalign, Dental Implants, Six Month Smiles (invisible, clear braces), Sleep Apnea/Snoring with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and the Institute for Cranio-Facial Sleep Medicine. Dr. Aziz is also certified in Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Therapy, and is a BLS (CPR) Healthcare Provider / ACLS Certified. He is an active member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry, and a Member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Founding Member and President Elect of the CM Dental Society, and Past President and Member of the Aurora Dental Society.

Dr. Stephanie Janes earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine. While there, she also earned a Master’s degree in Health Service Administration and a Humanitarian Award on behalf of the International College of Dentists. Later, she completed a General Practice Residency through the University of Chicago at NorthShore University HealthSystemEvanston Hospital. She gained hospital dentistry experience with a focus on medically-compromised patients and emergency dentistry. This program enabled her to enhance her comprehensive dental skills, especially in endodontics and cosmetic dentistry. She is also certified in therapeutic botox and dermal filler treatments to relieve bruxism (clenching and grinding) and TMJ pains, which she is passionate about.