Sleep Apnea Treatment in White House, TN

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — occurs when the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, blocking the airway. These pauses can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, often without the person realizing it.

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Irritability or mood changes

If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health issues.

Dental Treatment for Sleep Apnea

While CPAP machines are a standard treatment, many patients find them bulky, loud, or difficult to use consistently. For patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who can’t tolerate a CPAP, we offer a comfortable alternative: custom oral appliance therapy.

These small, custom-fitted devices are worn during sleep and work by gently repositioning the jaw to keep the airway open throughout the night.

Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:

• Non-invasive and comfortable to wear
• Easy to travel with — no wires, hoses, or machines
• Silent operation, improving sleep for both patient and partner
• No electricity or mask required
• Often covered by medical insurance with proper diagnosis

We work with your sleep physician to ensure your appliance is prescribed, adjusted, and monitored appropriately for long-term success.

How Sleep Apnea Treatment Works at The Smile Center

Your path to better sleep begins with a consultation. If you already have a diagnosis from a sleep physician, we can coordinate with your provider to begin appliance therapy. If not, we’ll help refer you for a home sleep study or in-lab testing before beginning treatment.

Once diagnosed:

1. We’ll take digital impressions of your mouth to create a custom oral appliance.
2. You’ll return to try on the appliance, and we’ll make sure the fit and function are ideal.
3. We’ll monitor your progress through follow-up visits and adjust the device as needed.
4. Ongoing coordination with your medical provider ensures the device continues to be effective.

In addition to sleep apnea care, we also provide Snore Guards for patients who snore but don’t have a clinical diagnosis of apnea.

A Trusted Team for Better Sleep and Health

Treating sleep apnea doesn't just improve your sleep — it protects your overall well-being. At The Smile Center, you’ll be cared for by an experienced team that understands the intersection of oral health and whole-body wellness.

Sleep apnea consultations and appliance therapy are overseen by Dr. Frederick L. Jones, Jr.. Alongside Dr. Brandie White-Ates and Dr. Gage Gregory, he delivers customized, compassionate care using the latest technology and techniques.