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Reclaim your zest for life by addressing the root cause of your sleep struggles. At North Star, we offer a proven solution: oral appliances for obstructive sleep apnea.

North Star Sleep Solutions is your guide to restful nights and rejuvenating days. As your trusted partner in dental sleep medicine, we are here to shed light on the path to better sleep through personalized care and innovative treatments.

Discover how our customized solutions can help you reclaim the restorative sleep you deserve, possibly without the burden of a CPAP machine. Explore our range of services designed to address sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep-related issues, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and renewed.

Schedule your appointment with our North Star Sleep dentist today.

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Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Rather than relying on bulky CPAP machines, our custom-fitted dental guards — called oral sleep appliances — are designed to keep the airway open throughout the night.

These discreet, comfortable devices are a highly effective alternative treatment for sleep apnea.

We will work closely with you to find the perfect oral sleep appliance solution to improve your sleep quality and overall health.

North Star Solutions uses oral appliances that are custom fit to your mouth, easy-to-use, and comfortable. — An oral appliance is an easy-to-use and comfortable sleep device custom fit for your mouth that can alleviate snoring and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the night.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the throat muscles overly relax during sleep, blocking the airway and leading to decreased oxygenation to the organs of the body.

This can cause interrupted breathing, loud snoring, poor sleep, and a range of other health issues if left untreated. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, OSA affects 12% of the US population — 80% of which is undiagnosed.

What are the Dangers of Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

There is not an organ in the body that is not affected by obstructive sleep apnea. The lack of oxygen to the organs affects each of them drastically.

The worse the obstructive sleep apnea, the greater the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. The sudden drop in oxygen places strain on the heart and can increase blood pressure and increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms.

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to dysregulation of blood sugars and is associated with diabetes. Chronic headaches may also be linked to OSA caused by chronic oxygen deprivation.

Sleep fragmentation (interrupted sleep) caused by OSA has been shown to increase the risk of memory issues such as dementia. In addition, mood disorders will be worsened by poor sleep caused by obstructive sleep apnea.

This covers a few of the many health implications that obstructive sleep apnea causes.

Diagram of a tongue and soft tissues closing off the airway and obstructing the airway. — Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition where your tongue and soft tissues block your airway.

Diagram of an oral appliance gently correcting the placement of the tongue and soft tissues during sleep. — An oral appliance or sleep device gently corrects the placement of the tongue and soft tissues during sleep, allowing air to flow unobstructed.

What are Risk Factors to Contribute to Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the key risk factors is the first step towards getting the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the major risk factors for developing OSA include:

Excess Body Weight: Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for OSA. Extra fat deposits around the upper airway can obstruct breathing during sleep.

Neck Circumference: Having a larger neck size (over 16 inches in women, 17 inches in men) is linked to a higher risk of OSA.

Narrow Airway: Anatomical features like a small jaw, large tongue, or enlarged tonsils and adenoids can narrow the airway and contribute to OSA.

Family History: Genetic factors can predispose individuals to developing OSA. Having a close relative with OSA increases your own risk.

Age: The risk of OSA increases with age, especially after age 40 as the throat muscles tend to relax more during sleep.

Sex: OSA is more common in men than women, though the risk for women increases after menopause.

Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion or obstruction can worsen OSA by making it harder to breathe through the nose during sleep.

Alcohol and Sedative Use: Consuming alcohol or taking sedatives before bed can relax the throat muscles and worsen OSA.

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased weight during pregnancy can lead to the development or worsening of OSA in some women.

A woman struggles with good sleep due to her partner's snoring, which is a symptom of sleep apnea.

Am I at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Answer these eight simple “yes” or “no” questions* to assess your risk of having obstructive sleep apnea:

Do you SNORE loudly (louder than talking or loud enough to be heard through closed doors)?

Do you often feel TIRED, fatigued, or sleepy during the daytime?

Has anyone OBSERVED you stop breathing during your sleep?

Do you have or are you being treated for high blood PRESSURE?

Is your BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) more than 35 kg/m2?

Is your AGE over 50 years old?

Is your NECK circumference greater than 16 inches (40 cm) for women or 17 inches (43 cm) for men?

Are you MALE or a PREGNANT WOMAN?

If you answered “Yes” to 3 or more of these questions, you may be at higher risk for sleep apnea. Schedule a consultation with our sleep team today to get the personalized care you need with a customized oral sleep appliance — sometimes called a dental guard – for sleep apnea.

I had 3 or more yes’s. Let’s book an appointment!

* The questions above are inspired by the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (Dr. Frances Chung). It is a tool for initial screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, but it does not replace an official diagnosis.

A lighter skinned man with a dark beard sleeping soundly and hugging a striped pillow, not knowing he is at risk for sleep apnea.

Why Sleep Matters: Essential Facts

The Importance of Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Failing to get 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night can put you at risk for serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.

The Impacts of Sleep Apnea

Untreated sleep apnea can have devastating consequences. It has been linked to higher rates of car accidents, work-related injuries, and even premature death. But the good news is that proper treatment can significantly improve health outcomes.

The Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Customized dental guards offer a comfortable, convenient alternative to CPAP machines for sleep apnea treatment. By keeping the airway open, these discreet devices can dramatically improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of apnea-related complications.

The Connection Between Sleep and Performance

Adequate, high-quality sleep is crucial for mental acuity, productivity, and overall functioning. Studies show that poor sleep can impair cognitive abilities, decision-making, and even athletic performance. Investing in your sleep is an investment in your success.

The Impact on Relationships

Your unresolved sleep issues affect more than just yourself — they can also take a toll on loved ones. Loud snoring, frequent awakenings, and daytime fatigue can strain relationships and family dynamics. Addressing sleep problems can help restore harmony at home.

Man holding a lProSomnus® Sleep Device, which is easy-to-use and comfortable
devices that alleviate snoring
and symptoms of Obstructive
Sleep Apnea.

Don’t let sleep issues hold you back.

Our North Star Sleep Solutions staff can help you take the first step towards better rest with customized oral appliances for sleep apnea.

Book your appointment →