Sleep disorder dentistry

Next Friday I will be taking a course about sleep disorder dentistry. What is it?-- Sleep disorders that dentists can treat vary from snoring (an annoyance to spouses, partners, roommates, significant others) to sleep apnea- a potentially life threatening cessation of breathing during sleep. The treatments can range from referral to surgeons and sleep clinincs to oral devices (similar to bleach trays) that reposition your lower jaw to keep the airway open. These sleep appliances can be very effective for snoring and can often be useful as replacements for CPAP machines for patients with sleep apnea who cannot tolerate the machine. Stay tuned for more information.