Sleep apnea does more than leave you exhausted throughout the day. It also leads to an increased risk of high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer and even a shortened lifespan. Although it affects around 20% of the population, 85% of those affected by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) do not realize they have it.

“Because most patients see their dentists more often than their physicians, we have a great opportunity to screen patients who suffer from breathing and sleep issues,” says Dr. Cecile Sebastian. She and her team offer the Vivos Method, which is the first-ever FDA-approved Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) for mild to severe OSA.“ A very common anatomic condition OSA sufferers have is a small or narrow mouth, which pushes the tongue into the airway obstructing the airflow,” says the dentist. Noninvasive and highly effective, Vivos appliances can generate new bone in the jaw to widen the mouth and allow the tongue more room to move forward, opening up space in the airway. Unlike CPAP machines, which require lifelong use, OAT treats the root cause of the problem.

Dr. Sebastian is especially thrilled to screen and prevent sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in younger patients. More than 85% of children with SDB go undetected, and early diagnosis and treatment are vital in preventing complications that can affect children’s growth, cognitive development and behavior. Some signs of children with SDB include snoring, pauses in breathing, restless sleep, bed-wetting, mouth breathing, hyperactivity, learning and behavioral problems.”

Dr. Sebastian stresses the importance of combining myofunctional therapy—a developing field that trains patients to strengthen their lips, tongue and cheek muscles in the proper way to breathe better—with OAT for a lifelong improved outcome. “Good sleep and proper nasal breathing are so important for our health and we are so excited to offer our patients a gentle, effective way to regain their health and improve their lives,” she says.