​Our Cutting-Edge Technology Helps Restore Your Sleep
When you think about it, sleep and technology are two things that don’t seem to mix. Sleeping might be the most low-tech thing we do, and we know that looking at technology screens that emit blue light can disrupt your sleep. Nonetheless, at Sleep Easy Dentistry, we rely on innovative technology to give us unique insights into your airway and the sleep disorder you may be experiencing.
The Limits of Visual Examination
During your initial consultation at Sleep Easy, Dr. Osborne or one of our other highly qualified team members will spend some time going over your symptoms and examining your mouth and face for anatomical characteristics that can signify sleep apnea.
While this visual examination is important, it does not tell us much when it comes to any internal anatomical structures that may be affecting your sleep quality. Luckily for our patients, we have a secret weapon: CT Cone Beam Technology*.
What is Cone Beam Technology?
Our CT Cone Beam digital scanner allows us to create a three-dimensional scan of our patients’ airways. This helps us spot internal characteristics of your airway that may be contributing to snoring or sleep apnea. For example, we can see the shape and size of your airway at different points in your head and neck. Even better, our office is lucky to have a CT Cone Beam digital scanner on site, so you don’t have to take any additional time out of your busy schedule!
Relying on the Experts
Of course, simply creating a 3D picture of your airway does not automatically generate insight as to what’s causing your sleep issues. Our office sends each Cone Beam CT digital scan to the oral and maxillofacial radiologists at BeamReaders. Once we get the report from the experts, Dr. Osborne and our team can begin considering next steps.
Intraoral Scanner
After viewing the 3D Cone Beam Scan and your report from BeamReaders, Dr. Osborne might determine that an oral appliance** is the most effective way to treat your sleeping issues. This appliance fits over your teeth and subtly adjusts your jaw into the optimal position during sleep, allowing your airway to work effectively.
In the past, we fit these oral appliances by taking time-consuming molds and sending them away to a lab. Now, our team uses an intraoral scanner to digitally scan each individual tooth. We send this information to the oral appliance manufacturer which 3D prints your customized oral appliance and sends it to our office in just a few weeks. Not only is this method quicker, it is more accurate!
To learn more about the innovative technology we use at Sleep Easy or to ask our team any questions, call our office today at (210) 202-0692.
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About Sleep ApneaWhile it might seem unusual to go to the dentist for issues with your sleep, the connection is a natural one! Not only do dentists care for your teeth and gums, but they also care for your mouth and airway. At Sleep Easy Dentistry, Dr. Osborne and the rest of our team use our cutting-edge technology and dental expertise to help treat obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep disorders.  
Because sleep disorders are such serious conditions, we believe in a comprehensive approach when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. With that in mind, our team works hard to build relationships with medical professionals in other disciplines in San Antonio and the surrounding area to ensure that our patients receive quality care throughout their sleep journey.  
Collaboration Results in Better Care
We know that effectively treating sleep disorders often requires collaborative care from a multi-disciplinary team of medical professionals. This allows our patients to benefit from different areas of expertise. Our staff works closely with both otolaryngologists (also known as Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians) and sleep medicine doctors. This collaboration ensures that you receive the necessary care to get the good sleep you deserve.
Sleep Medicine
Once we determine that a patient may be experiencing sleep apnea or another sleep disorder, we refer them to a sleep medicine doctor. There, our patients often have a sleep study. The results of the sleep study provide us with key information that allows us to pinpoint the right treatment. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, this additional information allows us to provide individualized care to our patients.
ENT Physicians
While Dr. Osborne and our team use sleep dentistry to help treat your lower airway, occasionally we have patients experiencing obstructions in their upper airway. In this case, we turn to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physician. ENTs can diagnose and treat any issues with your upper airway (your nose, nasal passage, sinuses, pharynx, and part of your larynx).
We never refer our patients to a new specialist without being sure that their standard of care matches our own. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands throughout your treatment. If your partner constantly complains about your snoring, you feel tired no matter how much rest you get, or you experience any of these symptoms*, don’t waste another day without contacting Sleep Easy Dentistry.
To ask our team any questions or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (210) 628-9621.

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Five Tips to Improve Your Sleep Quality
At Sleep Easy Dentistry, we know just how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, you might be sabotaging your sleep quality without knowing it! We want to help you get the sleep you need, so Dr. Osborne and our team have put together the following five tips to help you improve your sleep quality.

1. Set a Routine

Humans are creatures of habit – and this certainly extends to your sleep. Try to stick to a sleep schedule that has you going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time each day, even on the weekend. Once your body adjusts to falling asleep at the same time each day, it usually becomes easier to do so!

1. Get Some Exercise

We all know that exercise has a variety of health benefits, but it can also benefit your sleep! If you can, vigorous exercise in the morning can make it easier to fall asleep at night. However, studies show that even light exercise (like a brisk walk) can help make sleep easier.

1. Wind Down

Try to do something relaxing for bed. For some, that might mean reading a book. For others, a warm bath may do the trick. Allowing your body and mind to relax and wind down before bedtime can make it easier to fall asleep when the time comes.

1. Try a Cup of Tea

Along with containing antioxidants that may lower your risk for certain diseases and aid your digestion, chamomile tea can help you get to sleep. Chamomile contains apigenin, a natural compound that has been shown to facilitate sleep.

1. Cut the Cord Before Bed

The * emitted from your electronic devices delays your body’s production of melatonin, a natural sleep-inducing hormone. To sleep easier, try to avoid looking at your phone and other screens for an hour before bed time.
We hope that these tips can help you get better sleep. However, if you notice that you are constantly tired and groggy no matter how much you sleep or if your partner complains about your snoring, it may be a sign that you have a sleep disorder** and need further treatment. To schedule a consultation with Sleep Easy Dentistry, call our office today at (210) 628-9621. 
 
 

*Link: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/q-a-why-is-blue-light-before-bedtime-bad-for-sleep/
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