Sleep Apnea Treatment
Breathe Easy Again with Sleep Apnea Treatment from Our Trusted Chula Vista Dentist
Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring or notice you stop breathing during the night? These could be signs of sleep apnea—a common but serious sleep disorder that affects your breathing and overall health. At Smile Expert, our dentist in Chula Vista, CA, Dr. Nick Addario and his caring dental team specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea with advanced, comfortable solutions designed to restore restful sleep and improve your quality of life.
Serving patients in Chula Vista and the surrounding areas of National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach, and La Mesa, our goal is to help you breathe easier, sleep better, and wake up refreshed. Whether you’ve been newly diagnosed or are struggling with a CPAP machine, our Chula Vista dentist offers customized sleep apnea treatment near you that fits your needs and lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact our Chula Vista dental office today by calling (619) 656-1788.
Outstanding Sleep Evaluations from Our Chula Vista Dentist
At Smile Expert, we believe that effective treatment begins with an accurate evaluation. Our sleep evaluations are designed to be comfortable, precise, and comprehensive. Here is how we do it:
- Medical & dental history review – We gather a detailed history of your sleep patterns, health conditions, medications, and dental structure.
- Sleep questionnaires & screening tools – We use validated screening questionnaires (for example, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) to assess your daytime sleepiness and risk factors.
- Home sleep testing or referral for polysomnography – For many patients, a home sleep test is sufficient to diagnose moderate sleep apnea. For more complex cases or suspected severe apnea, we refer you for an in-lab sleep study.
- Oral and airway examination – Dr. Nick Addario examines your jaw, tongue, tonsils, palate, and airway space. We may take imaging (such as CBCT scans) to visualize airway structures.
- Treatment planning session – Based on the diagnosis, we design a treatment plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Because we combine dental and airway expertise, we can often manage or co-manage your treatment from start to finish, reducing your need to see multiple specialists.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), when throat muscles collapse and block the airway. These pauses can last seconds to minutes and happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night.
Treatment Options We Offer at Smile Expert
At Smile Expert, we offer several evidence-based and patient-friendly treatments for sleep apnea. Which option is best depends on your diagnosis, anatomy, severity, and personal preference.
Oral Appliance Therapy
A custom oral appliance (like a mouthguard worn during sleep) gently positions your lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open. Advantages include:
- Comfortable, noninvasive
- Portable and easy to maintain
- Better for mild to moderate OSA or for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP
Dr. Addario fits and adjusts your appliance until it works optimally, and monitors improvements in symptoms and sleep.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Co-management
For moderate to severe apnea, CPAP remains the gold standard. We often co-manage CPAP therapy with your sleep physician. Our role includes:
- Checking how the CPAP mask fits your airway/dental structure
- Monitoring compliance and comfort
- Making adjustments or suggesting alternatives if CPAP isn’t tolerable
Combination Therapy & Surgical Consultation
In some cases, a hybrid approach works best. We may combine oral appliances with positional therapy, weight management, or referral to an ENT or sleep surgeon for anatomical corrections (such as nasal surgery or palate procedures).
Lifestyle & Positional Therapy
While not always sufficient on their own, lifestyle changes can support your treatment:
- Weight loss (if needed)
- Avoiding alcohol and sedatives before bed
- Sleeping on your side rather than on your back
- Good sleep hygiene (regular schedule, avoiding screens before bed)
We coach you in these complementary strategies to boost your results.
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
Choosing a local dentist who understands airway health brings several advantages:
- Convenient, local care in Chula Vista and nearby (San Diego, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach)
- Integrated dental and airway expertise — you don’t have to visit separate providers for your bite and your breathing
- Personalized adjustments — we can monitor and tweak your oral appliance over time
- Continuity of care — we track your improvement and help with long-term follow up
We strive to be the local dental team patients turn to for excellent sleep apnea care, combining in-depth knowledge of both oral health and airway wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
You might suspect sleep apnea if you experience loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings. Your partner may notice breathing pauses. A sleep evaluation (questionnaire, home test, or lab study) is needed to confirm diagnosis.
Does dental insurance cover sleep apnea treatment?
Some dental plans offer limited coverage for oral appliance therapy, but many do not. Often the cost falls under medical insurance or a sleep disorder benefit. Our team helps you navigate your insurance options and provides documentation to assist with claims.
Is oral appliance therapy as effective as CPAP?
CPAP is considered more effective in severe cases. But for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, many patients find oral appliances nearly as effective, especially when they can consistently use them nightly. Patient comfort and compliance are key — an appliance that is used every night may outperform a CPAP that is rarely worn.
How long will it take to feel better?
Some patients notice differences (less daytime sleepiness, more energy) within a few nights to a few weeks. Others may take a month or more for full benefits. We monitor progress with follow up visits and sometimes repeat sleep tests to confirm improvement.
Reclaim Your Sleep and Health with Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chula Vista!
Sleep apnea doesn’t have to define your nights or wear down your days. With effective treatment, you can enjoy deeper rest, better energy, and peace of mind. At Smile Expert, Dr. Nick Addario leads a team dedicated to treating sleep apnea right here in Chula Vista, CA, combining dental and airway expertise for your benefit.
Don’t let another sleepless night pass. Contact our Chula Vista dental office by calling (619) 656-1788 for a consultation. Take the first step toward restful nights and healthier mornings.