Beyond Your Smile

SLEEP APNEA AND SNORING

What is Sleep Apnea?


Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. The term sleep apnea is derived from the Greek etymology meaning “without breath”. Breathing pauses can last anywhere from several seconds to minutes, and happen as often as 30 times or more per hour.
Ongoing disrupted breathing causes an imbalance between the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream, as not enough carbon dioxide is exiting and not enough oxygen is entering the body.

Oral breathing devices can improve sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness.footnote2 The use of oral devices reduced the episodes of abnormal breathing in about half of the people who used them.footnote1
Possible problems with devices that fit inside the mouth include:

    The buildup of saliva in the mouth, requiring frequent swallowing.
    Discomfort, especially in the morning. The devices can be uncomfortable, and people tend not to use them over the long term.
    Damage to teeth, soft tissues in the mouth, and the jaw joints. So it is important that a skilled dentist or orthodontist fit the device to prevent these problems.

If you use an oral breathing device to treat sleep apnea, use it every night. Excess saliva in your mouth and mild discomfort should become less bothersome with regular use.

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CLINICAL INNOVATION

Dr. Sue Lee Innovation



Dr. Lee has developed patents for her palatal appliances and orthodontic models, as well as developing the Dentometric® Shape Analysis. This allows a much deeper look into the needs of the patient and aids in designing a treatment to create the best smile!
Learn more from her with this video!


Appliance Testimonial 1

Dr. Lee has years of experience and training from Brown and Harvard University provide her the ability to give you excellent orthodontic care. Through a deep analysis of your mouth, Dr. Lee will provide a detailed treatment plan to best suit your needs.
Listen to this amazing testimonial from one of Dr. Sue Lee's patients.


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Appliance Testimonial 2


Dr. Lee has years of experience and training from Brown and Harvard University provide her the ability to give you excellent orthodontic care. Through a deep analysis of your mouth, Dr. Lee will provide a detailed treatment plan to best suit your needs.
Listen to this amazing testimonial from one of Dr. Sue Lee's patients, and how it changed her life for better!