Do you wake up with a dry mouth, a sore jaw, or a headache? Has your partner told you that you snore loudly or even stop breathing during the night?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine estimates that about 23 million people in the US remain undiagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. That’s millions of people struggling with poor sleep, daytime fatigue, and increased health risks without knowing there’s help available.
Many people don’t realize that their dentist might be the key to finally getting the sleep they need.
At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken has advanced training in dental sleep medicine and offers oral appliance therapy to treat sleep apnea. With over 30 years of experience, dual fellowship credentials (FAGD, FACD), and a faculty appointment at Northwestern University School of Medicine, Dr. Chaiken brings exceptional expertise to sleep apnea treatment in Skokie and Chicago.
Call one of our locations to schedule a sleep apnea screening or read on to learn how dentistry can help you breathe easier at night.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. It occurs when the muscles in your throat relax too much during sleep, causing the airway to collapse or become blocked. This blockage sometimes stops airflow for 10 seconds or longer and can occur hundreds of times per night.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Loud, frequent snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood changes
Most people with sleep apnea don’t remember waking up during the night. But their sleep is constantly fragmented, preventing them from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep their bodies need.
Why does this matter for your health? Untreated OSA is linked to serious systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, and metabolic disorders. It can also contribute to workplace accidents and motor vehicle crashes due to daytime sleepiness
How Dentists Help Treat Sleep Apnea
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of sleep apnea. Why? Many of the physical indicators of OSA are visible in your mouth, jaw, and throat.
During a routine dental exam, Dr. Chaiken looks for:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism): This may be a subconscious effort to reopen the airway during sleep
- A scalloped tongue: Caused by the tongue pressing against the teeth during airway obstruction
- A narrow palate or high-arched roof of the mouth can indicate restricted airway space
- Enlarged tonsils or a large tongue: Both can contribute to airway collapse
- A retrognathic jaw (lower jaw set back): This can cause the tongue to fall back and block the airway
Research from the NIH confirms that “dentists are uniquely positioned to identify anatomical and oral risk factors, facilitate referrals for diagnosis, and provide therapeutic interventions such as oral appliance therapy”.
In other words, your dentist doesn’t just clean your teeth. They can help save your sleep and potentially your health.
Oral Appliance Therapy: A CPAP Alternative That Works
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. CPAP uses a mask to deliver pressurized air, keeping the airway open during sleep. While highly effective, CPAP machines are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and difficult for many patients to tolerate.
For these patients, oral appliance therapy is a game-changer.
What Is an Oral Appliance?
An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer, that you wear only while sleeping. It works by gently repositioning your lower jaw forward, which helps keep your airway open throughout the night.
Why patients prefer oral appliances:
- Comfortable and easy to wear: No mask, no hose, no machine noise
- Portable: Easy to pack for travel
- Quiet: No disruption to your bed partner’s sleep
- Non-invasive: No surgery required
- Proven effective: Recommended by current clinical guidelines for mild-to-moderate OSA and for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP
Dr. Chaiken’s Personalized Approach
At North Dental Professionals, we don’t use one-size-fits-all devices. Dr. Chaiken takes digital impressions of your teeth and uses precise measurements to create a custom oral appliance that fits your mouth perfectly. A well-fitting appliance is essential for both comfort and effectiveness.
Once your appliance is ready, Dr. Chaiken provides detailed instructions on how to use and care for it. He also schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor the appliance’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments as your needs change over time.
What Does the Research Say About Oral Appliance Therapy?
The evidence supporting oral appliance therapy is strong and growing:
- A PubMed-indexed review confirms that oral appliances are effective for managing obstructive sleep apnea, particularly for patients with mild-to-moderate OSA
- Current clinical guidelines recommend oral appliance therapy as a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate OSA and for CPAP-intolerant patients.
- Studies show that mandibular advancement devices increase airway dimensions, reduce airway collapsibility, and improve oxygen saturation during sleep.
Dr. Chaiken stays current with the latest research through his faculty position at Northwestern University School of Medicine and his active memberships in professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society.
The Dentist-Physician Partnership in Sleep Apnea Care
At North Dental Professionals, we believe in collaborative care. Treating sleep apnea effectively often requires a team approach involving dentists, sleep physicians, and primary care providers.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Screening at Your Dental Visit
Dr. Chaiken screens for sleep apnea during routine exams, looking for anatomical signs and asking about symptoms such as snoring, fatigue, and morning headaches.
Step 2: Referral for Sleep Testing
If screening suggests OSA, Dr. Chaiken will refer you to a sleep physician for a definitive diagnosis. Most patients undergo a home sleep test or an in-lab polysomnogram (sleep study) to confirm the diagnosis and determine severity.
Step 3: Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation
If your sleep study confirms OSA, the sleep physician will recommend treatment. For mild-to-moderate OSA or for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy is often the preferred option.
Step 4: Custom Appliance Fabrication
Dr. Chaiken creates your custom oral appliance and guides you through the fitting and adjustment process.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring
We schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure your appliance continues to work effectively. We also coordinate care with your sleep physician.
This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your condition receives attention, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Skokie & Chicago, IL
If you’re searching for sleep apnea dentistry near me in the Chicago area, look no further than North Dental Professionals. With two convenient locations, one in Skokie (Old Orchard Shopping Center) and the other in Chicago (Edison Park), we make it easy to get the care you need.
Skokie Office: 4905 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr, Suite 535, Skokie, IL 60077
Call: (224) 267-8083
Chicago Office: Edison Park neighborhood, northwest side
Call: (708) 274-4192
We proudly serve patients from Skokie, Chicago, Evanston, Niles, Glenview, Wilmette, Park Ridge, and all surrounding communities.
Why Choose North Dental Professionals for Sleep Apnea Dentistry?
Dr. Paul Chaiken brings unmatched credentials to dental sleep medicine:
- Dual fellowship-trained: Fellow of the American College of Dentists (FACD) AND Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). This dual fellowship status is rare and represents the highest level of commitment to continuing education.
- Northwestern University faculty: Assistant Clinical Professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, teaching the next generation of physicians.
- Published author & medical consultant: Dr. Chaiken served as a medical consultant to the American Medical Association and was a published author in three AMA books.
- Over 30 years of experience: Graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry in 1984 and has been helping patients ever since.
- Advanced training in sleep medicine: Completed advanced training in snoring and sleep apnea treatment, TMJ therapy, and sedation dentistry in Chicago.
- Active professional memberships: American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, Chicago Academy of Interdisciplinary Dentofacial Therapy.
- Named by patients: Patient reviews consistently praise Dr. Chaiken’s conservative approach and his team’s professionalism, including Kristy (office manager) and Jill (dental assistant).
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
If you snore, wake up tired, or suspect you might have sleep apnea, don’t wait. Untreated sleep apnea affects your energy, heart, brain, and overall health.
At North Dental Professionals, Dr. Paul Chaiken offers compassionate, expert care for patients with sleep-disordered breathing. We’ll screen for risk factors, coordinate with sleep physicians, and create a custom oral appliance that helps you breathe and sleep better.
Call us today to schedule your sleep apnea screening:
- Skokie Office: (224) 267-8083
- Chicago Office: (708) 274-4192
Or request an appointment online. Let’s help you finally get the restful sleep you deserve.
Serving Skokie, Chicago, Evanston, Niles, Glenview, Wilmette, Park Ridge, and all surrounding communities.