Sleep Apnea Treatment | Dentist Near You, Chicago, IL

Better Sleep Starts with Better Breathing

Waking up tired after a full night of sleep can leave you feeling drained before the day even begins. Loud snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, and daytime exhaustion are common signs that something deeper, like sleep apnea, may be affecting your rest. At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos helps patients uncover the connection between sleep quality and oral health through personalized sleep apnea treatment.

Families and professionals from nearby communities like Evanston, Oak Park, and Cicero visit our office seeking solutions that fit comfortably into everyday life. If poor sleep is affecting your energy, focus, or overall well-being, call (773) 973-0531 today to schedule a consultation with our Chicago dentist and take the first step toward more restful nights.

Why Choose Contos Smile Center for Sleep Apnea Treatment Near You?

At Contos Smile Center, we also understand the local lifestyle. Whether you’re spending long hours working in the Loop, enjoying weekends near Navy Pier, or commuting from nearby communities like Evanston, Oak Park, or Cicero, quality sleep plays a major role in how you feel each day.

Patients value our:

Welcoming and supportive environment
Personalized treatment planning with Dr. Contos
Modern oral appliance options for sleep apnea
Clear communication throughout treatment

Most importantly, we believe sleep apnea treatment should help patients feel hopeful again. Better sleep can improve focus, mood, relationships, and daily comfort.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night. These interruptions can reduce oxygen levels and disrupt deep, restorative sleep, even if the person doesn’t fully wake up each time.

Many people living with sleep apnea don’t realize they have the condition because symptoms occur during sleep. In many cases, a spouse or family member first notices loud snoring, choking sounds, or pauses in breathing overnight.

Types of Sleep Apnea

There are several forms of sleep apnea, each with different causes and treatment considerations.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. It occurs when the muscles and soft tissues in the throat relax too much during sleep, blocking airflow. This often leads to snoring, interrupted breathing, and poor sleep quality.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain temporarily fails to send proper signals to the muscles responsible for breathing. Unlike obstructive sleep apnea, this form is not caused by a physical airway blockage.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Complex sleep apnea syndrome is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apnea. Some patients discover this form after beginning treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and continuing to experience breathing interruptions.

Signs of Sleep Apnea

Recognizing the warning signs of a sleep breathing disorder is the first step toward finding relief. Many individuals living with OSA are unaware of their condition until a partner notices the symptoms. Keep an eye out for these frequent indicators:

Loud, chronic snoring that disrupts your household
Choking, gasping, or snorting sounds during the night
Waking up with a dry mouth or a sore throat
Frequent morning headaches
Severe daytime fatigue and brain fog
Irritability, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating

If you find yourself draining multiple cups of coffee just to make it through your shift or struggling to stay awake while driving down Lake Shore Drive, it is time to look deeper into your sleep quality.

Who is Most at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, though certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. People who may face a higher risk include:

Adults over age 40
Individuals who snore frequently or loudly
Patients carrying excess weight
Those with a family history of sleep apnea
People with narrow airways or jaw alignment concerns
Individuals who grind their teeth at night

Many Chicago residents live busy, fast-moving lifestyles that make chronic fatigue easy to dismiss. If daytime exhaustion, headaches, or restless sleep have become routine, it may be time to seek evaluation.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

The first step toward better sleep is identifying the root cause of your symptoms. During your consultation at Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos will discuss your sleep habits, daytime fatigue, snoring patterns, and medical history.

If sleep apnea is suspected, a sleep study may be recommended to measure breathing interruptions and oxygen levels overnight. Once results are reviewed, Dr. Contos can discuss treatment options that align with your needs and lifestyle.

Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Options in Chicago

CPAP Therapy

For some patients, CPAP therapy may still be recommended. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and uses a mask connected to a machine that delivers steady airflow during sleep. This airflow helps keep the airway from collapsing overnight.

Custom Dental Appliances

One of the most common treatment options at Contos Smile Center is a custom oral appliance, sometimes called a mandibular advancement device (MAD). This small device is worn during sleep, gently repositioning the jaw to help keep the airway open throughout the night.

Many patients who struggle with bulky CPAP machines seek oral appliance therapy as a quieter, more comfortable alternative for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

Snoring Treatment in Chicago

Chronic snoring may be more than just a nighttime nuisance. In many cases, loud snoring is linked to obstructive sleep apnea or restricted airflow during sleep. Custom oral appliances may help reduce snoring by supporting a more open airway throughout the night.

Lifestyle Modifications for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea treatment often works best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes. Small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in sleep quality and breathing patterns.

Recommendations may include:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing alcohol intake before bedtime
Sleeping on your side instead of your back
Creating a more consistent sleep schedule
Limiting late-night screen time

Patients may notice improved energy levels when combining treatment with healthier nighttime habits. Even modest changes can help support more restful sleep and better daytime focus.

What Happens if You Leave Sleep Apnea Untreated?

Untreated sleep apnea can affect much more than your nightly rest. Over time, repeated breathing interruptions may place stress on the body and contribute to broader health concerns.

Patients often experience:

Chronic fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and irritability
Increased daytime sleepiness
Reduced workplace productivity

Many people also find that untreated sleep apnea affects relationships, especially when loud snoring disrupts a partner’s sleep. Seeking treatment early may help improve both sleep quality and long-term wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my medical insurance cover a custom oral appliance for sleep apnea?

Yes, most medical insurance policies, as well as Medicare, fully or partially cover custom oral appliances when they’re deemed medically necessary to treat diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Because coverage guidelines vary between plans, our knowledgeable office team is happy to help you review your benefits and navigate the documentation process.

Can an oral appliance stop my snoring even if I do not have sleep apnea?

Yes. Chronic snoring is caused by the vibration of relaxed tissues in the throat as air passes through a narrowed space. Even if you do not meet the clinical criteria for sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance keeps the airway open and stable, significantly reducing or eliminating snoring sounds for a much quieter bedroom environment.

How long does it take to get used to wearing the sleep device?

Most patients adapt to wearing their custom oral appliance within a few days to a couple of weeks. It is normal to experience mild jaw awareness, slight muscle tenderness, or a temporary increase in salivation during the first few nights. These minor sensations typically fade quickly as your jaw muscles adjust to the new sleeping position.

How do I properly clean and care for my sleep apnea mouthguard?

Caring for your appliance is simple. Every morning after waking up, remove the device and thoroughly brush it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool water or a mild, non-abrasive soap. Avoid hot water, as high temperatures can warp the custom-molded material. Allow the appliance to dry completely, and store it safely in its protective case away from pets.

Reclaim Quality Rest with Sleep Apnea Care in Chicago

Imagine waking up every morning feeling genuinely refreshed, clear-headed, and ready to embrace the day ahead without a fog of exhaustion holding you back. You do not have to live with disruptive snoring or the constant strain of chronic fatigue.

Dr. Contos and the dedicated team at Contos Smile Center are ready to partner with you on your journey back to deep, natural sleep. Call our Chicago dental office at (773) 973-0531 to schedule your personalized sleep consultation and discover the difference a restful night can make.