Sleep Apnea Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Rest Better, Breathe Easier
- Custom oral appliances for sleep-disordered breathing
- At-home sleep studies and advanced airway imaging
- CO2 laser therapy for snoring and soft palate tightening
“Dr Michael and Dr. Kelly are the best. It's like stepping into your personal residence. Only it happens to be a dentist office.It's warm, it's welcoming, it's professional and the staff are always on point.”
— James, 5-Star Review
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the throat’s soft tissues collapse during sleep, temporarily blocking airflow. These pauses in breathing can occur up to hundreds of times per night. Every time, they disrupt sleep and reduce oxygen levels.
These are the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, including irritability or depression
Why Treat Sleep–Breathing Issues?
Untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of serious health problems, like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Many patients are unaware they have sleep apnea until a partner notices the signs.
Even if your sleep issues don't meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA, we're able to help treat snoring and other airflow disruptions with dentist-led solutions.
Comfortable Alternatives to CPAP Oral Appliance Therapy From Your Charlotte Dentist
Oral appliance therapy is an effective, non-invasive solution for patients with mild to moderate sleep–breathing issues.
Drs. Micheal and Kelly Wilson are proud to offer Panthera Sleep oral appliances for snoring and sleep apnea. These appliances are custom-fit devices that gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. They're designed as part of a digital workflow, optimizing our ability to fine-tune for comfort and function.
Oral appliances are quiet, compact, and much easier to travel with compared to CPAP machines. There are no hoses, masks, or noise involved in use. As a result, many patients find them significantly more comfortable.
We work closely with sleep physicians to ensure our oral appliances are part of medically appropriate treatment plans. If you haven’t been diagnosed with sleep apnea yet, we can refer you to a local sleep testing provider for a formal evaluation.
What to Expect: Improving Your Sleep With Southview Dentistry
Laser Snoring Treatment With LightScalpel A Gentle, In-Office Solution for Better Breathing
If you snore due to soft palate laxity, we offer a modern solution using the LightScalpel CO₂ laser. This gentle treatment targets the soft tissues at the back of the throat, tightening collagen fibers to reduce tissue vibration during sleep. It’s a quick, non-invasive procedure that we can complete in-office without sedation or long recovery periods.
Laser therapy is ideal for patients whose primary concern is snoring rather than full obstructive sleep apnea. We can also combine it with Panthera Sleep oral appliance therapy for enhanced airway support.
Most patients notice improvement within weeks, and results continue to improve as collagen remodeling occurs over time. If you’re looking for a CPAP-free approach to better sleep, laser treatment may be a great fit.
FAQ
Can a dentist diagnose sleep apnea?
Only a medical doctor or sleep specialist can provide a formal diagnosis through a sleep study. However, our team can identify signs and symptoms and refer you for testing.
How do I know if I need a sleep study?
If you snore loudly, wake up still feeling tired, or have trouble staying asleep, you may benefit from a sleep study. We can help guide you through the screening and referral process.
Is oral appliance therapy effective?
Yes! Oral appliances can effectively treat snoring and mild to moderate OSA. Oral appliances are approved by the FDA and supported by clinical research.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are often billed through medical insurance rather than dental insurance. Our team will help you verify your benefits.
Is the appliance comfortable to wear?
Yes, most patients adapt to their oral appliances quickly and find them much more comfortable than a CPAP mask.
“A very friendly office and knowledgeable staff. They set a high standard for an experience at a dental office.”
— Andrew, 5-Star Review
