Sleep Apnea Treatment & Snoring Therapy

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep-disordered breathing condition in which the muscles of the throat, nose, and mouth relax during sleep, causing soft tissue to collapse and block your airway. Each obstruction can halt breathing for 10 seconds or more, and this can happen dozens to hundreds of times per night.

When your brain detects the drop in blood oxygen levels, it jolts your body awake just enough to resume breathing. You may never fully wake up, but these constant micro-interruptions prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative REM sleep your body needs to repair itself, regulate hormones, and consolidate memory. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and mood disorders.

The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) measures how many breathing interruptions occur per hour of sleep. An AHI of 5–14 is classified as mild sleep apnea, 15–29 as moderate, and 30 or more as severe. Many Ottawa residents go years without a diagnosis, because the interruptions happen while they’re unconscious, often only noticed by a bed partner.

Up to 50% of adults snore. However, loud, chronic snoring, especially with gasping or choking sounds, is one of the most reliable warning signs of OSA. Snoring is caused by the vibration of partially blocked airway tissue; sleep apnea is when that tissue blocks the airway completely.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea: Are You Experiencing Any of These?

Nighttime symptoms (often noticed by a partner)

Loud, persistent snoring
Gasping or choking during sleep
Pauses in breathing during sleep (noticed by partner)
Restless, tossing-and-turning sleep
Night sweats or frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

Daytime symptoms

Excessive daytime sleepiness, falling asleep during meetings, TV, or even driving
Morning headaches or dry mouth/sore throat upon waking
Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, or brain fog
Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
High blood pressure unresponsive to medication
Low libido or sexual dysfunction

If you’re experiencing two or more of these symptoms, a sleep assessment is strongly recommended. You may be among the estimated 80% of Canadians with sleep apnea who are currently undiagnosed.

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Why Untreated Sleep Apnea Is a Serious Health Risk

Sleep apnea isn’t just about feeling tired. When left untreated, the repeated drops in blood oxygen levels place enormous stress on your cardiovascular system and entire body.

Research links untreated OSA to:

High blood pressure (hypertension), present in over 50% of people with sleep apnea
Heart disease and irregular heart rhythms (atrial fibrillation)
Increased risk of stroke
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
Clinical depression and anxiety disorders
Cognitive decline and increased dementia risk
Increased risk of motor vehicle accidents due to daytime fatigue
Worsened GERD (acid reflux) and weight gain

The good news is that with proper sleep apnea treatment in Ottawa, many of these risks can be significantly reduced, and some patients see improvements in blood pressure and energy within weeks of starting treatment.

Are You a Candidate for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Obstructive sleep apnea affects people of all ages and body types, though certain factors increase risk significantly. You may be a strong candidate for a sleep assessment if you:

Snore loudly and regularly
Have been observed stopping breathing during sleep
Feel exhausted despite a full night’s rest
Are overweight or have a BMI over 25
Have a thick neck (collar size >17″ for men, >16″ for women)

Have a naturally narrow airway, large tonsils, or a recessed jaw
Have a family history of sleep apnea
Regularly consume alcohol, sedatives, or muscle relaxants
Smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke
Have been diagnosed with hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, or heart disease

No doctor’s referral is required to see Dr. Dahan. Our team welcomes Ottawa residents from Kanata, Nepean, Gloucester, Orléans, Vanier, Cumberland, Goulbourn, Rideau, West Carleton, Stittsville, and the greater Ottawa-Gatineau area.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment

While CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are a traditional treatment for sleep apnea, nearly 50% of patients find them uncomfortable, bulky, and difficult to use consistently. Oral Appliance Therapy is a comfortable, effective alternative for many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Oral appliances are custom-fitted dental devices, similar to a retainer or sports guard, that you wear while sleeping. They work by gently repositioning your jaw slightly forward, which keeps your airway open throughout the night. Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are quiet, portable, easy to clean, and much more comfortable for most patients.

Each appliance is custom-designed for your mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit that won’t cause jaw discomfort or TMJ issues. Many patients find oral appliances far easier to use consistently than CPAP, which is essential for treatment.

Before beginning any treatment option, we recommend a diagnostic sleep assessment to properly evaluate your condition.

CPAP Therapy vs. Oral Appliance Comparison (Visual Table):

Feature	Oral Appliance	CPAP Machine
Treats Sleep Apnea	✓	✓
Reduces Snoring	✓	✓
Comfort During Sleep	✓ High	✗ Low
Ease of Use	✓ Simple	✗ Complex
Portable for Travel	✓ Pocket-sized	✗ Bulky
No Electricity Needed	✓	✗
Quiet Operation	✓ Silent	✗ Noisy
Low Maintenance	✓	✗ Filters/masks
Lower Lifetime Cost	✓	✗
Long-term Compliance Rate	✓ Higher	✗ ~50% abandon

Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Journey

Sleep Assessment & Diagnosis

We’ll discuss your symptoms and sleep patterns. If needed, we’ll accurately diagnose your condition. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Custom Oral Appliance

If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we’ll take precise impressions to create a custom-fitted device. Your appliance will be designed specifically for your mouth and adjusted for optimal comfort and effectiveness.

Follow-Up Care & Adjustments

We’ll monitor your progress with regular follow-up appointments, make any necessary adjustments to your appliance, and ensure your treatment is providing the relief you need for better sleep.

Learn more about our process and pricing

Photo of Dr. Dahan at his Ottawa clinic- Sleep Apnea Clinic in Ottawa

Meet Your Ottawa Sleep Apnea Practitioner: Dr. Dahan

With advanced credentials from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Dr. Dahan has dedicated his career to helping Ottawa patients.

Dr. Dahan has extensive experience in dental sleep medicine and TMJ disorders. He has lectured on sleep-disordered breathing at McGill University and Tufts University, served on advisory committees for the Canadian Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines (CACSDD), and published research on the connection between orofacial pain and sleep apnea.

When you come to Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic, you’re seeing a recognized practitioner who takes the time to review your full health picture, explain your options clearly, and design a treatment plan based on your specific anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.

Meet Dr. Dahan

Ready for Better Sleep?

You don’t have to keep waking up exhausted. You don’t have to sleep with a CPAP mask.

At Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic, Dr. Dahan and his team have helped hundreds of Ottawa-area patients with restful, restorative sleep without the discomfort of CPAP. Schedule your sleep assessment with Dr. Dahan today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is sleep apnea dangerous if left untreated?

How effective are oral appliances compared to CPAP?

Will my insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?

Can I travel with an oral appliance?

Is sleep apnea dangerous if left untreated?

Yes. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and increased risk of accidents due to daytime fatigue. Getting treatment is important for your long-term health.

How effective are oral appliances compared to CPAP?

For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances can be highly effective. Studies show that patients are more likely to use oral appliances consistently compared to CPAP, which makes them more effective in practice. Dr. Dahan will help determine the best option for your specific case.

Will my insurance cover oral appliance therapy?

Coverage varies and is typically assessed through medical insurance, not dental insurance.
Patients are advised to contact their medical coverage provider to ask:
Whether the appliance is considered a CPAP alternative
What reimbursement may be available

How long does it take to get used to an oral appliance?

Most patients adjust within a few days to a couple of weeks. The appliance is custom-fitted for comfort, and we’ll make adjustments as needed to ensure it’s comfortable and effective.

Can I travel with an oral appliance?

Absolutely! One of the major advantages of oral appliances is portability. They’re small, don’t require electricity, and fit easily in a travel case – much more convenient than a CPAP machine.

Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment in Ottawa

Oral appliance therapy for better sleep without a mask.