Issue 20.14
If you have problems sleeping at night, you’re not alone. According to statistics compiled by the Sleep Wellness Institute, 100 million Americans suffer from some type of sleeping disorder, and 18 million suffer from sleep apnea. (Sleep apnea is a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.)
“One of the problems with sleep apnea is that many of those who have it aren’t aware that they have a problem. In fact, since sleep apnea is often characterized by snoring, it’s usually the spouse of the snoring person who recognizes there’s probably some type of sleep disorder. Even though sleep apnea is a serious health issue that can lead to all types of complications, including some that are life threatening, this condition can be treated,” said Dr. Shad Morris, DMD, a diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA), a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and CEO of Premier Sleep Solutions LLC. He is currently the only dentist in Southern Utah with the ASBA diplomate certification and credentialing.
Morris said Premier Sleep Solutions specializes in treating individuals with sleep apnea who have had problems with their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. Premier Sleep Solutions offers oral appliance therapy as an alternative to CPAP.
“Oral appliance therapy involves the selection, fitting and use of a specially designed oral appliance. This appliance maintains an open, unobstructed airway in the throat when worn during sleep. Oral appliances are similar in appearance to bleach trays or mouth pieces, and unlike CPAP devices, are not connected to any type of external apparatus, nor do they require masks that touch the face. For many patients, oral appliances can be as effective as CPAP, yet much more comfortable,” Morris added.
Morris said that Premier Sleep in St. George is the only exclusive dental sleep practice in Southern Utah. As such, the company focuses only on oral appliance therapy.
Most insurance companies now cover oral appliance therapy and the oral appliances. Morris noted that Medicare is leading the way relative to standard of care within the industry.
Premier Sleep Solutions is now offering free sleep consultations. To make an appointment, call Premier Sleep Solutions at (435)319-0478 or visit www.premiersleepsolutions.com. Premier Sleep Solutions is located at 75 S. 100 E. Suite 1 E in St. George. The company also has an office in Salt Lake City.