Sleep Apnea Treatment in Chicago, IL

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the airway to narrow or close. This interruption in breathing can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, depriving your body of oxygen and disrupting your sleep cycle.

Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Loud, frequent snoring
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Daytime fatigue or difficulty concentrating
• Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning
• Morning headaches
• Irritability or mood changes

If you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea or suspect you're experiencing symptoms, sleep apnea treatment with a custom oral appliance may be an effective solution—especially for those who struggle to tolerate a CPAP machine.

How Dentistry Can Help with Sleep Apnea

At Ramy Bahu, DDS, we use dental sleep medicine techniques to address obstructive sleep apnea with a more comfortable approach. Our office provides custom-made oral appliances that reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.

Unlike bulky CPAP machines, these appliances are:

• Compact and easy to travel with
• Silent and noninvasive
• Comfortable for long-term nightly use
• Custom-fitted to your teeth and bite
• Proven effective for mild to moderate OSA and snoring

These appliances are also a helpful option for patients with snoring problems who don’t have a formal diagnosis but want relief.

Our Approach to Sleep Apnea Treatment

We work closely with local sleep physicians and medical providers to ensure that your treatment plan is medically appropriate and fully coordinated. Here's what to expect:

1. Consultation & Screening – We discuss your symptoms, review any prior sleep studies, and assess your airway and jaw position.
2. Referral for Diagnosis – If you haven’t yet been diagnosed, we can refer you to a qualified sleep specialist for a sleep study.
3. Custom Appliance Design – Using digital impressions and bite analysis, we create a personalized oral appliance to fit your anatomy.
4. Appliance Delivery & Fitting – You’ll receive your device and learn how to use it effectively. We’ll also make sure it fits properly and feels comfortable.
5. Follow-Up & Adjustments – We monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to optimize your results.

We also use advanced dental technology, including digital scanning, for highly accurate impressions and a streamlined treatment experience.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Many patients find that oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea improves not only their sleep but also their overall quality of life. Benefits include:

• Reduced or eliminated snoring
• Better oxygen flow and more restful sleep
• Decreased risk of conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease
• Improved focus and energy throughout the day
• No electricity, masks, or tubes required

If you're looking for a simpler alternative to CPAP or haven’t found success with other treatments, a dental approach may offer the relief you’ve been seeking.

Meet Your Chicago Sleep Apnea Dentist

Dr. Ramy Bahu, D.D.S. is trained in dental sleep medicine and brings decades of clinical experience to his work with sleep apnea and snoring patients. He collaborates with sleep physicians to ensure that each oral appliance is part of a comprehensive and medically sound treatment plan. His goal is to help patients sleep better and live healthier, without unnecessary discomfort.

Related Services

In addition to sleep apnea therapy, we also provide:

• Snore Guards – For patients experiencing chronic snoring without a diagnosis of sleep apnea
• TMJ Therapy – For jaw-related pain that may affect sleep quality
• Bruxism Treatment – Nightguard solutions for nighttime grinding and clenching

These services often complement sleep apnea therapy by addressing additional factors that interfere with healthy rest.