Sleep Apnea Treatment in Winston-Salem, NC

Loud snoring, waking up gasping for air, or feeling tired no matter how much you sleep may be signs of obstructive sleep apnea — a serious condition that affects your breathing, heart health, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, not all treatments involve noisy machines or bulky equipment.

At Trenton B. Bottoms, DDS, we offer sleep apnea treatment in Winston-Salem using custom oral appliances that gently reposition your jaw during sleep to keep your airway open. These appliances are a quiet, comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy — especially for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or CPAP intolerance.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues in the back of your throat relax and block the airway during sleep. These blockages cause breathing to stop briefly — sometimes dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

Common Signs of Sleep Apnea:

• Loud or chronic snoring
  
• Gasping or choking during sleep
  
• Morning headaches or sore throat
  
• Daytime fatigue or brain fog
  
• Irritability or mood changes
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• High blood pressure or heart risk factors
  

If you’ve been searching for a dentist near me offering non-CPAP options for managing sleep apnea, Dr. Bottoms can help you sleep better and breathe easier — without machines or masks.

Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

Oral appliances are small, custom-made devices that are worn during sleep. They work by gently moving the lower jaw forward, which helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of collapse or obstruction.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy:

• Proven alternative to CPAP for mild/moderate OSA
  
• Quiet, compact, and easy to travel with
  
• More comfortable and better tolerated than CPAP for many patients
  
• Helps reduce snoring and improve sleep quality
  
• Non-invasive and easy to maintain
  

We work closely with local sleep physicians to ensure oral appliance therapy is part of a medically guided plan — including confirmation through sleep testing and follow-up studies as needed.

Our Process for Treating Sleep Apnea

1. Sleep Assessment & Referral (if needed)
   We review your symptoms and history. If you haven’t yet been diagnosed, we’ll refer you to a qualified sleep physician for testing.
   
2. Custom Appliance Design
   Once prescribed, we take digital impressions or molds of your bite to fabricate a custom-fitted appliance that’s comfortable and effective.
   
3. Appliance Fitting
   When your appliance is ready, we ensure a proper fit and make adjustments for comfort and jaw alignment.
   
4. Monitoring & Follow-Up
   We schedule regular check-ins to evaluate your symptoms, adjust your appliance, and coordinate with your sleep physician if follow-up testing is needed.
   

Why Choose Dr. Bottoms for Sleep Apnea Therapy?

• Expertise in Airway-Focused Dentistry
  Dr. Bottoms is trained in oral appliance therapy and understands the critical role of jaw position in breathing and sleep health.
  
• Comfort-Focused Devices
  We use modern, low-profile appliances that are comfortable to wear and easy to care for.
  
• Collaboration with Sleep Physicians
  We coordinate your care with local medical providers to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.‍
• Whole-Health Approach
  From snoring to serious apnea, we consider how sleep affects your dental, cardiovascular, and emotional health — and treat accordingly.