Reclaim Restful Nights with Personalized Sleep Apnea Treatment in Harris, NY
If you wake up feeling exhausted, experience loud snoring, or find yourself gasping for air during sleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. This common but serious condition affects breathing during the night, leading to poor sleep quality and health issues over time. At Cohen Dentistry, our sleep apnea specialist in Harris, NY, Dr. Ari Cohen, provides advanced, non-invasive treatments to help patients breathe freely and sleep soundly. Using techniques like epigenetic orthodontics, myofunctional appliances, biomimetic oral appliance therapy, and traditional oral appliances, our Harris dentist tailors each treatment to your specific needs.
We proudly serve patients in Harris, Monticello, Liberty, and Fallsburg, helping our community achieve healthier sleep and brighter mornings. If you’re ready to breathe easier and sleep better, contact our dental office in Harris by calling (845) 794-4545.
Why Choose Cohen Dentistry for Sleep Apnea Care
Dr. Ari Cohen has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education (CE) credits in craniofacial sleep medicine, equipping him with an advanced understanding of how airway health, facial growth, and dental alignment are interconnected. His extensive training allows him to diagnose and treat sleep apnea with precision and care, combining medical science with a deep understanding of oral function.
At Cohen Dentistry, we’re committed to providing solutions that go beyond symptom relief to help our patients enjoy lasting, restorative sleep.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder that causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can last for several seconds and occur multiple times throughout the night, reducing oxygen levels in the body.
The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which happens when the muscles in the back of your throat relax too much, blocking the airway. This restriction makes it difficult for air to flow freely, forcing the body to wake up briefly to resume normal breathing.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Many people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it, since the condition occurs while sleeping. However, there are several warning signs to look out for, including:
- Loud or chronic snoring
- Gasping or choking sounds during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches or brain fog
- Daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating or irritability
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Restless sleep or insomnia
If you experience any of these symptoms, or if your partner notices unusual breathing patterns, contact Cohen Dentistry by calling (845) 794-4545 to get evaluated for sleep apnea. Early diagnosis and treatment from our skilled dentist in Harris can significantly improve your quality of life.
How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
Diagnosing sleep apnea begins with understanding how your body functions during rest. At Cohen Dentistry, Dr. Cohen often recommends a home sleep test (HST) for a convenient and comfortable way to assess your sleep patterns.
During a home sleep test, you’ll wear a small, easy-to-use device that monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate while you sleep in your own bed. The results are then analyzed to determine if your airway is becoming blocked or restricted during the night.
This modern approach allows for a more natural sleep environment compared to traditional in-lab studies, helping provide accurate and reliable results. Once the test confirms a diagnosis, Dr. Cohen will create a personalized treatment plan that may include advanced therapies like epigenetic orthodontics, biomimetic oral appliance therapy, or myofunctional appliances to promote long-term airway health.
Sleep Apnea Treatments Offered at Cohen Dentistry
Dr. Cohen takes a holistic and customized approach to treating sleep apnea. Rather than relying on bulky CPAP machines, we focus on comfortable, modern dental therapies designed to promote natural breathing and jaw development.
Epigenetic Orthodontics
Epigenetic orthodontics uses specialized oral appliances that encourage the jaw to grow and reposition naturally over time. By gently expanding the airway and improving facial structure, this method can reduce or eliminate breathing obstructions. It’s a non-surgical, long-term solution that addresses the root cause of sleep apnea instead of just the symptoms.
Myofunctional Appliances
Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth and face to function properly. These appliances support correct tongue posture and strengthen oral muscles to maintain an open airway. Myofunctional therapy can be an effective option for both children and adults dealing with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Biomimetic Oral Appliance Therapy (BOAT)
Biomimetic oral appliance therapy mimics natural biological functions to restore proper airway structure and breathing patterns. These custom-made devices are worn during sleep and help guide the development of the jaw and airway to their ideal shape and size. BOAT is comfortable, minimally invasive, and can lead to permanent improvements in sleep quality and facial balance.
Traditional Oral Appliance Therapy
For patients seeking a simpler approach, traditional oral appliances gently reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These devices are easy to wear, portable, and offer a great alternative for those who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy.
Each patient receives a personalized evaluation to determine which treatment best fits their condition, comfort, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Most oral appliances are custom-made to fit precisely over your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Unlike bulky CPAP masks, these devices are lightweight, quiet, and easy to wear throughout the night. Patients often adjust to them quickly, as they allow for natural jaw movement and don’t interfere with sleep positions. They’re also compact and portable, making them ideal for travel or nights away from home.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of your sleep apnea and the type of appliance used. Many patients notice reduced snoring, better breathing, and improved energy within just a few weeks of starting treatment. As the airway adapts and muscle tone improves, long-term results such as deeper sleep, sharper focus, and fewer morning headaches become more noticeable. Dr. Cohen monitors your progress closely with regular follow-ups to ensure your device continues to fit comfortably and deliver the best possible outcome.
Absolutely. In fact, addressing airway issues early can help prevent more serious problems later in life. Children who snore, breathe through their mouths, or struggle with restless sleep may benefit from myofunctional appliances or epigenetic orthodontics. These treatments gently guide jaw growth, encourage proper tongue posture, and expand the airway to support healthy breathing and facial development.
Enhance Your Sleep Quality with Our Harris, NY Dentist
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your rest, it impacts your health and happiness. At Cohen Dentistry, Dr. Ari Cohen offers advanced, patient-focused solutions that help you breathe easier, sleep deeper, and live better. Whether you’re in Harris, Monticello, Liberty, or Fallsburg, our team is here to help you rediscover the benefits of a full night’s sleep.
Don’t let sleep apnea control your life. Contact the best dentist near Harris, NY, today by calling (845) 794-4545 to schedule your consultation and learn how our modern treatments can help you achieve lasting relief.