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Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment
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Orris Dental offers sleep apnea solutions to help you get a good night's rest.

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Constantly Feel Tired? It Could Be Sleep Apnea
We Have Solutions

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment in Framingham

chart showing airway of person with sleep apnea and normal airwayPersistent snoring can be more than a nightly disturbance. When it occurs alongside gasping, breathing pauses, or daytime sleepiness, it may indicate obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep.

Dr. Ali Maddahi screens for signs of sleep-disordered breathing, refers undiagnosed patients to a sleep physician, and provides custom oral appliance therapy for those with a confirmed diagnosis. His training includes a mini-residency in dental sleep medicine at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissues of the throat relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airway. The brain responds by briefly waking the body to restore breathing, often so quickly that the person is unaware it is happening.

These interruptions can happen many times per hour, preventing restful sleep even if you spend the entire night in bed. Common signs include loud or worsening snoring, witnessed breathing pauses, waking with a choking or gasping sensation, and persistent daytime fatigue.

Left undiagnosed, obstructive sleep apnea can affect cardiovascular health, daily alertness, and overall quality of life.

Oral Appliance Therapy at a Glance

For patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea who are candidates for an oral appliance, a mandibular advancement device offers several practical advantages over CPAP.
No Mask or Tubing
A mandibular advancement device fits inside the mouth and requires no face mask, air hose, or bedside machine. If you find wearing a mask uncomfortable, this can make consistent nightly use more manageable.
Convenient for Travel
With a small device that can be stored in carry-on luggage, patients who travel frequently for work or personal reasons often find it simpler and more convenient to maintain their treatment routine on the road.
Custom Fit and Adjustment
Dr. Maddahi fits the appliance to your mouth and adjusts it gradually based on comfort, symptom response, and follow-up findings. The goal is effective airway support without unnecessary jaw strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is an effective treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Unfortunately, some patients find it difficult to use consistently. Common concerns include mask discomfort, skin irritation, unintentionally removing the mask during sleep, difficulty falling asleep with the equipment, and challenges transporting the machine while traveling.

Call Your Sleep Doctor First

If you are struggling with CPAP, the first step is to speak with your prescribing sleep physician. Adjustments to the mask style, air pressure, or humidification settings can sometimes resolve the issue. If CPAP remains difficult to tolerate, your physician may recommend evaluation for an alternative approach.

Oral appliance therapy may be an option for some patients, depending on their diagnosis, sleep apnea severity, oral health, and jaw function. Dr. Maddahi evaluates dental candidacy, creates and adjusts the custom appliance, and monitors the teeth and jaw throughout treatment.

Coordinated Care for Effective Results

Coordination between Orris Dental and the sleep physician remains essential. The goal is to confirm that the selected treatment is effectively managing the diagnosed condition.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition, but you may have options. Call Orris Dental in Framingham at (508) 270-6770 or book online to learn more. We also serve patients in Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Ashland, Marlborough, Southborough, Westborough, Hopkinton, and Wellesley.

Screening and Medical Diagnosis

Dr. Maddahi uses a structured questionnaire to ask about sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, snoring, and gasping. If symptoms suggest a breathing disorder, he will refer you to a sleep specialist, who arranges the appropriate study and makes the diagnosis.

Oral Appliance Therapy Candidacy and Treatment

A mandibular advancement device (MAD) holds the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep the airway open during sleep. Whether you qualify depends on your diagnosis, severity, oral health, jaw function, and your sleep physician's recommendations. If you qualify, Dr. Maddahi performs the following steps: 

  1. Reviews the sleep diagnosis and physician's recommendations
  2. Evaluates the teeth, gums, bite, and jaw function
  3. Takes records needed to create the custom appliance
  4. Fits the device and adjusts gradually for comfort and effectiveness
  5. Monitors fit, jaw function, and any dental changes over time
  6. Coordinates follow-up testing with the sleep physician to confirm effectiveness

Temporary jaw soreness, changes in saliva flow, or minor bite shifts may occur as you adjust. Dr. Maddahi monitors these concerns and modifies treatment as needed.

  • Ali Maddahi DMD

    Ali Maddahi DMD

    Dr. Maddahi brings more than 35 years of clinical experience to Orris Dental, which he founded in 2010. His path to dentistry began in science. A strong background in microbiology sparked his interest in how oral health connects to overall health, and he was drawn to a field that combines science, problem-solving, and the chance to make a real difference in people's quality of life.

    That scientific foundation still shapes his work. Dr. Maddahi has more than 25 years of teaching and research experience. He has served as an Attending …

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dentist diagnose obstructive sleep apnea?

No. A qualified medical provider diagnoses obstructive sleep apnea, typically through a sleep study. Dr. Maddahi can screen for warning signs and refer you to a sleep specialist for diagnosis. Once he confirms the condition, he evaluates whether oral appliance therapy is appropriate.

Is a sleep apnea appliance the same as a nightguard?

Both fit over the teeth, but they serve different purposes. A nightguard protects teeth from grinding and clenching. A mandibular advancement device repositions the lower jaw to help keep the airway open during sleep. The two are not interchangeable.

Discuss Oral Appliance Therapy with Orris Dental

Whether you have a diagnosis, a physician referral, difficulty with CPAP, or concerning sleep symptoms, we welcome the conversation. Call Orris Dental in Framingham at (508) 270-6770 to schedule an appointment or book online.

We serve patients throughout the MetroWest area, including Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Ashland, Marlborough, Southborough, Westborough, Hopkinton, and Wellesley.

Testimonial

I’ve had an incredible experience every time.

It’s been over a year since I started visiting Orris Dental, and I’ve had an incredible experience every time. Before I found Orris Dental, I was struggling with another dentist for two months. Not only could they not fix my problem, but they also made my visits a nightmare. Thankfully, my friend recommended Orris Dental, and Dr. Maddahi quickly resolved my issue. Since then, my wife and I have become regulars at Orris Dental. Everyone is incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.

-Navid A

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