If you’re struggling with poor sleep, you’re not alone. Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, disrupting rest and impacting overall health. The good news? Sleep apnea is highly treatable, and Hawkes Dental is here to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
At Hawkes Dental, Dr. Cody Hawkes brings specialized expertise in sleep medicine dentistry. A diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine with an RN background, Dr. Hawkes combines clinical experience with evidence-based treatment protocols. He’s committed to staying current with sleep research and is an active member of the Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH).
Our whole-health philosophy recognizes that quality sleep is foundational to your overall wellness. We address sleep apnea not as an isolated issue, but as part of your complete health picture.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, temporarily blocking your airway and interrupting breathing. These pauses can happen dozens of times per hour, preventing oxygen from reaching your brain and body.
The condition affects an estimated 30 million Americans, yet many remain undiagnosed. Sleep apnea increases risks for heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and dramatically improve your quality of life.
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect your sleep and how you feel during the day. Some common signs are:
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Loud or frequent snoring: Persistent snoring can be a sign that airflow is restricted during sleep.
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Gasping or choking at night: You may wake suddenly feeling short of breath or struggling to breathe.
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Daytime fatigue: Poor-quality sleep can leave you tired even after spending enough time in bed.
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Morning headaches: Repeated nighttime breathing disruptions may contribute to headaches when you wake.
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Trouble concentrating: Sleep loss can affect focus, memory, and mental clarity.
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Restless or unrefreshing sleep: You may wake often or feel like you never get a full night of restful sleep.
Some people with sleep apnea have few obvious symptoms. An evaluation with Dr. Hawkes can help determine whether a sleep-related breathing problem may be affecting your health.
How Oral Appliances Work
While CPAP machines are effective, many patients find them uncomfortable or difficult to tolerate long-term. Custom-fitted oral appliances offer a gentle, non-invasive alternative that’s often easier to use consistently.
These appliances gently reposition your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open during sleep. Research shows they’re comparable to CPAP therapy in effectiveness for many patients, with significantly better comfort and compliance. Our evidence-based approach ensures you receive proven treatment tailored to your needs.
Benefits of Treatment
Treating sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems can improve sleep quality and support better daytime function.
Benefits may include:
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More restful sleep: Better nighttime breathing can reduce disruptions and help you feel more refreshed.
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Improved energy and focus: Quality sleep can support concentration, memory, and daytime alertness.
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Better mood: More consistent sleep may help reduce irritability and support emotional well-being.
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Support for overall health: Treating sleep-disordered breathing can reduce strain associated with untreated sleep apnea.
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Benefits for children: Better sleep may support attention, behavior, learning, school performance, and healthy development.
Note: Children’s signs of poor sleep may present as changes in behavior, attention, or learning, making early evaluation especially important.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Getting started is simple and stress-free. Your first appointment begins with a thorough consultation and review of your symptoms, sleep history, and overall health.
If sleep apnea is suspected, we can help coordinate appropriate sleep testing and work with your physician or sleep provider, who can diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and determine the appropriate treatment options.
Once results are in, Dr. Hawkes will design a custom oral appliance tailored to your anatomy. Follow-up visits allow Dr. Hawkes to check the fit of your appliance, make adjustments when needed, and assess how well treatment is working.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
Oral appliance therapy can be appropriate for some patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. It can be a good alternative for those who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy.
If you snore regularly or your partner has noticed pauses in your breathing, you may be a good candidate. Dr. Hawkes evaluates each patient individually to determine the most effective treatment path.
In some cases, we co-manage care with your physician or sleep specialist to ensure the best possible outcome for your overall health.
Why Choose Hawkes Dental?
Dr. Cody Hawkes is a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, his expertise is invaluable to patients looking for solutions and alternatives to sleep apnea treatment.
At Hawkes Dental, we partner with board certified sleep physicians to faciliate home sleep tests, diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and obtaining prescriptions for the mandibular advancement device.
After the presciption, we scan your teeth and fabricate a custom oral appliance known as a mandibular advancement device to help keep your airway open while you sleep.
Ready to Treat Your Sleep Apnea?
Don’t let sleep apnea steal your rest and health any longer. Contact Hawkes Dental today at (517) 542-2357 to schedule your comprehensive sleep evaluation and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.
