“Save Teeth. Save Lives.”
Key Takeaways
- Airway Health Impacts Whole-Body Wellness Your ability to breathe properly—especially during sleep—affects your heart health, energy, focus, and even longevity.
- Airway Dentistry Looks Beyond Teeth Dr. Jiyoung Jung at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, TX, evaluates how your jaw, tongue, and facial structures influence your breathing and sleep quality.
- Early Detection Prevents Long-Term Problems Identifying airway issues, tongue ties, or narrow jaws early—especially in children—can prevent sleep disorders and developmental concerns later in life.
- Comfortable, Non-Invasive Treatments Are Available With customized oral appliances and advanced laser therapy, many patients find relief without surgery or CPAP machines.
- Holistic Care for Lasting Results Dr. Jung’s integrative “Three Legs of the Healing Stool” approach addresses structural, chemical, and emotional balance to restore health and improve quality of life.
Understanding the Life-Changing Connection Between Your Airway and Overall Health
When you think about visiting the dentist, you probably imagine cleanings, fillings, or maybe a teeth whitening session. But what if your dentist could help you sleep better, reduce your risk of heart disease, boost your energy levels, and potentially add years to your life? That’s exactly what airway-focused dentistry offers, and it’s transforming how we approach both dental care and whole-body wellness throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, Texas, Dr. Jiyoung Jung has pioneered an approach that recognizes something many healthcare providers overlook—your mouth is the gateway to your entire body’s health. Featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, CBS & TEDx, and recognized in D Magazine’s Best Dentists for five consecutive years (2021-2025), Dr. Jung has dedicated her practice to addressing not just your teeth, but the critical role your airway plays in determining your quality of life.
If you’re waking up exhausted despite spending eight hours in bed, if your partner complains about your snoring, or if you’ve been told you stop breathing during sleep, you’re dealing with more than just an annoyance. You’re facing a serious health condition that affects everything from your brain function to your cardiovascular health. The good news? Your dentist might be the healthcare provider best positioned to help.
What Exactly Is Airway-Focused Dentistry?
Airway-focused dentistry represents a fundamental shift in how we think about oral health. Rather than simply treating teeth and gums in isolation, this approach recognizes that the structures in your mouth—your jaw position, tongue placement, soft palate, and overall craniofacial development—directly impact your ability to breathe properly, especially during sleep.
Think of your airway as a vital highway that needs to stay open around the clock. When structural issues in your mouth, jaw, or throat narrow this highway, air struggles to flow freely. During sleep, when your muscles naturally relax, a compromised airway can partially or completely collapse, leading to sleep-disordered breathing conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Jung’s airway-focused approach involves comprehensive screening that goes far beyond what you’d experience at a typical dental visit. During your examination at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, she evaluates not just your teeth and gums, but also your jaw alignment, tongue position, soft tissue structures, facial symmetry, and breathing patterns. This holistic assessment allows her to identify airway problems before they lead to serious health consequences.
The philosophy behind this approach aligns perfectly with Dr. Jung’s “Three Legs of the Healing Stool” methodology, which recognizes that true healing requires addressing three interconnected pillars: structural balance, chemical balance in the body, and emotional, mental, and spiritual balance. Just as a three-legged stool requires all legs to remain stable, optimal health depends on balancing these essential elements.
The Hidden Epidemic: Sleep Apnea in Dallas-Fort Worth
Sleep apnea affects millions of Americans, yet studies suggest that up to 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area—from Mansfield and Arlington to Burleson, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Midlothian, Alvarado, and beyond—countless residents suffer from this condition without realizing that their chronic fatigue, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating stem from disrupted breathing during sleep.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues at the back of your throat relax during sleep and block your airway. Your brain detects the drop in oxygen and briefly wakes you to restore breathing, often without you even realizing it. These micro-awakenings can happen dozens or even hundreds of times per night, preventing you from reaching the deep, restorative sleep stages your body needs to function properly.
The consequences extend far beyond feeling tired. Sleep apnea triggers a cascade of physiological stress responses that affect virtually every system in your body. Each time your airway collapses and oxygen levels drop, your body releases stress hormones, your heart rate spikes, and your blood pressure rises. Night after night, this pattern inflicts serious damage.
Research has linked untreated sleep apnea to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and even certain cancers. For children, sleep-disordered breathing can impact growth, development, behavior, and academic performance. The stakes couldn’t be higher, which is why early detection and effective treatment are so critical.
Why Your Dentist Should Be Your First Stop for Sleep Concerns
You might wonder why you should see a dentist about a sleep problem rather than going straight to a sleep specialist. The answer lies in the unique position dentists occupy in understanding the oral and facial structures that directly impact your airway.
Dr. Jung sees you regularly for routine dental care, giving her the opportunity to spot warning signs that other healthcare providers might miss. During every comprehensive examination at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, she looks for telltale indicators of sleep-disordered breathing, including worn tooth surfaces from grinding, a scalloped tongue showing pressure marks from your teeth, redness in the throat, enlarged tonsils, and changes in your jaw position or facial structure.
Beyond recognition, Dr. Jung has completed specialized advanced training in sleep apnea treatment and airway management. This expertise allows her to offer effective treatment solutions that many patients find more comfortable and sustainable than traditional CPAP therapy. While CPAP machines remain the gold standard for severe sleep apnea, many patients struggle with compliance due to discomfort, noise, claustrophobia, or simple inconvenience. Oral appliance therapy provides a practical alternative that works beautifully for many patients, especially those with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
The airway-focused approach at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics also emphasizes collaborative care. Dr. Jung works closely with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, functional medicine practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated treatment. This team approach means you’re not navigating the healthcare system alone—you have a dedicated advocate who understands how all the pieces fit together.
The Comprehensive Sleep Apnea Evaluation Process
When you visit Central Park Dental & Orthodontics with concerns about sleep apnea or breathing problems, you’ll experience a thorough evaluation that examines multiple factors contributing to airway function. This comprehensive approach sets Dr. Jung’s practice apart from typical dental offices throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Your evaluation begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms, sleep quality, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Jung wants to understand not just whether you snore, but also how you feel when you wake up, how your energy level fluctuates throughout the day, whether you experience morning headaches or dry mouth, and whether you’ve noticed changes in your mood or cognitive function. She’ll also ask about your family history, as genetics can play a significant role in airway structure and sleep apnea risk.
The clinical examination involves a comprehensive assessment of your oral and facial structures. Using advanced diagnostic technology including 3D cone beam CT imaging, Dr. Jung can visualize your airway in three dimensions, identifying restrictions or abnormalities that might not be apparent through visual examination alone. This cutting-edge technology allows for precise diagnosis and treatment planning tailored to your specific anatomy.
Dr. Jung evaluates your jaw alignment and how your upper and lower teeth fit together, as malocclusion can contribute to airway problems. She assesses your tongue size, position, and any restrictions in its movement that might indicate a tongue tie. She examines your soft palate, tonsils, and throat tissues to identify any enlargement or other issues affecting airway space. She also looks at your facial structure, noting any asymmetries or developmental patterns that might impact breathing.
The evaluation includes screening for signs of teeth grinding or clenching, which often accompany sleep apnea as your body struggles to keep the airway open. Worn tooth surfaces, cracked teeth, or tension in your jaw muscles all provide valuable diagnostic clues.
For many patients, Dr. Jung recommends a home sleep study to objectively measure breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep position during the night. These studies provide crucial data about the severity of your sleep apnea and help guide treatment decisions. When appropriate, she collaborates with board-certified sleep physicians to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and comprehensive care plan.
Advanced Treatment Options That Work for Real Life
One of the greatest advantages of seeking sleep apnea treatment at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics is the range of advanced treatment options Dr. Jung offers, customized to fit your specific needs, lifestyle, and the severity of your condition.
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
For many patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, custom oral appliances represent an ideal treatment solution. These devices, which look somewhat like athletic mouthguards, work by repositioning your lower jaw slightly forward during sleep. This forward positioning prevents your tongue and soft tissues from collapsing backward into your airway, keeping the passage open for unobstructed breathing throughout the night.
Unlike one-size-fits-all devices you might find online, the oral appliances Dr. Jung provides are precisely custom-fitted to your mouth using detailed impressions and measurements. This customization ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness while minimizing potential side effects. Most patients find oral appliances far more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines, leading to much higher compliance rates and better long-term outcomes.
The appliances are adjustable, allowing Dr. Jung to fine-tune the jaw position to achieve optimal airway opening while maintaining comfort. Regular follow-up appointments ensure the device continues working effectively as you adapt to treatment.
Advanced Laser Therapy
Central Park Dental & Orthodontics utilizes state-of-the-art laser technology to address certain anatomical factors contributing to airway obstruction. Advanced laser treatment can be used to tighten and tone soft tissues in the mouth and throat that may be contributing to airway collapse during sleep.
This innovative approach offers several advantages over traditional surgical methods. The precision of laser technology allows for targeted treatment with minimal discomfort, reduced bleeding, and faster healing times. Many patients appreciate that laser therapy can be performed in the comfort of the dental office without the need for hospitalization or general anesthesia.
The laser energy stimulates collagen production and tissue remodeling, which can help improve airway patency and reduce the severity of snoring and sleep apnea symptoms. While not appropriate for every patient, laser therapy provides an excellent option for many individuals seeking a minimally invasive approach to airway management.
Collaborative Medical Treatment
Dr. Jung recognizes that some patients require interventions beyond the scope of dental treatment. Her collaborative approach means she works seamlessly with sleep physicians, ENT specialists, and other medical professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive care. She may refer you for evaluation of enlarged tonsils or adenoids, nasal obstruction, or other medical factors affecting your breathing.
For patients with severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy may be necessary, at least initially. Dr. Jung can work with your sleep physician to explore combination approaches that might allow you to reduce CPAP pressure or eventually transition to oral appliance therapy as your condition improves.
This collaborative philosophy extends to working with functional medicine practitioners, nutritionists, physical therapists, and other wellness professionals who can address contributing factors like obesity, inflammatory conditions, postural problems, or nutritional deficiencies that impact sleep quality and overall health.
Airway-Focused Care for Children: Preventing Problems Before They Start
One of the most powerful aspects of airway-focused dentistry is its potential to identify and address breathing problems in children before they lead to lifelong health consequences. Dr. Jung’s expertise in pediatric airway evaluation has helped countless families throughout Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, and surrounding communities recognize and treat sleep-disordered breathing in their children.
Children with airway problems often display different symptoms than adults. Rather than excessive daytime sleepiness, kids with sleep-disordered breathing might seem hyperactive, struggle with attention and focus, experience behavioral problems, or perform poorly in school. Many children diagnosed with ADHD actually suffer from unrecognized sleep-disordered breathing that fragments their sleep and impairs brain function.
Other warning signs in children include chronic mouth breathing, snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, night terrors, morning headaches, difficulty waking up, and slow growth or failure to thrive. Physically, children with airway problems often develop characteristic facial features including elongated face shape, narrow jaws, crowded teeth, dark circles under the eyes, and a forward head posture.
Dr. Jung’s comprehensive evaluation identifies these issues early when intervention can be most effective. Treatment might involve addressing tongue ties or lip ties that restrict proper oral function and facial development. It might include myofunctional therapy to retrain breathing patterns and strengthen the muscles that support the airway. It could involve orthodontic approaches that expand the palate and dental arches, creating more space for the tongue and improving airway dimensions.
The goal is to guide proper facial and airway development during childhood, preventing the need for more invasive interventions later in life. By addressing these issues early, we can help children breathe properly, sleep soundly, and reach their full potential for growth, development, and lifelong health.
The Whole-Body Health Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea
The benefits of successfully treating sleep apnea extend far beyond simply sleeping better, though that alone can be life-changing. When you restore healthy breathing patterns during sleep, you’re addressing a fundamental physiological dysfunction that affects your entire body.
Cardiovascular Protection
Untreated sleep apnea places enormous stress on your cardiovascular system. The repeated cycles of oxygen deprivation and arousal trigger surges in blood pressure and heart rate that persist even during waking hours. This chronic stress contributes to hypertension, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart attack, and stroke risk.
Treating sleep apnea has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure, particularly nighttime blood pressure, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular events. Many patients find they can reduce or even eliminate blood pressure medications after successfully treating their sleep apnea. The improvements in heart health can literally add years to your life.
Metabolic Health and Weight Management
Sleep apnea interferes with metabolic function in multiple ways. The sleep fragmentation disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, making you hungrier and more likely to crave high-calorie foods. The constant fatigue makes exercise feel impossible. The metabolic stress promotes insulin resistance, increasing diabetes risk.
When you treat sleep apnea and restore restful sleep, these metabolic disturbances often improve dramatically. Many patients find it easier to lose weight, manage blood sugar levels, and maintain energy for physical activity. The metabolic benefits create a positive cycle—as your sleep improves, losing weight becomes easier, and as you lose weight, your sleep apnea often improves further.
Cognitive Function and Mental Health
Your brain needs quality sleep to function properly. During deep sleep, your brain clears out metabolic waste products, consolidates memories, and performs essential maintenance. When sleep apnea fragments your sleep and deprives your brain of oxygen, cognitive function suffers.
Patients with untreated sleep apnea experience problems with memory, concentration, decision-making, and reaction time. They face increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Depression and anxiety are also significantly more common among people with sleep apnea.
Treating sleep apnea can produce remarkable improvements in mental clarity, focus, memory, and mood. Many patients describe feeling like they’ve gotten their mental sharpness back after years of brain fog. The emotional benefits can be equally profound, with reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms as sleep quality improves.
Daytime Function and Quality of Life
Perhaps the most immediate and noticeable benefit of treating sleep apnea is the improvement in how you feel during your waking hours. The chronic exhaustion that colors every aspect of life begins to lift. You wake up feeling actually refreshed instead of feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.
Your energy level throughout the day improves dramatically. Work becomes easier. You have the energy to exercise, spend quality time with family and friends, and engage in activities you enjoy. Your relationships improve as irritability and mood swings diminish. Your productivity and performance at work increase. Your risk of drowsy driving accidents—which claim thousands of lives annually—decreases significantly.
For many patients, successfully treating sleep apnea feels like getting their life back after years of struggling through each day in a fog of exhaustion.
The Three Legs of the Healing Stool: A Holistic Approach to Sleep and Health
Dr. Jung’s treatment philosophy extends beyond simply providing a device or performing a procedure. Her innovative “Three Legs of the Healing Stool” approach recognizes that true healing requires addressing multiple interconnected aspects of health simultaneously.
Structural Balance
The first leg focuses on structural alignment, both of your body and your oral structures. When your jaw is properly positioned, your teeth are aligned correctly, your tongue has adequate space, and your airway has optimal dimensions, your body can function as it was designed to. Dr. Jung evaluates and addresses structural issues that might be contributing to your sleep apnea and other health problems.
This might involve orthodontic treatment to create better jaw alignment, oral appliances to maintain proper positioning during sleep, or coordination with physical therapists and chiropractors to address postural problems affecting your breathing. The goal is to create structural harmony that supports healthy function throughout your body.
Chemical Balance in the Body
The second leg addresses the chemical environment within your body. This includes reducing toxic burden, optimizing nutrition, balancing oral pH and bacterial flora, and addressing inflammatory processes that might be contributing to tissue swelling and airway obstruction.
Dr. Jung may work with nutritionists and functional medicine practitioners to identify food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, or inflammatory triggers affecting your sleep and overall health. She might recommend specific supplements or dietary changes that support airway health and reduce inflammation. The goal is to create an internal chemical environment that promotes healing and optimal function.
Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Balance
The third leg recognizes the profound connection between your mental and emotional state and your physical health. Stress, anxiety, depression, and unresolved emotional trauma all impact your body’s ability to heal and function properly. They can affect sleep quality, muscle tension, inflammatory responses, and numerous other physiological processes.
Dr. Jung’s holistic approach includes supporting your emotional and mental wellbeing as part of your overall health journey. This might involve stress management techniques, coordination with mental health professionals, or mindfulness practices that help you achieve greater balance and peace. When all three legs of the stool are addressed, true healing becomes possible.
Why Choose Central Park Dental & Orthodontics for Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
Throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, numerous dental practices claim to offer sleep apnea treatment. What sets Central Park Dental & Orthodontics apart is the combination of Dr. Jung’s expertise, advanced technology, comprehensive philosophy, and genuine commitment to each patient’s wellbeing.
Dr. Jung’s extensive training and recognition speak to her expertise. Her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry—a distinction achieved by only 6% of dentists—demonstrates her commitment to continuing education and clinical excellence. Her five consecutive years of recognition in D Magazine’s Best Dentists (2021-2025) reflects the respect she’s earned from both patients and peers. Her features on major networks and at TEDx showcase her thought leadership in connecting oral health to overall wellness.
The technology available at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics puts the practice at the forefront of modern dentistry. The 3D cone beam CT system provides detailed three-dimensional imaging that allows for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. Advanced laser technology enables minimally invasive procedures with excellent outcomes. Digital scanning and advanced diagnostic tools ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout your treatment journey.
Most importantly, the culture at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics reflects a genuine commitment to patient-centered care. From your first phone call to the completion of your treatment and beyond, you’ll experience the difference that comes from a practice where the team truly cares about your health and wellbeing. Dr. Jung takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in detail, and involve you as an active partner in treatment decisions.
The convenient Mansfield location at 1101 Alexis Ct #101 makes the practice easily accessible from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Arlington, Burleson, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Midlothian, Alvarado, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Whether you’re coming from just down the street or across the metroplex, you’ll find that the quality of care makes the trip worthwhile.
Real Solutions for Real People: What to Expect from Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Journey
Starting treatment for sleep apnea might feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been struggling with symptoms for years without understanding their cause. Dr. Jung and her team make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible, guiding you through each step with clear communication and compassionate support.
Your journey begins with that comprehensive evaluation we discussed earlier. This initial assessment typically takes place during an extended appointment that allows time for thorough examination, imaging if needed, and detailed discussion of your symptoms and concerns. Dr. Jung will explain her findings in terms you can understand, showing you images and pointing out specific issues she’s identified.
If she determines you’re a candidate for treatment, she’ll discuss your options in detail, including the pros and cons of different approaches, expected outcomes, timeline, and costs. You’ll never feel pressured to make immediate decisions—Dr. Jung wants you to feel confident and informed about your treatment choice.
Once you begin treatment with an oral appliance, you’ll return for follow-up appointments to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. Dr. Jung will make any necessary adjustments to optimize your results. Many patients notice improvements within the first few weeks of using their appliance, though it can take several months to achieve full benefits as your body adapts to consistent, healthy sleep.
Follow-up sleep testing helps document the improvement in your breathing patterns and ensures the treatment is working as intended. Dr. Jung continues to monitor your progress over time, making adjustments as needed to maintain optimal results.
Throughout your treatment journey, the entire team at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics remains available to address questions or concerns. They understand that adjusting to any new treatment takes time and patience, and they’re committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Taking the First Step Toward Better Sleep and Better Health
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea—chronic fatigue, snoring, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating, or concerns raised by your sleeping partner—the time to take action is now. Every night of disrupted sleep inflicts further damage on your body. Every day spent exhausted and struggling diminishes your quality of life. The good news is that effective treatment is available, and it could change your life.
At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Jiyoung Jung and her dedicated team are ready to help you discover how much better you can feel when you’re breathing properly and sleeping soundly. The comprehensive, whole-body approach means you’re not just treating a symptom—you’re addressing underlying issues and supporting your body’s natural capacity for healing and optimal function.
You don’t have to settle for feeling exhausted all the time. You don’t have to accept declining health as inevitable. You don’t have to struggle alone with a condition that affects millions of Americans but remains dangerously underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Whether you’re located in Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Midlothian, Alvarado, Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the DFW metroplex, Central Park Dental & Orthodontics is here to provide the expert care you deserve. The practice’s reputation for excellence, combined with Dr. Jung’s specialized expertise in airway-focused dentistry, makes it the ideal choice for addressing sleep-disordered breathing and reclaiming your health.
Don’t wait another day to start feeling better. Your path to restful sleep, renewed energy, and vibrant health begins with a single phone call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airway-Focused Dentistry and Sleep Apnea Treatment
How do I know if I have sleep apnea or just regular snoring?
While snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea, not everyone who snores has the condition. Warning signs that suggest sleep apnea rather than simple snoring include loud, persistent snoring that disrupts others’ sleep, observed pauses in breathing during sleep, gasping or choking during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness despite spending adequate time in bed, morning headaches, dry mouth upon waking, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and high blood pressure. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Jung can determine whether sleep apnea is the underlying cause.
How is oral appliance therapy different from CPAP treatment?
CPAP machines work by delivering continuous pressurized air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. While highly effective, many patients find CPAP uncomfortable, noisy, or inconvenient, leading to poor compliance. Oral appliances work differently by physically repositioning your jaw to prevent airway collapse without requiring electricity, masks, or noise. They’re compact, portable, and comfortable for most patients. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances often provide comparable results to CPAP with much higher patient satisfaction and compliance rates.
Will my medical insurance cover sleep apnea treatment at a dental office?
Many medical insurance plans do cover oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, as it’s considered a medical treatment rather than a dental procedure. Coverage varies by plan and typically requires a diagnosis from a sleep physician or documentation from a home sleep study. The team at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics has extensive experience working with medical insurance companies and can help you understand your benefits and maximize coverage. They’ll work with you to make treatment as affordable as possible regardless of your insurance situation.
How long does it take to see results from sleep apnea treatment?
Many patients notice improvements within the first few nights of using their oral appliance, experiencing better sleep quality and feeling more rested upon waking. However, the full benefits often develop gradually over several weeks to months as your body adjusts to consistent, healthy sleep patterns. Improvements in associated health conditions like high blood pressure or cognitive function may take longer to manifest. Dr. Jung monitors your progress closely and makes adjustments as needed to optimize your results throughout the treatment process.
Can children be treated for sleep apnea?
Absolutely, and early intervention in children is especially important because it can prevent lifelong health and developmental problems. Dr. Jung’s expertise in pediatric airway management allows her to identify breathing problems in children and implement age-appropriate treatments. These might include addressing structural issues like tongue ties, guiding proper facial development through orthodontic approaches, or coordinating with other specialists when medical intervention is needed. The goal is to establish healthy breathing patterns during critical developmental years.
What if I’ve tried a mouthguard before and it didn’t work?
Over-the-counter or poorly fitted oral appliances often fail to provide adequate results because they don’t properly position the jaw or maintain their effectiveness over time. The custom appliances Dr. Jung provides are precision-made specifically for your anatomy and are carefully adjusted to achieve optimal airway opening while maintaining comfort. Additionally, Dr. Jung’s comprehensive approach addresses multiple factors that might contribute to treatment failure, ensuring the best possible outcome. If you’ve been disappointed with previous attempts at oral appliance therapy, a consultation can determine whether a properly fitted custom device might work better for you.
How does treating sleep apnea affect other health conditions I have?
Treating sleep apnea often produces improvements in numerous seemingly unrelated health conditions because poor sleep and oxygen deprivation affect virtually every body system. Patients frequently experience reductions in blood pressure, better blood sugar control, improved mood and cognitive function, easier weight management, reduced inflammation, and decreased risk of cardiovascular events. Many people find they can reduce medications for conditions like hypertension or diabetes after successfully treating their sleep apnea. Dr. Jung’s collaborative approach means she works with your other healthcare providers to optimize your overall health outcomes.
What lifestyle changes can support my sleep apnea treatment?
While treatment with an oral appliance addresses the mechanical obstruction causing sleep apnea, certain lifestyle modifications can enhance your results and support overall health. Weight loss often provides significant benefits, as excess tissue in the throat contributes to airway collapse. Avoiding alcohol, especially in the evening, helps maintain muscle tone in the throat during sleep. Sleeping on your side rather than your back reduces the tendency for tissues to collapse into the airway. Addressing nasal congestion, maintaining good sleep hygiene, and managing stress all contribute to better sleep quality. Dr. Jung discusses these factors as part of her comprehensive treatment approach.
How often will I need to see Dr. Jung after starting treatment?
The frequency of follow-up visits depends on your individual situation and how well you’re responding to treatment. Initially, you’ll likely have several appointments in the first few months to ensure proper appliance fit, make any necessary adjustments, and monitor your progress. Once your treatment is optimized and stable, most patients continue with periodic follow-up visits to ensure the appliance remains effective and properly fitted. These maintenance appointments typically occur every six to twelve months alongside your regular dental visits. Dr. Jung’s team will work with you to develop a follow-up schedule that ensures optimal long-term results.
Can sleep apnea come back after treatment?
The oral appliance controls sleep apnea by maintaining proper jaw position during sleep, so it continues to work as long as you use it consistently. If you stop using the appliance, the symptoms will typically return. However, for some patients, particularly children undergoing developmental treatments or adults who lose significant weight, the underlying anatomical issues can improve to the point where treatment may eventually be reduced or discontinued. Dr. Jung monitors your condition over time and adjusts your treatment plan as needed based on your evolving needs.
What makes Dr. Jung specifically qualified to treat sleep apnea?
Dr. Jung has completed extensive specialized training in sleep apnea treatment and airway management beyond her comprehensive dental education. Her Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry demonstrates advanced clinical expertise, and her specific focus on the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness makes her particularly qualified to address sleep-disordered breathing. Her collaborative approach, working with sleep physicians and other specialists, ensures you receive comprehensive, coordinated care. Her recognition in D Magazine’s Best Dentists for five consecutive years and features on national media outlets reflect the expertise and outcomes that set her apart in the field.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
For your initial consultation, bring a list of your current medications, information about any diagnosed health conditions, and details about your symptoms including how long you’ve experienced them. If you’ve had a previous sleep study, bring those results. Insurance information is helpful so the team can verify your coverage. Most importantly, bring your questions and concerns—Dr. Jung values open communication and wants to ensure you feel informed and comfortable throughout the evaluation and treatment process.
Start Your Journey to Better Sleep and Optimal Health Today
Your health is too important to put off another day. If you’re ready to discover how airway-focused dentistry and comprehensive sleep apnea treatment can transform your sleep quality, energy levels, and overall wellbeing, Central Park Dental & Orthodontics is here to help.
Dr. Jiyoung Jung and her experienced team welcome patients from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Mansfield, Arlington, Burleson, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Midlothian, Alvarado, Dallas, and Fort Worth. With advanced technology, specialized expertise, and a genuine commitment to whole-body wellness, the practice offers everything you need to address sleep-disordered breathing and support your body’s natural healing capacity.
Call Central Park Dental & Orthodontics today at 817-466-1200 to schedule your comprehensive airway and sleep evaluation. The friendly team will answer your questions, verify your insurance benefits, and help you take the first step toward the restful sleep and vibrant health you deserve.
Central Park Dental & Orthodontics
1101 Alexis Ct #101
Mansfield, TX 76063
Phone: 817-466-1200
You can also conveniently schedule your appointment online through the practice website. Don’t let another night of poor sleep rob you of your health and quality of life—reach out today and discover the difference that expert, compassionate care can make.
Your journey to better sleep, renewed energy, and optimal health begins now. Let Dr. Jung and her team guide you toward the vibrant, healthy life you deserve.
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