Sleep Apnea and Airway Dentistry
Better Sleep. Better Health. Better Dentistry
Flexible Financing
No insurance required
Free virtual consult
Same-week appointments
Sleep Apnea & Airway Dentistry
Better Sleep. Better Health. Better Dentistry.
Most people think of sleep apnea as a medical issue, not a dental one.
At Forever Smiles, we see it differently.
Dentists spend more time looking inside your mouth than almost any other provider. Because of that, we often spot the early warning signs of sleep-disordered breathing years before a patient ever gets a formal diagnosis.
Sleep apnea affects way more than just how tired you feel in the morning. It can drive constant fatigue, heavy tooth wear, jaw pain, acid erosion, gum disease, and serious health problems throughout your entire body.
That is why we make airway screening a core part of our routine care.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when your airway partially or completely collapses while you sleep.
As your oxygen levels drop, your brain briefly wakes your body up just enough to gasp for air and reopen the airway. You probably won’t even remember waking up, but this can happen dozens—or hundreds—of times every single night.
This endless cycle robs you of deep, restorative sleep and puts massive stress on your body.
Left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea is linked to:
High blood pressure
Heart disease and strokes
Irregular heartbeats
Type 2 diabetes
Constant exhaustion and daytime sleepiness
Brain fog and trouble focusing
Depression and anxiety
A lower quality of life overall
Sleep is when your body repairs itself. When normal breathing gets interrupted night after night, every single organ feels the strain.
Why Your Dentist May Be the First to Notice
Your mouth holds huge clues about how well you breathe at night
During routine visits, we actively look for red flags that point to airway issues, including:
Severe, unexplained tooth wear
Chipped or cracked teeth
Heavy grinding and clenching (bruxism)
Acid erosion on enamel
Gum recession
An enlarged tongue or a long, soft palate
A crowded, narrow airway opening
Red, inflamed throat tissue
None of these findings confirm sleep apnea on their own, but when several show up together, it is a clear sign that your airway needs a closer look.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Tooth Wear
One of the most common patterns Dr. Shawn Knorr treats is severe tooth wear in patients who turn out to have hidden sleep apnea.
When your airway starts collapsing at night, your body panics to reopen it.
For many people, that survival response involves violently grinding or clenching the jaw. Clenching activates your airway muscles and forces a micro-arousal, waking you up just enough to take a breath.
On top of that, trying to inhale against a blocked airway creates negative pressure that pulls stomach acid up into your mouth.
That acid softens your protective enamel. When you grind heavy teeth against acid-softened enamel all night long, your teeth wear down rapidly, chip, crack, and become painfully sensitive.
It is one of the most destructive environments possible for your smile.
Advanced Airway Screening
We have invested in top-tier technology to spot airway issues early
3D CBCT Airway Analysis
Our 3D Cone Beam CT scanner looks far beyond your teeth. Using specialized software, we measure:
- Total airway volume
- Exact points of airway narrowing
- Tongue size and position
- Jaw structure and palate length
While a 3D scan does not replace a sleep study, it gives us invaluable data to see if you need a medical referral.
Complimentary SleepStat Screening
If we spot signs of sleep-disordered breathing, we offer a complimentary SleepStat device for you to wear overnight at home.
It tracks your blood oxygen levels and pulse rate while you sleep, giving us objective data about your breathing patterns. It isn’t a formal medical diagnosis, but it clearly shows whether you should schedule a full sleep study.
Start Today with a free video consult
Quick, easy, and completely commitment-free — from the comfort of your home.
Oral Appliance Therapy
For mild to moderate sleep apnea, a custom device like the EMA appliance offers a comfortable, quiet alternative to a CPAP machine.
The EMA gently holds your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep, which:
- Expands your airway space
- Prevents soft tissues from collapsing
- Pulls your tongue forward
- Keeps your breathing smooth and quiet
When medically necessary, oral appliance therapy can often be billed through your medical insurance.
Treatment Options
Every airway is unique, and care depends on what is causing the blockage.
If our screening flags an issue, we coordinate with your doctor or a sleep specialist for a formal sleep study. Once diagnosed, we look at several effective paths forward.
Fotona NightLase® Therapy
We also offer Fotona NightLase®, a non-invasive laser treatment that tightens loose throat tissues.
NightLase uses gentle thermal energy to stimulate fresh collagen in your soft palate, which:
- Firms up floppy tissue
- Reduces noisy snoring vibrations
- Keeps your airway open without surgery or downtime
In some cases, we also apply laser energy under the tongue to free up extra breathing room.
Comprehensive Airway Dentistry
We don’t just patch up broken teeth—we look at the big picture.
Many patients come to us frustrated by crumbling teeth, severe wear, or constant jaw pain. Often, the real villain isn’t a bad bite; it’s a struggling airway.
By treating the root cause, we protect your natural teeth while helping you get the deep, healthy sleep your body needs.
Protecting More Than Your Smile
If you snore loudly, wake up exhausted, grind your teeth, or suspect you stop breathing at night, your airway deserves a thorough checkup.
Schedule a comprehensive airway screening at Forever Smiles today.
Using 3D CBCT imaging, complimentary SleepStat home checks, and a detailed dental exam, we’ll help you get to the root of the problem so you can breathe easier and sleep deeper.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Package
For qualified candidates, Forever Smiles offers an all-in-one airway therapy package:
- Five Fotona NightLase® laser sessions
- A custom EMA mandibular advancement appliance
- Complete fitting, adjustments, and follow-up monitoring
Current package investment: $3,600
Note: With a formal sleep apnea diagnosis from a physician, portions of your oral appliance therapy may be covered by your medical insurance.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea and Airway Dentistry
3D CBCT airway analysis
Complimentary SleepStat screening
Oral appliance therapy
Fotona NightLase treatment
Connects tooth wear to airway
Comprehensive treatment package
Patient Testimonials
Our patients’ stories are the best advertisement we have. These video testimonials were recorded by real Forever Smiles patients — no scripts, no actors, no incentives.
Randy
New Teeth in One Day
“My pain was so bad, I flinched every time I took a bite. I was going to a pain clinic, and the guy took one look at me and said, ‘It’s your teeth.’
John
Full dental restoration with implants and crowns
“I want to thank Dr. Knorr, all your assistants, everyone. It’s the best thing I ever did. I would do it again, and I would come to this place again. As a matter of fact, it’s the only place I’m coming to.”
Marion
Full dental restoration
“You know, trying to not smile all the time to all of a sudden a big smile now. It still brings tears to my eyes—from no confidence to what I am right now—it’s amazing. Come see Forever Smiles, the best place I have ever been to. Definitely the place to go.”
Linda
Dental implant and crown
“I’ve been a patient of Dr. Knorr’s since he started his practice in Glencoe. I’ve stuck with him and the group just because they’re great people.
Keith
Chrome denture
“I was having a lot of issues with my teeth—a lot of pain. At Forever Smiles, we got a game plan moving forward. I don’t have pain anymore and haven’t had dental pain in a long, long time.”
Richard
New Teeth in One Day
“I get a lot of compliments from people who knew I had bad teeth, and they say, ‘Man, your teeth look great!’ Dr. Knorr’s a great guy, and they make you feel comfortable here!”
Trudy
Crowns and gum contouring
“I was told I could go anywhere and get nice teeth, but if I came to see Dr. Knorr, he’d give me a beautiful smile.”
Take the First Step To a Healthy Smile
Our team is here to listen, guide, and care for you — whether it’s been years since your last visit or you’re ready for a fresh start. At Forever Smiles, you’ll be treated with respect.
Flexible payment options
No insurance required
Free virtual consult available
Same-week appointments
Before & After Gallery
See the Real-Life Transformations Our Team Creates
Actual patients from our Glencoe practice. Unretouched photos. Results vary by patient.
Flexible Dental Financing & Payment Options
Solutions Designed to Help Make Treatment More Manageable
At Forever Smiles, we require payment at the time of service via cash, check, debit, or credit card. For patients who prefer to explore payment plans, we offer access to third-party financing options such as CareCredit®, Proceed Finance, and Cherry Finance. Some plans may offer promotional financing, including 0% options for those who qualify. Approval and terms are determined by each financing provider.
As a service to our patients, we also handle dental insurance claims on your behalf. Our team works closely with you to help maximize your benefits and ensure claims are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re planning more comprehensive treatment, we’re here to help you understand your options and feel confident in your care. Our goal is to make the entire process as simple, transparent, and stress-free as possible.
Not sure where to start or what your insurance covers?
Myofunctional Therapy Tongue Ties and Lip Ties at Forever Smiles – Find Your Location
Forever Smiles operates three dental office locations across Minnesota, each offering the same quality of care.
Book Your Dental Appointment Today
If you’ve been putting off dental care or are ready to take the next step, our team is here to make it easy and comfortable from day one.