Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder where a person will have a regular interval or pause in his/her breath while sleeping. Pause in the breath may occur around 25 times or more in an hour. After the pause, when the normal breathing starts, a choking noise or snort sound maybe heard.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Sleep apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder that can be difficult to recognize without help from a bed partner, family member, or sleep professional. Because it happens during sleep, many people do not realize they are waking repeatedly, breathing irregularly, or experiencing drops in oxygen throughout the night.
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, often causing loud snoring, pauses in breathing, gasping, choking, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue. While sleep apnea is more common in adults who are overweight, it can affect people of all ages, including children with enlarged tonsils, airway restriction, or jaw development concerns.
At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, Dr. Charles Ferzli and his team help patients identify signs of sleep-disordered breathing and explore treatment options that support better sleep, healthier breathing, and improved quality of life.
Why Sleep Apnea Should Be Treated
Untreated sleep apnea can affect more than sleep quality. Repeated breathing interruptions may lower oxygen levels, strain the cardiovascular system, and increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, and daytime accidents caused by fatigue. Getting evaluated early can help protect both your long-term health and daily energy.
When To Seek This Treatment

Airway Collapse

Tongue Position

A retruded or small jaw reduces airway space and increases obstruction risk.

Low muscle tone allows tissues to collapse during sleep.

Excess Weight
Goals Of Treatment
Restore Healthy Breathing
Ensure the airway stays open during sleep to maintain oxygen flow and reduce nighttime interruptions.
Improve Sleep Quality
Help patients achieve deeper, more restful sleep so they wake feeling refreshed and alert.
Reduce Health Risks
Lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and other conditions linked to untreated sleep apnea.
Why Choose Us?
Why Traditional Methods Fail
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Low CPAP ComplianceMany patients struggle with masks and hoses, making long-term use difficult
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One-Size DevicesGeneric appliances may not reposition the jaw or tongue effectively
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Surgical RisksProcedures are invasive, carry risks, and don’t guarantee permanent results
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Symptom-Only FocusApproaches that don’t strengthen the airway often fail to maintain long-term improvements
Our Non Surgical Approach
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Custom Sleep AppliancesReposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open naturally during sleep
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Myofunctional TherapyStrengthen oral and airway muscles while encouraging nasal breathing
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Laser TherapyTighten soft tissues and reduce snoring without surgery
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Collaborative CareWork alongside sleep physicians when advanced testing or combined treatment is needed
Our Sleep Apnea Services
Better Sleep, Better Health
Sleep apnea is more than snoring — it’s a serious condition that affects your health and quality of life. At the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham, we provide comfortable, non-surgical solutions that restore restful sleep and protect long-term health. Don’t wait — your best sleep is within reach.
Sleep Apnea & Whole-Body Health
Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just cause poor sleep — it affects the entire body. Patients with sleep apnea are more likely to struggle with high blood pressure, weight gain, chronic fatigue, and impaired immune function. Treating sleep apnea helps restore energy, balance hormones, and reduce the risk of long-term disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
Sleep Apnea is one of the specialized services we provide at the TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of Raleigh-Durham. Our focus is on identifying the root causes behind your symptoms and delivering safe, non-surgical solutions that support long-term health and comfort.
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TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre
Global Expertise
As proud members of TMJ International, we are part of a global team dedicated to advancing collaborative care in TMJ disorders and sleep therapy. Together, we bring innovation, expertise, and compassionate treatment to help patients find lasting relief and a healthier quality of life.






