Dr. Doherty has the special training necessary to treat a variety of sleep disorders and he works together with sleep centers and physicians to achieve the best possible results for his patients. Many times, an oral sleep appliance (OSA) is the only treatment needed. Other times, an OSA can be used in combination with other therapies for successful results. Common sleep disorders include: sleep bruxism, hypopnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, jet lag, night terrors, restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking, snoring and sleep apnea.

Snoring is a sound that is produced when the air passes through relaxed tissue in the back of the throat.  Airway blockage is most often the root of all snoring problems.  Mild snoring can be treated easily with an OSA. However, when snoring becomes sleep apnea, the tissue collapses causing an obstruction. 

Sleep apnea is a disorder affecting more than 12 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. It affects men and women of all ages, even children. Apnea is a Greek word, meaning "without breath." People affected by sleep apnea literally stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep cycle, often for a minute or longer, possibly occurring hundreds of times per night.

Causes: It is believed that at least 30% of adults snore regularly and up to 50% snore occasionally. Men snore more than women by a 2:1 ratio. Snoring increases with age and weight gain. Allergies, asthma, colds and sinus infections increase the chance of snoring. Drinking alcohol, smoking, or overeating can all make snoring worse. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway tissue collapses causing an obstruction. It affects more than 12 million American men and women of all ages, even children. Apnea is a Greek word meaning "without breath." People affected by sleep apnea literally stop breathing repeatedly during their sleep cycles, often for a minute or longer, possibly occurring hundreds of times per night which is not only detrimental to overall health, but also potentially dangerous. Treatment: Initially, Dr. Doherty will evaluate, investigate, diagnose, and pinpoint a suitable patient treatment plan that may include many different treatment options depending largely on the exact diagnosis and the health of the patient. He may also advise the patient to halt some habits that aggravate sleep apnea such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and muscle relaxer use. Sleeping masks such as the CPAP were traditionally used to keep the patient’s airways open while they slept, but nowadays there are some less intrusive options. These dental devices are gentle, easy to wear, and often help patients avoid unwanted surgeries.

Symptom Checklist

If you think you may be suffering from a sleep disorder, here is a simple checklist of the most common symptoms. If you experience one or more of these conditions, call us for a screening:


•    Headaches upon awakening

•    Excessive daytime sleepiness

•    Dry mouth or throat
•    Being sleepy during daily activities (driving, reading, watching TV)
•    Sudden short-of-breath awakenings - with a jolt, gasp or cough
•    Trouble staying asleep

•    High blood pressure or hypertension

•    Feeling tired despite a full night of sleep
•    Lost interest in sex

We believe strongly in conservative, non-surgical treatment for Sleep Disorders.

Fortunately, Dr. Doherty and his staff use a state-of-the art Pharyngometer/Rhinometer to help with the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea. This device sends harmless and painless sound waves down the airway to measure its diameter and target the “kink in the hose” that may be causing a problem. Next step is to find the jaw position that best allows for maximum air intake, and custom designing an oral appliance or orthotic as a remedy, and a better night’s sleep!