Sleep Dentistry for Adults & Children

Dr. Shira Levy

Sleep dentists are uniquely positioned to recognize many of the key indicators of sleep-disordered breathing and will help you or your child receive the restorative sleep that you deserve.

Dr. Shira Levy specializes in the care and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing issues in women and children. She first became passionate about sleep dentistry after observing many of the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in her own toddler son. 

 

Dr. Levy recognizes that although OSA and other sleep-disordered syndromes are serious medical conditions, they are also manageable and treatable. As a sleep dentist, she is trained to help recognize oral symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing, urge her patients to get diagnosed by a physician and help treat her patients in a variety of ways.

 

Dr. Levy received her D.M.D. from Tufts University and her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a practicing dentist and a certified sleep specialist at Elements Dental Studio in Evanston, Illinois.

Watch “Finding Connor Deegan”

See how behavior concerns like ADHD and ODD may be connected to obstructed breathing while sleeping.

 

Connor Deegan punched holes in the wall. He attacked a girl at school. He threw violent temper tantrums to the point of vomiting. He threatened to kill himself. Watch Connor’s incredible story to see how sleep apnea, snoring, and other sleep issues affected him and his family.

Do You or your Child have these Symptoms?

Symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing can be so common that they are frequently mistaken as part of life or as a different medical condition. These symptoms may include:

  • Snoring

  • Clenching or grinding

  • Acid reflux

  • Jaw pain

  • Back and posture issues

  • Neck pain

  • Headaches

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Fatigue or fogginess

In children, symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing can be similar to those in adults, but they tend to be even more indicative that airway obstruction is the root of the problem. Symptoms in children can also include:

  • Difficulty breathing or have seen child stop breathing while asleep

  • Heavy or loud breathing

  • Mouth-breathing

  • Dry mouth

  • Delayed growth

  • Bedwetting

  • Tongue positioning or not enough space between the baby teeth

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Together with your physician, your dentist can help recognize and treat symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Upper Airway Restorative Syndrome (UARS), Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD), and other sleep-disordered breathing syndromes.

Treatments & Services

Dr. Levy will conduct a thorough assessment tailored to you or your child’s individual needs. Her offices are well equipped to identify key indicators of OSA and other sleep-disordered breathing syndromes. Your or your child’s exam may include: 

 

  • 3D imaging

  • Photos and x-rays

  • Muscle palpations

  • Sleep clinics and trials

  • Non-invasive clinical exams

  • Digital impressions and models

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Based on Dr. Levy’s findings, she will provide customized treatment and services, including:

Oral Appliances:

Dr. Levy provides custom-made orthotic appliances that adhere to your particular bone structure and relieve joint pain. Similar to a night guard, these appliances prevent airway obstruction while sleeping and, under certain diagnostic criteria, may serve as an alternative to a CPAP machine used to treat OSA.

Airway Dentistry Evanston IL

Airway Orthodontics:

Dr. Levy offers orthodontic treatment for adults and children to facilitate easier breathing, especially during sleep. By expanding the palette and repositioning the teeth and joints to a stable orthopedic position, Dr. Levy can help create the conditions for better nighttime airflow.

Airway Dentistry North Shore IL

Referrals:

Dr. Levy will work closely with your other healthcare providers to give you holistic, cooperative care. As needed, she will refer you or your child to medical specialists to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment sequence that tends to the airway.

For Medical Professionals

Dr. Levy will work with you and your office to provide your patients with holistic care for OSA, UARS, TMD, insomnia, and other sleep-disordered breathing syndromes. With your diagnosis in mind, Dr. Levy will assist in developing appropriate treatment plans, including providing alternative treatment to CPAP machines, as appropriate.

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We appreciate the faith you place in us by referring patients. Throughout your patient’s care, Dr. Levy’s team will notify your office about his or her progress. If you need assistance, please call (847) 859-2617.

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Download our Referral Prescription for Oral Appliance Therapy.