Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment in Durham, NC
Why People Love Premier Smiles and Sleep
Healthy Airway, Healthy Smile, Healthy Life
Better Sleep Quality
Treating sleep apnea helps you achieve deeper, more restful sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Reduced Health Risks
Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Treatment lowers these risks and supports better cardiovascular health.
Improved Mental Health
By getting proper rest, you can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and irritability, leading to better emotional well-being.
Enhanced Focus and Memory
Sleep apnea treatment improves cognitive function, helping you focus better, remember details, and think clearly.
Stronger Relationships
Better sleep means better moods and more energy to connect with loved ones, improving your personal relationships and overall quality of life.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is the most common form of sleep apnea and occurs when your airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep. This blockage can result from relaxed throat muscles and tissues that collapse, causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night. Over time, untreated OSA can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other complications.
Central Sleep Apnea
Unlike OSA, central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t properly signal the muscles that control breathing. This form of apnea is less common, but equally important to treat, as it affects the brain’s ability to regulate your respiratory patterns.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Sometimes called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, this condition occurs when someone has both obstructive and central sleep apnea. It's a more complex form of the condition, and our team is equipped to help navigate the treatment plan that works best for you.
The Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Loud Snoring
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud, chronic snoring often accompanies this condition. If your snoring is interrupted by gasping or choking sounds, it's a sign your sleep might be disrupted by apneas (breathing pauses).
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Do you find yourself feeling constantly tired during the day, even after a full night’s sleep? Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycles, leaving you feeling exhausted and unfocused throughout the day.
Morning Headaches and Dry Mouth
If you wake up with headaches or a dry mouth, it may be due to sleep apnea. Breathing through your mouth during the night because of blocked airways can cause these symptoms, which typically get worse over time.
Difficulty Concentrating and Mood Changes
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your body—it affects your mind too. People with untreated sleep apnea often experience difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and even mood swings or depression.
What to Expect During Treatment
Screening for every Age
Sleep apnea affects everyone, no matter their age. We screen patients of all ages to detect sleep apnea early, ensuring effective treatment for everyone:
- Children: Look for signs of sleep disruption, like snoring or trouble concentrating
- Adults: Address fatigue, headaches, or irritability caused by sleep issues
- Seniors: Identify age-related changes that affect sleep quality
We offer custom screenings and tailored treatments for patients at any stage of life, from children to older adults. Early intervention leads to better results and improved overall health for you and your family.
Initial Consult and Screening
During your first appointment, we will conduct a comprehensive exam to understand your sleep apnea and create a personalized treatment plan. This includes:
- Advanced imaging (CBCT, iTero scans) to assess your airway
- Head and neck exam to identify contributing factors
- Evaluation of your posture, tongue, and jaw to uncover the root cause of sleep apnea
- If necessary, we'll refer you for at-home sleep tests in collaboration with sleep physicians
Dr. Pressley and Dr. Baldwin believe in thorough, personalized care to ensure the best treatment for your needs. We’ll take the time to walk you through your options and make sure you fully understand your plan.
Support and Follow-ups
After your initial treatment, we'll provide regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. This includes:
- Tracking your treatment progress to ensure effectiveness
- Adjusting your treatment plan if needed for optimal results
- Personalized care with attention to detail at every step
Our goal is to ensure you feel supported in your journey to better sleep and health.
Meet Our Smile Experts
Comfort-Focused, Patient-Centered Care
Sleep Solutions That Restore Your Energy
Dr. Brian Pressley
A proud native of Cary, North Carolina, Dr. Brian Pressley brings a deep commitment to both his craft and his community. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from North Carolina State University, he pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, where he also served as an adjunct professor. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, Dr. Pressley further expanded his expertise by earning a Master of Business Administration from North Carolina A&T State University.
Dr. Pressley is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, and the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His extensive training, coupled with his dedication to lifelong learning, ensures that his patients receive the highest standard of care.
Associations
Fun Facts
Passionate About Improving Health, One Smile at a Time
Dr. Pressley’s passion lies not only in enhancing smiles but in improving overall health. One area he’s particularly dedicated to is treating sleep apnea, a condition that can significantly impact a person’s well-being. Through comprehensive solutions, Dr. Pressley is able to help his patients regain restful sleep and improve their quality of life. As a certified Invisalign provider, he also offers discreet, comfortable solutions for straightening teeth and improving bite alignment, which can have lasting benefits for both aesthetic and functional dental health.
Comprehensive Care Focused on Your Total Well-Being
Dr. Pressley’s approach to dentistry goes beyond simply treating teeth. He understands the vital connection between oral health and overall wellness, recognizing that a healthy smile contributes to a healthy body. With years of experience, he offers a wide range of treatments to address missing teeth, including implants, dentures, and bridges. He believes in providing solutions that not only restore function but also support long-term health. Whether it’s treating sleep apnea or replacing missing teeth, Dr. Pressley’s practice is dedicated to your total health—body and smile alike.
What Sets Our Practice Apart
At Dr. Pressley’s practice, we focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care. We recognize that dental health is just one aspect of a person’s overall health, and we are committed to addressing all factors that impact your well-being. From offering solutions for sleep apnea to providing advanced restorative treatments, we take a holistic approach to ensure that every patient receives care that’s as personalized as it is effective.
What I Love Most About Dentistry
For Dr. Pressley, dentistry is not just a profession; it’s a passion. The opportunity to make a positive impact on his patients’ lives—whether by restoring a smile or helping someone sleep better—is incredibly rewarding. He finds great satisfaction in knowing that his work contributes to both his patients’ health and their happiness. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunities to improve lives, and that’s what drives him to continue providing the highest quality care.
Giving Back to the Community
Dr. Pressley is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his life and career. He regularly participates in community outreach programs, including backpack and coat drives, to ensure that everyone in his community has the resources they need to thrive. His dedication to service extends beyond his dental practice, and he’s always looking for ways to make a meaningful difference.
My Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Pressley’s philosophy on patient care is centered around listening and collaboration. He takes the time to fully understand his patients’ concerns and goals, ensuring that they feel heard and respected throughout their treatment journey. He believes in providing clear, informative guidance, empowering his patients to make decisions that are in their best interest. Your comfort, trust, and health are his top priorities, and he works diligently to create a caring, welcoming environment where you can feel confident in your care.
Dr. Glenn Baldwin
Dr. Glenn Baldwin is a dedicated North Carolinian, originally from Fayetteville, and has been residing in Durham since 2008. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a minor in Public Health, from Morehouse College. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, along with a Master of Health Administration (MHA) from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
A firm believer in continuous education, Dr. Baldwin has received advanced training at the Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and regularly dedicates time to learning new techniques and innovations in dentistry. His professional memberships include the American Dental Association, the North Carolina Dental Society, the National Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and several local study clubs. Outside of the office, he mentors aspiring dental professionals and volunteers for various community organizations.
Associations
Fun Facts
Your Comfort and Smile Are My Top Priorities
Dr. Baldwin’s approach to dentistry is centered around ensuring that every patient feels comfortable while achieving not only a beautiful smile but also overall oral health. He’s especially passionate about restoring both function and aesthetics, offering services such as smile makeovers and effective tooth replacement options like implants, bridges, and dentures. Helping patients feel confident in their smiles is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Comprehensive Care Focused on Your Health
Dr. Baldwin takes a holistic approach to dentistry, focusing on your overall health, not just your teeth. He believes that a patient’s dental issues often have underlying causes that go beyond what’s visible in the mouth. Whether it's TMJ pain, migraines, or chronic sleep problems, he works with patients to uncover these root causes and create treatment plans that address their unique needs. His commitment to comprehensive care extends to diagnosing and treating conditions like sleep apnea, a disorder that often goes undiagnosed but can severely affect quality of life.
Dr. Baldwin and his team conduct thorough screenings for sleep apnea and collaborate with physicians to provide patients with at-home sleep tests. This approach ensures that each patient receives the appropriate care to improve their sleep quality and, in turn, their overall well-being.
What Sets Us Apart
At Premier Smiles & Sleep, Dr. Baldwin’s priority is making sure every patient receives personalized, comprehensive care. He believes in addressing all aspects of a patient’s health, from restoring dental function to improving sleep and relieving chronic pain. By offering a variety of treatments that go beyond traditional dentistry, he ensures that each patient gets the care they need to live their healthiest life.
What Drives Me
Dr. Baldwin finds immense satisfaction in helping his patients not just improve their smiles but also their overall health. Whether it’s performing a smile makeover or offering relief from chronic pain, every day offers an opportunity to make a significant difference in someone’s life. For Dr. Baldwin, dentistry is about more than just fixing teeth—it’s about making a lasting impact on health and happiness.
Empowering Patients to Take Ownership of Their Health
Dr. Baldwin believes that patients should be involved in every step of their treatment plan. He takes the time to explain all options clearly and ensures that each patient feels empowered to make decisions about their care. By listening to their needs and goals, Dr. Baldwin creates a treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s unique situation.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Baldwin is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers with local organizations and mentors young people interested in pursuing careers in dentistry. For Dr. Baldwin, being a dentist means making a positive difference in the community, not just in the office.
My Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Baldwin’s philosophy is simple: great care begins with listening. He takes the time to understand his patients' concerns and ensure they feel heard and respected. By focusing on clear communication and building trust, he creates a comfortable environment where every patient feels confident in their care plan and supported throughout their journey.
Sleep Apnea Treatment at Premier Smiles & Sleep
Custom Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’re looking for an alternative to the bulky CPAP machine, oral appliance therapy might be the solution. We craft custom oral appliances designed to reposition your jaw gently, keeping your airway open during sleep. These devices are highly effective for many patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and they offer a comfortable, discreet solution that improves sleep quality and health.
CPAP Alternatives
For many, CPAP therapy can feel uncomfortable and intrusive. Our team offers a more comfortable, portable alternative to CPAPs, giving you the freedom to sleep better without the hassle of a large, noisy machine. We focus on oral appliances that are custom-fit to your needs, ensuring effective treatment with a better overall experience.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
Each patient’s needs are unique. We offer a holistic approach to sleep apnea treatment by collaborating with sleep specialists and using advanced CBCT and iTero imaging technology to develop a personalized plan. This may include oral appliance therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of treatments, all designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
TMJ and Sleep Apnea Solutions
Did you know that TMJ disorders and sleep apnea are often connected? Jaw misalignment can exacerbate airway obstruction during sleep, making both conditions harder to treat. We offer solutions that address both issues simultaneously, improving your jaw position and airway to promote better sleep and relieve TMJ pain.
Comfort You Can Feel. Technology You Can Trust. Care That Listens.
Relationship-First
We listen first, addressing anxiety with empathy, clear explanations, and personalized pacing.
Staged Treatment Plans
Prioritizing what matters to you, with step-by-step guidance on both care and costs.
Transparent Finances
We provide benefit reviews, estimates, and flexible payment options (major cards + CareCredit).
Aligned With Your Values
Prefer alternatives (e.g., fluoride-free)? We’ll design a plan that works for you.
Modern Tech For Better Visits
CBCT, iTero scans, VELscope, and intraoral cameras for clear diagnostics and precise planning.
Comfort Touches
A friendly team, online scheduling, family-friendly appointments, and Saturday availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does treatment for sleep apnea take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your condition. After your initial consultation and fitting of the oral appliance, many patients begin noticing improvements in their sleep quality within a few weeks. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure your appliance continues to fit properly and your treatment plan remains effective.
Is sleep apnea a serious condition?
Yes, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Will my insurance cover treatment?
We accept most major insurance plans, and our team will help you navigate your benefits to ensure that you get the most out of your coverage.
Are oral appliances a good alternative to CPAP?
Yes, many patients find oral appliances to be a comfortable and effective alternative to the CPAP machine. Oral appliances are easy to use, quiet, and portable, offering greater flexibility. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and gently reposition your jaw to keep your airway open, making them a great option for those who struggle with CPAP machines.
How long will it take to see results?
Most patients begin noticing improvements in sleep quality and energy levels within a few weeks of starting treatment.
What causes sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea can be caused by factors such as obesity, poor sleep habits, jaw structure, or genetic factors. It can also be worsened by conditions like TMJ.
How do I know if I'm a candidate for sleep apnea treatment?
If you snore loudly, wake up tired, or suffer from morning headaches, you may be a candidate for sleep apnea treatment. We screen patients of all ages and work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Easy Insurance & Financing
