UTICA - Snoring, dozing off at work, depression - all symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea - a disorder that often goes undiagnosed. Now, a local dental lab is working to make sleep a little more comfortable for the 18 million Americans who suffer from it.

"When someone is sleeping and they are snoring and they stop breathing and they are aroused all of a sudden...they go through those same cycles," said Fred Suppa, lab technician for Dental Systems Group.

Sound familiar? You may have obstructive sleep apnea. It's when you lose oxygen to your brain. Could be for a second. Could be for a minute. Either way, you're putting yourself at risk.

"Heart disease, stroke, which ultimately leads to depression, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, hypertension," said Nick Bonfardice, marketing for Dental Systems Group.

Before, the only way to correct the problem was to wear a restricting oxygen mask. Dental Systems Group, in Utica has a better solution.

"This is very non-invasive," Suppa said. "It works on your body function aline ....as for how your positioned in bed...you can put this in your mouth, close your mouth and go to sleep," Suppa said.

It's called the tap three appliance. And DSG is one of the only labs in the state to fabricate it.

"When someone is sleeping, the lower jaw is able to extend more comfortably rather than the tension of being awake," Suppa said. "What that does is move your tongue out of the way for airway, which increases oxygenation, which helps you sleep better."

If you think you have sleep apnea, ask your dentist or doctor about the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. It rates your chance of dozing throughout the day.

Dental Systems Group can be reached at (315) 732-3151