What is Sleeping Apnea?
Sleeping Apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and various health issues.
When to Seek Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Living with untreated OSA can be harmful and potentially life-threatening. In addition to the general drowsiness and irritability that accompanies sleep apnea, it has also been associated with strokes, heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes, and accidents relating to sleep deprivation. Getting effective OSA treatment can increase your overall quality of life.
If you experience any of the following on a regular basis, you may want to consult with a physician and then Dr. Spencer:
Loud snoring
Long gaps between breaths
Gasping or choking for air
Multiple awakenings in one night
Brain fog during the day
Excessive sleepiness
Insomnia
Morning headaches
Dry mouth upon wakening
Sleeping Apnea Treatment
Dental Appliance
While CPAPs are the standard treatment for sleep apnea, oral appliances are becoming increasingly popular. Also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs), sleep apnea oral appliances are custom-made mouthguards that look like orthodontic retainers. When worn at night, the mouthpieces reposition your jaws to keep the throat open while you sleep.
Sleeping Apnea Treatment
MADs are two-piece devices that snap over your upper and lower arches. Once in place, these adjustable devices work to gently push your lower jaw and tongue forward. This helps prevent the tissues in your throat from collapsing and blocking your airway during sleep.
Do these appliances actually work? Many studies have found oral appliance therapy to improve OSA in a majority of patients, including some with severe forms of the disorder. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM), two-thirds of patients experienced therapeutic benefits from wearing sleep apnea dental appliances.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
Although the most recommended treatment for sleep apnea, many patients can’t tolerate CPAP machines due to their inconvenience. More than 50% of patients drop out of CPAP therapy within the first year of treatment. Compared to CPAP devices, oral appliances are more comfortable to wear, resulting in a higher compliance rate and better treatment outcomes.
When used consistently and under the guidance of your sleep apnea specialist, dental devices can considerably improve your sleep quality. You can start to feel a difference in your symptoms after the first night of use. Convenient and non-invasive, sleep apnea dental appliances provide many advantages over traditional OSA treatments. Some of these benefits include:
-
Portable and easy to travel with
-
Works without electricity
-
Does not make any noise
-
Easy to clean and care for
-
More cost-effective than other treatments
Getting an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea
The first step to getting an oral appliance for sleep apnea is to consult with your doctor. If your sleep apnea specialist determines that a dental device would work for you, they will refer you to a dentist who specializes in making these appliances. During your first visit with the dentist, they will examine your dental health to decide if you’re a good candidate for mouth guards.
If you qualify, the dentist will take an impression of your mouth to make your sleep apnea dental appliance. At Lifetime Family Dental, we only take digital impressions to ensure perfect-fitting mouthpieces. The impressions are sent to a lab to custom design your device. When your device is ready, you’ll return to the office for fittings and further adjustments to optimize care.
Get Your Oral Device From Lifetime Family Dental
While it may seem like an innocuous disorder, sleep apnea not only wrecks your health but is also a threat to public safety. Left untreated, sleep apnea can shorten your life and make you unhappy while you’re alive. Treating this debilitating condition is essential to protect the public from its negative effects and improve your quality of life.
If you’re thinking of getting a sleep apnea dental appliance in the New Lenox area, look no further than Lifetime Family Dental. Whether you need a custom-made dental appliance or a routine dental checkup, we can help. Call us at (815) 717-8793 to book an appointment.