Relieve Sleep Apnea Symptoms With a Sleep Apnea Oral Device
Whether you are snoring or suffering from sleep apnea, we can help. Our trained doctors will work closely with your physician to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. For many of our patients, this includes an oral device that will open the airway and relieve the snoring and apneic episodes.
What are some modern treatment options available for Sleep Apnea?
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What are some modern treatment options available for Sleep Apnea?
The treatment options for sleep apnea are primarily threefold. One is a CPAP machine, two is an oral appliance that the dentist makes, and three is more severe, but it's surgery, to remove soft tissue structures in the back of the mouth. The primary and the gold standard has always been CPAP, and CPAP does work.
CPAP is a mask that fits over your nose and mouth and will continuously blow airway all night long. Okay, it does work, but many patients don't like it. Some patients love it, it makes them feel great, but many patients also don't like it.
For those patients that have been diagnosed and given a prescription for a CPAP, if they can't or won't wear it, then they should definitely come see us and talk about what a dentist can play in that, which is to create an oral appliance for them, which is very small and convenient.
It looks like a night guard. It pops in, one part goes over the upper teeth, and one goes over the lower teeth. It serves to basically advance the lower jaw forward a little bit, within the comfort level of the patient. But that helps pull all the soft tissue forward and prevents it from collapsing during sleep.
Most patients find it to be a lot more comfortable and tolerable than a CPAP machine. So if they can tolerate the CPAP, or if for whatever reason, they don't want to do it, they should definitely get treated with an oral appliance.
The third type of treatment is surgery, and that's to remove a lot of the structures and the tonsils and the uvula in the back of the mouth that could potentially be falling back and blocking the airway. That's kind of the last resort.
That's the role that we play, is to help patients who either can't or won't do the CPAP, and or many patients, if they have mild or moderate sleep apnea, their first choice is going to be an oral appliance rather than a CPAP machine. That's what we're here to help them get.
Sleep apnea, which causes breathing interruptions during sleep, should never be left untreated. It can lead to serious problems like heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke. If you’ve been avoiding sleep apnea treatment because you know friends or family members who have had a negative experience with a CPAP, or you are afraid to wear that mask at night, you are putting your health at risk.
We’ve had great success in using oral appliances to treat both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is the most common type of sleep apnea. An oral device is an unobtrusive mouthguard that gently moves your jaw forward to keep your airway clear while you’re asleep. According to the American Dental Association, “oral appliance therapy (OAT) can improve OSA in adult patients, especially those who are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide OAT.” Find out if you can benefit from OAT by calling our office at 984-217-1614 now.
Since every case of snoring and sleep apnea is different, we offer several different kinds of oral appliances. Our dentists will determine which one will work best for you. Thanks to the lab we use, you may be able to receive your FDA-approved appliance in as little as a week, and some come with a warranty. Your options may include:
- The Dorsal Classic SomnoMed appliance with upper and lower trays
- The Dorsal Flex SomnoMed device with lined trays for maximum comfort
- The Oasys Hinge Appliance for smaller mouths
- The Oasys Appliance that helps open both your nose and throat
No matter which kind of oral appliance we suggest, you’ll enjoy these advantages:
- Comfortable custom fit
- No sleep disruption for you or your partner
- Relief from sleep apnea symptoms like headaches
- Lower health risks associated with sleep apnea
- Sound sleep
- CPAP alternative for many
A sleep apnea oral appliance can help you get a good night’s rest and reduce your risk for dangerous medical conditions. You’ll no longer suffer from symptoms like restless sleep, snoring, and a lack of energy. Call us at 984-217-1614 now to request your complimentary sleep apnea consultation.