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Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that can rob a person from getting the rest they need. Those who have sleep apnea cannot breathe properly when sleeping because their airways are obstructed by soft oral tissue. This airway obstruction results in cycles of breathing stopping and starting throughout the night. Small periods of breathing cessation (apneas) could last for up to a minute each time. To reinitiate proper breathing, sleepers will wake slightly, which prevents them from progressing through each stage of sleep for optimal rest.
Without treatment, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could seriously reduce your quality of life and your health. Untreated sleep apnea could affect your cardiovascular and respiratory health along with increasing risks for emotional and mental health concerns. Our practice provides non-surgical treatment for sleep apnea with comfortable oral appliances. This treatment method prevents airway obstruction without bulky, loud, or uncomfortable machinery, too.
Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The underlying cause of sleep apnea is airway obstruction. This obstruction occurs when soft tissue in the oral cavity collapses into the airway. Those who have large necks and bulky throat tissue tend to have increased risks for developing sleep apnea. Other contributing factors to developing OSA include weight gain, alcohol/sedative use at night, and smoking.
Some congenital and developmental abnormalities can affect airway health, which might require surgical or orthodontic intervention to correct. Many people, however, can find effective relief from OSA with oral appliance therapy.
Sleep apnea can be difficult to diagnose; this is why sleep studies are necessary to confirm whether apneas occur during rest. Typical symptoms of OSA include:
- Waking with dry mouth and headaches
- Persistent fatigue and malaise
- Loud snoring
- Gasping for air or erratic breathing while sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
Benefits of Treatment
Restful Sleep
A full night’s sleep for both you and your partner. Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Daytime Alertness
Experience increased concentration, memory, focus and energy.
Improved Health
Avoid the health risks caused by untreated sleep apnea and live a longer, healthier, more enjoyable life.
How Oral Appliances Work
Oral appliance therapy is a comfortable and portable alternative to CPAP. Custom-made, oral appliances are worn like a mouthguard during sleep. By repositioning the lower mandible forward, an oral appliance expands the airway and prevents episodes of apnea. Eliminating airway obstruction makes proper breathing possible for uninterrupted rest.
This form of sleep apnea treatment is well-tolerated by patients, especially those who have tried CPAP in the past. Oral appliances are easy to transport, clean, and wear. They also accommodate sleepers who prefer to rest on their sides or stomachs.
If you have questions about sleep apnea and oral appliance therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Gillum.
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