Many people do not consider snoring to be something serious, but loud snoring accompanied by daytime fatigue can be an indicator of sleep apnea. This is a common and serious disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly as you sleep. If you have sleep apnea, you are likely not aware of these short breathing pauses that occur many times at night. In some cases, they even occur hundreds of times and can jolt you out of your natural sleep rhythm. You may end up feeling not as mentally sharp, energetic or productive during the day as you normally would.
It is always recommended for patients to seek treatment for sleep apnea. If left untreated, the disorder can lead to a myriad of health problems. These include stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for sleep apnea.
Oral appliance therapy has become a common treatment for snoring and sleep apnea. It involves the patient wearing a removable oral appliance in the mouth while sleeping. The devices are known to fit like an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouthguard. Oral appliances can prevent the airway from collapsing by either holding the tongue or supporting someone’s jaw in a forward position. It is crucial for a patient to be custom-fitted for an oral appliance for it to be effective.
There are many different types of oral appliances that can be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The devices may differ when it comes to appearance. The most common oral devices are the tongue retaining device and the mandibular advancement device. These devices all help to open the airway. Over-the-counter devices are not ideal for the treatment of OSA or snoring.
Oral appliance therapy can help improve the symptoms of OSA. These include moodiness, concentration issues and daytime sleepiness. The devices can also eliminate or reduce snoring. Custom-made oral appliances have become an increasingly popular treatment option for sleep apnea. The devices offer many advantages over breathing devices. They are quieter and more comfortable. It is also easier to take along oral appliances when traveling and the devices are easy to use.
Oral appliances can help to open the airway by bringing the lower jaw or a person’s tongue forward during sleep. Patients prefer them because these devices are portable, small, quiet and easy to use. Oral appliance therapy is usually beneficial for patients with less severe sleep apnea. Since there are a variety of devices available, it may take some experimentation to find the one that is ideal for you.
It is crucial to get fitted by a dentist who has training in treating sleep apnea. You should also see the dentist on a regular basis. This will allow your dentist to monitor any problems and to occasionally adjust the mouthpiece. Talk to your dentist to find out more about how oral appliance therapy can help you.
Request an appointment here: https://artisandentalbellevue.com or call Artisan Dental at (425) 454-2005 for an appointment in our Bellevue office.
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