Oral Appliance Therapy
Surprise, AZ 
Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the main sleep disorders that cause many people worldwide to wake up feeling more tired.
If you can relate to feelings of drowsiness despite getting a good night's sleep, perhaps it is time you visited a sleep clinic and got tested for sleep apnea.
CPAP therapy is a popular approach to treating this condition. It involves CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy which provides patients with air blown into their airway to help keep it open.
The assistance allows them to experience a good night's sleep without disruptions.
However, not everyone is comfortable with CPAP therapy. In that case, alternative treatment does exist in the form of oral appliance therapy - part of the science of sleep medicine. Visit us at Surprise Smiles, and get a consultation. Our experienced doctors and team will help you get well-rested in no time.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea could be dangerous if not dealt with in due time. This condition is classified as a sleep disorder and occurs at night, whereby a person stops breathing during deep sleep. It causes them to wake up throughout the night without noticing.
It is possible to go through your entire life without knowing you have sleep apnea. However, since it is associated with many health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke, it is best to look for a solution as early as possible.
Obstructive sleep apnea involves a blockage of the airway during sleep. The brain notices the interruption along with the breathing system, which jolts the body to wake up. Sleep apnea can be caused by the following;
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Increased weight.
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An anatomical abnormality
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Nasal blockages
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Jawbone structure |
It is easy to recognize the signs of sleep apnea and get treated before the issue worsens. If you or your partner complains of you snoring all night, staying tired throughout the day despite sleeping all night, being restless, choking or gasping for air at nighttime, you might have sleep apnea.
Read More About Sleep Apnea
Alternative Treatments for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea patients don't need to rely on one solution. CPAP therapy might work for some, but alternative treatment does exist for others. For instance, you might want to look into appliance therapy which focuses on dental restorations to aid in better sleep.
These can come in the form of permanent reconstruction or appliances such as mouthguards that keep the airway open.
Alternatively, exploring weight loss, jawbone or throat surgery, and sleep therapy is viable. One solution cannot fit the population, and the best way to approach sleep troubles is to get a consultation and find the cause. From there onwards, it is easy to deploy the solutions.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy considers airway obstruction to provide solutions for sleep apnea. It can effectively counter the obstruction by creating oral appliances that help keep your airway open, leading to restful sleep.
The best way to decide whether an oral appliance works for your sleep apnea is to consult a professional. Understanding what is causing your sleep apnea can help you connect to better solutions. From there on, it is important to trust professionals.
Read More About All of Our Preventive Dental Services in Surprise, AZ
Here are some common types of appliances used in the treatment:
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Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD)
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Tongue Stabilizing Device (TSD)
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Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME) |
Different devices work uniquely, so you must match the treatment to your specific concerns.
The MAD focuses on pushing the jaw forward using the upper and lower teeth. As the jaw is pushed to the front, the position of the tongue is adjusted, which helps clear space for the airway.
Conversely, a tongue stabilizing device focuses on pulling the tongue forward instead of pushing it. This is achieved through suction using a bulb.
Rapid maxillary expansion is used mostly with younger patients, and it involves an expander. This works like a typical expander and goes over the back teeth near the roof of the mouth. These are used to expand the roof and permanently fix sleep apnea.
What are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
There are many unique benefits to using oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea.
The first is the alternative option for people who cannot work with CPAP therapy. CPAP devices are much harder to use, require more investment, and involve larger devices that might be hard to handle. Unlike oral appliances, CPAP machines are loud, bulky, and restrictive.
Moreover, you can take your oral appliances wherever you go. It is harder to travel when you have sleep apnea, as changing sleep atmosphere can lead to further disruptions. However, if you have the option of a portable device you can take wherever you travel, you should be able to benefit from good sleep no matter where you are.
Oral appliances are also much more comfortable and wearable than bulky masks offered with CPAP machines. They provide you sleep without disrupting your partner's.
In fact, you don't even need to take as much care of them as you would with a CPAP machine.
A sleep apnea treatment can improve your quality of life by working on fixing the most important activity in the day, which is sleep. Without restful sleep, it can get hard to focus on daily tasks, perform to your full potential, or nurture a healthier body. This may lead to stress in the future.
Say Goodbye to Sleep Apnea and Hello to Oral Devices
You must decide between comfort and affordability. Sure, other treatment plans might be widely available and less hard to access. However, it is a wasted investment if they don't work for you. Ensure you make the right decision before opting for any sleep apnea treatment.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Surprise, AZ Dentist Today!
It is vital that you ask all of the necessary questions before diving into oral appliance therapy. Contact us at Surprise Smiles today at (602) 842-4864 to schedule a sleep apnea consultation. |
