Tired and Irritable? Learn How Oral Appliance Therapy Helps Your Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea can create problems for you and your health if left untreated. While you may think the snoring is the only thing that is problematic, guess again. This particular sleep disorder can lead to heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, and more. If sleep apnea is keeping you from getting a restful night’s sleep, and you’re unsure of available treatment options, read on to learn how your dentist can treat you with oral appliance therapy.

Why Should I See a Dentist for Sleep Apnea Treatment?

When it comes to conditions like sleep apnea, it can difficult knowing who to see to receive treatment. When sleep apnea occurs, you stop breathing for 10 seconds or more at a time. This causes your brain to trigger your body for its need to breathe, which results in you waking up. This can happen hundreds of times each night.

If snoring is one of the symptoms you have, this means your soft palate and the base of your tongue collapse, effectively blocking your airway. A dentist who specializes in sleep apnea will able to treat you for the problem thanks to oral appliance therapy.

What is Oral Appliance Therapy?

If your sleep apnea is less severe, oral appliance therapy may be an ideal solution for you. It’s not only portable, but it’s small and easy to use, making it a much more desirable option than the traditional sleep apnea treatment method: CPAP therapy. A CPAP machine is bulky and can be difficult for patients to adjust to, especially because of the level of discomfort some patients experience.

Oral appliance therapy doesn’t require any big pieces of equipment to get a restful night’s sleep, just a small oral device that fits comfortably in your mouth.

What Kinds of Oral Appliances are Available?

Each dentist is different, which means each dentist may offer different oral appliances when treating sleep apnea. To understand which option might be best for you, here are the different types of oral appliances:

• Mandibular Repositioning Device: This moves your lower jaw forward and down to keep your airway open during the night while you’re asleep. This is the most commonly used oral appliance.
• Tongue Retaining Device: If your tongue is what is keeping you from being unable to breathe freely, your dentist may suggest a tongue retaining device. This will keep your tongue in place, so your airway will remain open while sleeping.

When talking to your dentist about treatment options, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about oral appliances. These devices can get you back to resting well, so make sure you’re choosing one that is comfortable and effective.

About the Practice
At Stec Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we offer our patients the best for optimal dental care. Patient comfort is important to us, and you can expect nothing but the highest-quality technology and treatment during your visit. Not only will we take the time to get to know you, but you’ll learn how particular treatments can benefit you before making a decision about your treatment plan. To learn more, contact us via our website or by calling (308) 382-4440.