The Use of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances

Sleep apnea can cause costly disruptions to your sleep. Causing symptoms such as; gasping for air in the night, poor sleep, tiredness, headaches, depression, and weight gain. Less known, is that the right dentist can help with sleep apnea!

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder, affecting millions of people, that occurs when the airway is restricted and leads to interrupted breathing throughout the night. Most commonly, sleep apnea is reported by someone else that notices the interruptions in breathing during the night, but some are able to notice the symptoms and signs for themselves. Weight and health is a common contributing factor for sleep apnea. Enlarged tonsils, allergies, or genetics may also lead to sleep apnea. Meaning it can impact you at any age!

If left untreated, sleep apnea can become life threatening or damaging to cardiovascular health. People with untreated sleep apnea may stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times. This means the brain — and the rest of the body — may not get enough oxygen! Eventually the consequence of reduced oxygen can be detrimental to one’s health.

How Southridge Dental Can Help Sleep Apnea

Southridge Dental uses oral appliances for patients with mild or moderate cases that could eliminate the need for the bulky CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines all together. The oral appliances are small, portable, and don’t require electricity or face masks.

Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A custom-fit oral sleep appliance can improve your sleep, restore your alertness and revitalize your health.

Oral Appliance Therapy

In mild or moderate cases, obstructive breathing and snoring can be improved with the use of oral appliance devices that fit similarly to a mouthguard or retainer. Compared to large (and loud!) CPAP face masks, the oral appliances are less instructive and easier to store. They support the jaw and prevent the airways from becoming blocked. By keeping the airways open, you’re less likely to snore or experience sleep apnea. The devices are custom fit for your comfort and protect the teeth from excessive grinding that may be caused by sleep apnea in the night. Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

At Southridge Dental, we always put our patients first. Call today at (509) 581-0081 or schedule an appointment online to learn how we can help treat your sleep apnea!