Sleep apnea is a common condition that is caused by the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapsing, which causes the airway to be blocked. Sleep apnea not only causes you to snore, but also causes frequent pauses in breathing throughout the night. Over time, the lack of adequate oxygen levels and poor sleep quality can drastically impact your general health and your quality of life.
Sleep apnea affects around 22 million Americans – and although it may appear to be a small problem, leaving it untreated can cause irreversible damage and in some cases, death. At Dental Designs, we believe that dental health and general health go hand-in-hand, which is why we see sleep apnea as a serious problem that requires treatment.
Treating sleep apnea is possible with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, but CPAP machines are cumbersome and require users to wear a mask over the mouth or nose. CPAP machines are difficult to travel with and require an electrical plug. Although these machines can be effective, they are bothersome to use and have a low compliance rate. With sleep apnea dentistry from Dental Designs, you can enjoy traveling and sleeping without a mask on again.
Sleep Apnea Dentistry uses an oral appliance to treat mild to moderate cases of the condition. To start treatment, patients need to undergo a sleep study to ensure this course of treatment is appropriate. Using the information gathered, we can develop a treatment plan that’s right for your situation and fit you with a custom oral appliance. The appliance will be worn while sleeping and help position your jaw and airways in a way that causes your airways to remain open. In some cases, patients see their sleep apnea not only treated, but cured.
