What Is Sleep Apnea?
- Thosand Oaks Smile Design
- Jun 1, 2022
- 2 min read
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night's sleep, you might have sleep apnea.
The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
Loud snoring
Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep — which would be reported by another person
Gasping for air during sleep
Awakening with a dry mouth
Morning headache
Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
Difficulty paying attention while awake
Irritability
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of this form of sleep apnea include: Learn more about risk factors
Complications
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Complications can include: Learn more about complications
Oral Appliance Therapy
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. Here is a guide to help you get started with this life-changing treatment.
About Oral Appliance Therapy
Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance fits like an orthodontic retainer. It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway. Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you and your dental team decide that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, then your dentist will recommend the oral appliance that is best for you. Oral appliance therapy is covered by many medical insurance plans.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is an effective, non-invasive treatment that fits easily into your lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it is:
Comfortable
Easy to wear
Quiet
Portable
Convenient for travel
Easy to care for
Oral appliances are customized using digital or physical impressions and models of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental lab where the appliance is made.
Once your oral appliance is ready, you will return to our office for a fitting. Our dentists will adjust the appliance to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. You also will learn how to clean the oral appliance and maintain it.
Treating snoring or obstructive sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy can make you feel like a new person. You will find that your symptoms, and your quality of life, can improve dramatically when you remain committed to your treatment and use it nightly. It is likely that you will sleep better, have more energy, and feel sharper throughout the day. You may find that your bed partner begins to sleep better, too!
Treating sleep apnea promotes a healthier heart, body, and mind. With our dentist’s help, you can improve your sleep and your health!
Thousand Oaks Smile Design
If you and your doctor decide that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, call us 805-492-3553.
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