If you think you have sleep apnea, it may be time for you to visit a sleep apnea dentist for an oral appliance treatment. When you do not have enough adequate sleep, you may feel fatigued, weak, and agitated. The lack of sleep can also lead to a weaker immune system. We can help you to combat all of these negative aspects of sleep apnea at our Irvine office.
When should I visit a sleep apnea dentist?
People that go to bed every night at a reasonable hour, yet still wake up feeling exhausted, may have sleep apnea. When an individual has sleep apnea, different factors like jaw placement or extra throat tissue work together to block the airway. This blockage of the airway causes snoring and persistent waking, even when the individual does not realize it.
Sleep apnea is frustrating, but it is also dangerous to overall health. When someone has sleep apnea, he or she is more at risk for stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, low blood oxygen levels, and obesity among many other negative diseases and disorders. Sleep apnea can even lead to an early death. People who think they may be experiencing some side effects of sleep apnea, need to visit a sleep apnea dentist to get fitted for an oral appliance that will help.
What is oral appliance therapy from a sleep apnea dentist?
The most commonly used treatment for sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. These appliances are also commonly referred to as sleep apnea mouthpieces. The oral appliance looks like a mouthguard or retainer but fits more comfortably. The oral appliance works to help realign the jaw and teeth. It can also help hold the tongue in place, so it does not fall toward the back of the throat, creating an airway obstruction. As needed, our oral appliances can also keep soft tissues in the back of the throat from falling out of place during sleep. This treatment is far more convenient than wearing a loud and bulky CPAP machine.
The oral appliance therapy at our sleep apnea dentist office can reduce and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea. It can also help to alleviate any discomfort associated with TMJ disorders. The mandibular advancement device oral appliance is mainly used to move the jaw forward as the individual sleeps. The tongue re-training device is another less commonly used option since it is a splint used to hold the tongue in place. These are the two most common types of oral appliances used in sleep apnea treatment. They both work to keep tissues and jaw position from obstructing the intake of oxygen.
Once you receive your oral appliance, and we ensure it fits properly at our sleep apnea dentist office, you will immediately notice a difference in how you feel when you wake up. Receiving enough oxygen at night allows you to sleep without waking and to wake up refreshed. It also leads to a healthier lifestyle overall. Visit Smile by Design Dental Group today to learn more about the benefits of wearing an oral appliance.