Sleep Apnea
Anyone struggling with sleep apnea knows that there is not an easy one size fits all solution. Thankfully, treatment for sleep apnea has made significant improvements over the last decade. Patients have more options for treatment than they have ever had. If you are considering using oral appliance therapy for your sleep apnea, call our office in Saratoga Springs, UT today.
What is
Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for sleep apnea or snoring. The patient wears a removable oral appliance as they sleep. These devices usually resemble a mouthguard and gently repositions the jaw to a more healthy position for sleep. Our dentist works closely with each sleep apnea patient to find the type of oral appliance that will work best for them.
How
Does it Work?
Rather than forcing your airway open with air pressure like a CPAP machine, an oral appliance is designed to open your airway by keeping your mouth and jaw at specific angles. This ideal positioning opens up the airway while you sleep. There are no machines, face masks, or hoses. For some patients, this allows for a better night’s sleep.
Who is a
Candidate for Treatment?
Neglecting sleep apnea can have severe long-term consequences in the future. It can cause daytime grogginess, chronic fatigue, and mood swings, but it can also result in high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. While sleep apnea can vary considerably from patient to patient, oral appliances are often an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. CPAP is still recommended for severe cases. Most patients prefer oral appliance therapy because of the minimal invasiveness of the treatment and the lack of a facemask. For some patients, oral appliance therapy can be a great alternative to more traditional sleep apnea treatments. The more comfortable you are with your sleep apnea treatment, the more likely you will follow through with it. No matter how you treat the problem, using it every single time you sleep is vital.
Are you thinking about trying a new approach for managing your sleep apnea? If you need better treatment for your sleep apnea in Saratoga Springs, UT, and feel you might be an ideal candidate, talk to your doctor and then reach out to us!
