A Closer Look at Sleep Apnea
leep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, making it challenging to get a restful night’s sleep. It can result in over 30 interruptions per night, manifesting as pauses in breathing, nocturnal gasping, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, and notorious loud snoring that can disturb your partner’s sleep.
There are two primary types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea, primarily caused by the collapse of throat tissues that obstruct the airway during sleep.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): CSA occurs due to disruptions in the communication between the brain and muscles responsible for breathing, leading to irregular breathing patterns during sleep.
Beyond Sleep: The Advantages of Sleep Apnea Therapy
Addressing sleep apnea offers a multitude of benefits beyond restful sleep. It enhances daytime alertness, fosters better moods, and can strengthen relationships by reducing disturbances. Moreover, it mitigates health risks, boosts energy levels, and contributes to an overall improvement in one’s quality of life.
Ever experienced memory lapses? Struggling to articulate? Sleep apnea sufferers often wake up groggy, trapped in a mental haze. Sleep apnea treatment restores clarity, sharpness, and self-identity, according to patients.
Minimizing or eliminating restlessness and snoring, you provide your partner with a better, uninterrupted night’s sleep. This results in improved moods for both of you, making parenting, work, and relationships much more enjoyable. A positive mood is contagious and sets the tone for a better day ahead.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
There are several options for treating sleep apnea depending on the cause and severity of your apnea. It’s also important for us to find a solution that suits your lifestyle.
Lifestyle changes
Fortunately, mild cases of sleep apnea can be effectively managed in the comfort of your own home. Your dentist may suggest weight loss, abstaining from alcohol and sleep aids, altering your sleeping position, adhering to sleep hygiene practices, and quitting smoking. These recommendations are not only safe but also highly effective, and they are often recommended in combination with other treatments as well.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The prevailing method for treating sleep apnea, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, is likely something you’ve heard of. These machines involve wearing a mask over your nose and/or mouth during sleep, connected to a device that delivers a continuous and gentle airflow, which effectively keeps your airways open, enabling normal breathing. Various types of masks and machines are accessible, catering to individual preferences and comfort levels.
Oral Appliances
Several oral appliances are designed to be worn in the mouth while sleeping, offering relief from sleep apnea symptoms. These devices often resemble mouthguards in appearance and sensation. Their effectiveness varies depending on the underlying cause of your sleep apnea, with some addressing snoring, others repositioning the jaw to maintain clear airways, and some stabilizing the tongue to alleviate symptoms.
Surgery and medication
Certain sleep apnea causes can be managed through surgical procedures or medication. The most prevalent surgical interventions for sleep apnea involve correcting issues such as a deviated nasal septum, widening a narrow throat or airway, or making adjustments to the jaw area to alleviate obstructions in the throat.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental sleep apnea treatment includes various oral appliances and therapies aimed at alleviating sleep apnea symptoms, primarily by improving airflow during sleep.
Dental appliances reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway, preventing obstruction and promoting easier breathing during sleep.
Common dental appliances for sleep apnea include mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs).
Yes, custom-made dental appliances are typically recommended to ensure a proper fit and optimal effectiveness.
Many patients find dental appliances comfortable to wear, and they are designed to be less obtrusive than CPAP masks.
Yes, dental appliances can often alleviate snoring, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
Patients may experience improved sleep and reduced symptoms within a few weeks of using a dental appliance.
Coverage varies by insurance plans, but some dental sleep apnea treatments may be partially covered. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for details.
