It is hard to sleep at night, particularly if it is the result of a disorder such as sleep apnea. If you or your loved one has received this diagnosis, then you most likely know what it is like to have the disrupted breathing, the rattling snore, and the daily fatigue that frequently accompany it. But the better news is coming. Dental appliances for sleep apnea are becoming a comfortable and effective treatment option that many individuals are seeking to improve their health and sleep.
Let’s Understand Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is when, during sleep, the airway partially or fully closes. Shallow respiration or respiratory pause for seconds happens because the airway becomes blocked. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe medical conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and daytime tiredness in the long run.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is due to excessive relaxation of the muscles of the throat during sleep, which causes narrowing of air. In most of the patients, a CPAP machine is generally recommended. But a CPAP can be noisy, unpleasant, and inconvenient for travel, for which substitutes are being looked for with greater frequency today.
How Dental Appliances Work?
That’s where dental appliances come in. Utilized only at night, the individually fitted appliances realign the jaw and tongue so that an open airway is allowed. Thus, they reduce or completely remove the periods of airflow obstruction that are caused by sleep apnea.
If you’re seeking a less intrusive, more convenient alternative to a CPAP machine, consulting a dentist in Sidney experienced in sleep apnea treatment is a great place to start. Many dental clinics now offer custom-made oral appliances tailored to your specific needs, making treatment more accessible and comfortable than ever before.
Advantages of Dental Appliances
There are some benefits of dental appliances in sleep apnea patients:
- Easy to Wear and Comfortable: They’re quiet, compact, and easy to wear compared to CPAP machines.
- Travel-Friendly: Easy to carry and small in size, ideal for active patients.
- Higher Compliance: Dental appliances are more patient-friendly, leading to higher compliance with treatment.
- Improved Quality of Sleep: With less disruption in breathing, the user feels brighter and fresher in the morning.
- Reduced Snoring: By keeping the airway open, dental appliances can greatly decrease or eliminate snoring.
These benefits of dental appliances make them a viable first-line or backup treatment option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Not everyone with sleep apnea is a candidate for a dental appliance, but most are. Candidates are usually
- Those with mild to moderate OSA
- Those who can’t tolerate CPAP machines
- Those looking for a quieter, less obtrusive therapy
- Those with good teeth and gums who can accept the device
Your dentist will review your symptoms, medical history, and the result of your sleep study to decide if a dental appliance in Sydney is the best option for you.
The Fitting Process
Once it’s determined that you’re a good candidate, the process is straightforward:
- Initial Consultation: Your dentist will assess your condition and explain your options.
- Custom Impressions: Molds of your teeth and bite are taken to create a personalized appliance.
- Fitting Appointment: The device is adjusted to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
- Follow-Up Care: Routine check-ins help monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
With ongoing treatment, the majority of patients experience good sleep patterns and general health recovery.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
If left untreated, Sleep apnea treatment options will negatively impact your health and lifestyle. If you have morning headaches, persistent fatigue, nighttime snoring, or excessively loud snoring, you need to consult an expert.
Breathe Freely, Sleep Soundly – Let’s Talk Sleep Apnea Solutions!
At Sidney Harbour Dental, we offer customized solutions for you to sleep better and live healthier. If you or a loved one is fighting against sleep apnea, let us help you sleep better tonight with a comfortable dental appliance designed just for you.
