Dental Sleep Appliances Are an Incredibly Effective Method for Treating Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that many patients suffer from, often without realizing it. If you have a partner you sleep with who complains about snoring, or if you are waking up feeling unrested or with chronic morning headaches, these could be due to undiagnosed sleep apnea. While your dentist cannot diagnose your sleep apnea, they can help you with treatment. Dental sleep appliances, as offered by Glen Allen, Virginia dentists like Dr. Olivia Hart at Virginia Biological Dentistry, can be an alternative to CPAP machines or work in conjunction with it. What follows are some frequently asked questions about sleep appliances that will help you decide if this is a treatment method that you may find helpful for your sleep apnea.

What Is A Dental Sleep Appliance?

A custom sleep appliance is a personal device that is small in size and worn like a mouthguard. They are personally crafted to fit your mouth and work by keeping your airway open at night. This is accomplished by advancing the lower jaw and stabilizing the tongue, allowing your airway to remain open as you sleep. The danger of obstructive sleep apnea is due to this airway closing up as you sleep, cutting off oxygen supply for short periods, resulting in poor quality sleep.

What Is the Difference Between a Dental Sleep Appliance and a CPAP Machine?

Dental sleep appliances differ from CPAP machines in several ways. Dental appliances are custom-fit oral devices worn during sleep, unlike a CPAP machine that uses a mask and air pressure to keep the airway open. Additionally, dental appliances are portable, silent, and require no electricity, making them a convenient option for travel.

Why Do I Need To Seek Treatment For My Sleep Apnea In The First Place?

Seeking treatment for your sleep apnea is crucial as it can significantly impact your health and quality of life. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It can also lead to daytime drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and reduced productivity. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea can strain relationships due to loud snoring and disrupted sleep patterns. Timely intervention with therapies like dental sleep appliances can alleviate symptoms, improve sleep quality, and lower the risk of associated health problems.

Are Dental Sleep Appliances Effective?

Dental sleep appliances are effective for many individuals suffering from mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea and possibly in conjunction with CPAP in case of severe sleep apnea. A sleep appliance will reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent airway blockage during sleep.

How Do I Get a Dental Sleep Appliance For Sleep Apnea Treatment?

Many dentists offer dental sleep appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea. If you are in the Glen Allen, VA, area, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Hart to discuss this convenient and effective treatment option, including ordering a sleep study to diagnose possible sleep disorders accurately. This will allow you to ask any questions you may have and to also learn about the benefits a sleep appliance will provide.

To learn more about a dental sleep appliance to treat your sleep apnea, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Olivia Hart by calling Virginia Biological Dentistry at (804) 381-6238.