Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes breathing to pause repeatedly during sleep, interrupting rest and leading to drowsiness during the day. Obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the airway becomes blocked, could affect up to 20 percent of the adult population.
Though common, sleep apnea can prove challenging to treat. The most common treatment method is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which keeps the airway open during the night. However, many people struggle to use these devices and end up using nothing to assist with their sleep disorder. Thankfully for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea, alternative treatments exist.
Oral appliances offer one alternative treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. By positioning the jaw and tongue to prevent blockage of the airway, these mouthpieces help some patients breathe easier.
The highly trained dentists at AZ Family Dental have the expertise necessary to create custom oral appliances for treating sleep apnea. Patients from the greater Phoenix, AZ area can discover the treatment that’s right for them at our dental offices.
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Oral appliances are typically plastic acrylic mouthpieces that fit over the teeth and adjust the position of the tongue or jaw to hold the airway open while you’re asleep. To accomplish this goal, an oral appliance may pull your jaw forward slightly or hold the tongue forward in the mouth. Over several months, your dentist may adjust the appliance or tighten it to help you get the most benefit.
Though oral appliances for sleep apnea may look similar to other types of mouth guards, it’s essential to get one that’s custom-made for your teeth and bite. Improper fit can move the teeth in unintended ways or lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Working with the qualified dentists at AZ Family Dental will help ensure that your oral appliance treats sleep apnea effectively without causing harm to your dental health.
If you think you might benefit from an oral appliance, our dentists would be happy to help. We can assess your candidacy for this form of treatment and create custom oral appliances by measuring the positioning of your teeth. We can also follow up with you after you start using an oral appliance to make adjustments.
You can book your sleep apnea treatment in one of our offices:
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Oral appliances can provide symptom relief for some individuals with sleep apnea, particularly when they’re fitted by an experienced dentist. However, other treatments may prove more beneficial for some people. You may choose to work with the dentists at AZ Family Dental for sleep apnea if:
Along with your primary doctor and sleep specialist, the dentists can help you decide whether an oral appliance could be the right fit.
If you’re considering an oral appliance for treating sleep apnea, AZ Family Dental could help you take the next steps toward a better night’s sleep. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our dental offices.
