Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliances
Sleep apnea affects an estimated 22 million Americans. According to the American Sleep Association, a staggering 80% of these cases are considered moderate or severe and often go undiagnosed. All identified forms of sleep apnea carry serious to life-threatening risks, such as interruption of the REM phase of sleep, or more serious symptoms including pauses in breathing and reduced blood oxygenation levels. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and can be found in people of any age but is a condition most frequently found in men over 40. The only test to definitively diagnose sleep apnea is patient participation in a sleep study.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be seeking the right treatment option to match your lifestyle. Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machines can provide a very reliable solution for some, but these solutions can bring discomfort to others or disturb an easy resting partner with the consistent noise of the machinery. Oral appliances provide a reliable alternative solution for those who will not tolerate positive airway pressure therapy.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Alternatives: Oral Appliances
Oral appliances are a popular alternative to CPAP solutions and are custom fitted by qualified dentistry professionals at Friendly Smiles Dental Care. Treatment of sleep apnea with an oral appliance is non-invasive and opens the airway during sleep, preventing it from collapsing or blocking the normal flow of air during breathing.
Oral appliances for the treatment of sleep apnea are approved by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and continue to rise in popularity as awareness amongst the public becomes more widespread. Treating sleep apnea with a dental mouthpiece can be the most convenient for those who travel frequently since maintaining the mouthpiece is an easier than the required maintenance of a CPAP. Since the oral mouthpiece does not need machine equipment, it appeals to patients who would like a quiet treatment solution. Treating sleep apnea with an oral appliance may be more cost-effective than a CPAP. Oral appliance sleep therapy is easy to care for, effective, durable, quiet and easy to wear.
If you’re looking for an alternative solution or to treat Sleep apnea without the mask, consider contacting Friendly Smiles Dental Care to begin your path to a good night’s sleep. Visit one of our four convenient locations and schedule your free consultation.
