If you or a loved one struggle with loud snoring, frequent waking during the night, or daytime fatigue, you may be dealing with sleep apnea—a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
We’re here to help you explore effective solutions, including oral appliances for sleep apnea, that can help you get the restful sleep you deserve.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes your breathing to stop and start repeatedly while you sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax excessively, blocking your airway.
This interruption in breathing can lead to fragmented sleep and lower oxygen levels in your blood, which can have serious consequences for your overall health.
The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Choking or gasping for air during sleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Oral Health
Many people don’t realize that their oral health and sleep apnea are closely connected. In fact, certain dental issues can contribute to or worsen sleep apnea. For example, people with a misaligned jaw (a condition known as malocclusion) may be at higher risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
Additionally, grinding your teeth at night (known as bruxism) is another factor that can contribute to sleep disturbances.
At Stehl Family Dental, we specialize in identifying the underlying oral health issues and offer effective treatments, including oral appliances for sleep apnea, to enhance your sleep quality and overall health.
How Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea Work
One of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate sleep apnea is the use of oral appliances (also called oral appliance therapy). These custom-made devices are designed to reposition your lower jaw and tongue to help keep your airway open during sleep, reducing the frequency and severity of breathing interruptions.
These oral appliances are a comfortable, non-invasive alternative to CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, which can be bulky and uncomfortable for some people. The oral appliance works by gently repositioning the jaw to prevent airway collapse, allowing for smoother, uninterrupted breathing throughout the night.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
- Comfortable and Easy to Wear: Unlike a CPAP machine, which requires wearing a mask, sleep oral devices are small and comfortable to wear, with many people adjusting quickly to their use.
- Portable and Convenient: Oral appliances are compact and easy to travel with, making them a great option for those on the go.
- Quiet and Discreet: These devices don’t produce the noise that CPAP machines do, which can disrupt your sleep or the sleep of your partner.
- Improved Sleep Quality: By reducing airway obstructions, oral appliances can help you sleep more soundly, leading to increased energy and improved overall health.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are particularly beneficial for people who have mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. However, they may not be appropriate for people with severe sleep apnea or those who have other underlying medical conditions.
During your consultation at Stehl Family Dental, we’ll evaluate your specific needs and determine whether an oral appliance for sleep apnea is the best treatment option for you. If you are dealing with sleep apnea or suspect you might be, here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule a Consultation: If you live in Lee’s Summit or the surrounding area, schedule an appointment with us to discuss your symptoms. We’ll take a comprehensive look at your oral health and discuss possible treatment options.
- Get a Custom-fit Device: If an oral appliance is right for you, we’ll take impressions of your teeth and mouth to create a device that fits comfortably and effectively.
- Monitor your progress: After you begin using the oral appliance, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to ensure it’s working effectively and make any necessary adjustments.
Take Control of Your Sleep Health Today
At Stehl Family Dental, we are here to assist you. Don’t let sleep apnea interfere with your quality of life. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and explore how an oral appliance for sleep apnea can be the first step toward better sleep and improved health.
