Sleep Apnea Appliance

WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?

 

Sleep apnea occurs while the throat muscles collapse as you sleep thus closing off the movement of air in the airway.

Patients with sleep apnea may find it difficult to realize their condition. One can only be sure by observing their sleeping behavior.

Sleep apnea normally has various day time symptoms like restlessness, exhaustion, and irritability.

Sleep Apnea

 

ORAL APPLIANCE THERAPY

 

Worn only during sleep, an oral appliance fits like a sports mouth guard or an orthodontic retainer.

It supports the jaw in a forward position to help maintain an open upper airway. Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

 

YOUR ORAL APPLIANCE PROCESS

 

If you and your doctor decide that oral appliance therapy is the best treatment option for you, we will begin by taking impressions of your teeth and customize the best appliance that is best for your comfort.

Oral appliances are customized using digital or physical impressions and models of your teeth. These models are sent to a dental lab where the appliance is made.

Once your oral appliance is ready, you will return to your dentist’s office for a fitting. Your dentist will adjust the appliance to maximize its comfort and effectiveness. You also will learn how to clean the oral appliance and maintain it. After this fitting, your sleep doctor may schedule you for a sleep study to verify treatment success.

Follow-up visits with your dentist will be needed to ensure the optimal fit of the oral appliance. Effective oral appliances are always custom fit and adjusted over time to ensure maximum effectiveness. Your dentist also will schedule you for an annual assessment. These routine visits are an important part of your long-term treatment success.

Have a question?

Contact us to discuss your dental needs.

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