Why Treat Sleep Apnea With Oral Appliance Therapy?
Sleep apnea is a serious condition, but it can go undiagnosed for years. Many people first realize that they suffer from this condition when they see their doctor about chronic fatigue. You may not realize that your dentist can treat your sleep apnea using a technique called oral appliance therapy. Effective treatment for sleep apnea can improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of death. Here are four reasons to choose oral appliance therapy to treat your sleep apnea.
1. Oral appliance therapy is effective.
Oral appliance therapy utilizes a device much like a mouthguard. This oral appliance is put in your mouth before you go to bed at night. You will sleep wearing your appliance, and it will enhance your ability to breathe through the night. Many people notice an improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms once they start using oral appliance therapy.
2. Your oral appliance will be custom-fitted to your mouth.
When you choose oral appliance therapy, your oral appliance will be created just for you. Your dentist will take measurements of your mouth using imaging and dental molds. They will use this information to create a comfortable oral appliance that will gently expand your airway. Your oral device will push your lower jaw down and forward, which will prevent your airway from completely collapsing at night. The only way to get this kind of custom mouthguard is by speaking with your dentist.
3. Oral appliance therapy is highly portable.
There are other treatments available for sleep apnea. For instance, some people use a CPAP machine that blows air into their nostrils while they sleep. While these methods of treating sleep apnea are also effective, none of them are as portable as oral appliance therapy. Your oral appliance can be safely stored in a hard case. Oral devices for sleep apnea are small enough to be placed in a backpack or purse. If you love to travel and often spend nights away from home, oral appliance therapy is likely a good choice for you.
4. Oral appliance therapy will not be affected by power outages.
CPAP machines rely on electricity to function, which means they could unexpectedly turn off in the event of a power outage. Oral appliance therapy does not require electricity, which makes it a good option for people who live in areas with frequent storms. With a custom oral appliance, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your sleep apnea will be under control in all situations.
For more information about sleep apnea oral appliance therapy, contact a dentist.
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