Sometimes a dentist can create a perfect solution to a patient’s obstructive sleep apnea.
Many people wonder if they have obstructive sleep apnea, especially if they never feel recharged from sleeping or wake up in the middle of the night feeling choked.
Sleep apnea, which is usually but not always associated with snoring, is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment.
Are You Fed Up with CPAP?
Although CPAP machines are the most common method of sleep apnea treatment, many people find CPAP intolerable.
• It’s uncomfortable (e.g., air pressure, mask fit, skin irritation).
• The apparatus may shift during sleep.
• It can result in morning dry mouth.
• Vigilent cleaning of the device is required.
How a Dentist Can Help with Sleep Apnea
If you’re tired of the CPAP machine, there is a possible alternative.
A dentist can create an oral appliance similar to a sports mouth guard.
The mandibular advancement device (MAD) fits in your mouth and does not need to be hooked up to anything else.
Oral appliance
Each oral appliance is custom-fitted to maximize your comfort and breathing during sleep. They are also easy to care for.
Another excellent feature of the dental appliance is that it’s easy to take on trips. Its compact size lets you take it anywhere, ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep.
Another advantage is that they do not make any noise, leaving your partner undisturbed.
More on Mandibular Advancement Devices
These are not recommended for moderate or severe sleep apnea, but some patients with a diagnosis of mild sleep apnea may benefit.
The confirmation of benefit could only come from a sleep study when the patient is wearing the MAD. If the study’s results show an apnea-hypopnea index at under five per hour, this means the oral appliance is working.
More than 100 types of these stop-snoring devices have been approved by the FDA. Many insurance plans will also cover them, but you will need to have an official medical diagnosis of sleep apnea.
Many people who get an oral appliance from a dentist find that their sleep is so much better – even on the first night. Just as important is the fact that with better sleep, you’re positively moving towards better health.
