Sleep apnea is a pervasive and disruptive disorder that can contribute to a number of health complications. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused with soft oral tissue relax and fall into the airway during sleep. Sleep apnea patients may experience snoring, restlessness at night, and extreme fatigue and mood changes during the day. In extreme chronic cases sleep apnea can lead to anxiety, depression, and memory problems due to exhaustion.
The traditional treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP machine. The sleep apnea sufferer wears the CPAP machine over his or her mouth in the night. The CPAP mouthpiece delivers a forceful, steady stream of air into the patient’s airway, preventing the patient’s soft tissues from relaxing back into the throat and obstructing breathing.
Although CPAP machines are somewhat effective, patients often resist using them because the apparatuses are so cumbersome and uncomfortable to wear. Our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists understand that CPAP machines simply don’t cut it for many patients. That’s why we’re proud to offer an alternative to CPAP sleep apnea treatment.
Our office strives to treat sleep apnea with simple, comfortable oral appliances. Sleep apnea oral appliances are designed to fit into a patient’s mouth like a mouth guard or retainer. It is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth, and designed to keep the jaw in proper alignment, thereby preventing soft tissues from obstructing airflow.
These appliances are FDA-approved, and many patients see results in just days or weeks. When you meet with our sleep apnea team, we determine whether or not you’re a candidate for CPAP-alternative sleep apnea treatment. If you could benefit from a sleep apnea mouth guard, we’ll explain your treatment plan in greater detail.
Give our O’Fallon sleep apnea dentists a call for more information or to schedule an appointment. As always, we’re here to help—(636) 614-1217.