25 Sep Sleep Apnea: Stop Snoring and Rest Better with Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’re feeling perpetually tired and keeping your loved ones up with loud snoring, you might have sleep apnea. This common sleep disorder prevents a person from achieving rejuvenating sleep. Instead, people with sleep apnea suffer with cycles of breathing cessation caused by airway blockages that can occur hundreds of times throughout the night. Our dentist treats sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and noise-free alternative to traditional therapies like CPAP machines.
The Dangers of Untreated Sleep Apnea
This condition impedes patients’ ability to progress naturally through each stage of sleep. Instead, they will wake slightly after each period of apnea to reinitiate proper breathing.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea will lead to severe sleep deprivation and may increase a person’s risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. In fact, a number of scientific studies have found links between untreated sleep apnea and chronic health conditions. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Motor coordination issues
- Cognitive decline
- Headaches
- Persistent fatigue
Benefits of Treating Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy is an alternative to CPAP therapy and surgical intervention. This treatment method involves wearing a custom mouthpiece that positions the lower jaw forward to increase the size of the airway. Oral appliance therapy does not require electricity, bulky and obstructive hoses, or masks. Patients who have used CPAP in the past tend to prefer the freedom of movement oral appliance therapy offers. This treatment method is also easy to transport and care for.
Oral appliance therapy allows patients to enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep. This treatment option also reduces the incidence of snoring, which will make bed partners, family members, and roommates much happier.
You don’t have to suffer with sleep apnea. With the right treatment, you can get the rest you need and deserve. Call Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry today to reserve a sleep apnea consultation with our experienced dentist.