05 Aug Sleep Apnea Treatment: How do I know if my oral appliance is effective?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can have far-reaching effects on your health and your quality of life. Treatment options like oral appliance therapy can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep, which will lead to better energy levels, improved mood, and fewer health risks.
Since sleep apnea symptoms occur when we rest, it can be difficult to tell how well OSA therapies perform. Following are some helpful ways to determine if your oral appliance is doing its job.
You Wake Feeling Rested and Energized
When sleep apnea treatments are effective, you will notice a reduction in symptoms like grogginess, forgetfulness, and general lethargy. These improvements in your energy levels and mental clarity can be seen within a few days of commencing your oral appliance therapy.
You Notice that OSA-Related Headaches Subside
One common symptom of untreated OSA is waking with nagging headaches. These headaches typically occur from erratic breathing and poor sleep quality. If your OSA treatment is effective, you will likely see a reduction in these headaches.
You Don’t Wake with Dry Mouth
Dry mouth – especially in the morning – is a typical symptom of sleep apnea. Mouth breathing and snoring will certainly cause dry mouth. With oral appliance therapy, the airway is widened to prevent snoring and the need for mouth breathing.
A Sleep Study Confirms that Your Episodes of Apnea Diminish
One way to be absolutely certain that your sleep apnea treatment is working is to receive a professional sleep study. Sleep studies monitor your vitals, including breathing patterns. If you have a sleep study while using your oral appliance, your results can evaluate the quality of your breathing and your sleep. You can also compare the results of your study to the study you had before you started OSA treatment to gauge your improvement.
Oral appliance therapy is a portable, non-invasive, and machinery-free treatment option for sleep apnea. Give our team at Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry a call today to reserve an OSA treatment consultation with our dentist.