Snoring is more than just a nuisance to sleepers and their partners. In fact, snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is a serious condition that can lead to a host of health problems.
The most common treatment for OSA is a CPAP machine, but Dr. Freano, a dentist in Lexington, KY, can help with an alternative treatment in the form of an oral appliance for sleep to wear.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is commonly associated with excess weight or obesity, but this is not always the cause. Certain sleep positions may obstruct the airway as the muscles relax during sleep, which reduces the body’s air supply. The sleeper may awaken multiple times gasping for air without knowing, wake up feeling tired, or even have issues with concentration and memory.
How Can My Dentist Help With Sleep Apnea?
While CPAP therapy is the most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatment, an oral appliance can provide a similar result without the patient needing to wear a mask on their face during sleep. Both treatments involve different ways of holding the airway open during sleep, when the soft tissue in the mouth are more relaxed.
In the case of CPAP therapy, a constant flow of air is directed into the throat through a mask to prevent the patient’s airway from collapsing during sleep. With the oral appliance, it is custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth to reposition the bottom jaw, moving it forward to prevent soft tissue from collapsing over the sleeper’s airway.
The appliance is made sturdy enough to withstand bruxism — teeth grinding — so that even those patients that suffer from that issue can use the appliance to achieve a better night’s sleep.
Is the Oral Appliance Comfortable?
Dr. Freano meets with patients for an individual consultation where they will examine the mouth and make sure you’re fitted correctly and comfortably. Although the appliance does reposition the jaw, it’s designed to fit comfortably inside the mouth in order to disrupt sleep as little as possible. Most patients report less snoring and better sleep while using the oral appliance.
What makes an oral device both effective yet also comfortable is how well it’s fitted to the individual patient’s mouth. Dr. Freano will meet with you to discuss your needs, gather precise measurements and your mouth’s specific details, and make sure that your appliance is comfortable.
Snore Guard for Sleep Apnea in Lexington, KY
Seek Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment with Dr. Doyle Freano today. Schedule a worry-free consultation by calling 859.554.1586 or requesting an appointment online today.