Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. If you or your partner is experiencing loud snoring, frequent waking up during the night, or feeling tired even after a night’s rest, it’s important to seek treatment. One way to manage sleep apnea is through dental treatment, which can help to reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life. In this post, we’ll explore how dental treatment can help with sleep apnea and what you can expect from the process.
Dental treatment for sleep apnea involves the use of oral appliances that are designed to open up the airway and improve breathing during sleep. These appliances are custom-made to fit your mouth and are worn during the night, similar to a mouthguard. Unlike a mouthguard, they are specifically designed to manage sleep apnea and work by repositioning the jaw, tongue, and soft tissues in the mouth to keep the airway open. This prevents the collapse of the airway that causes snoring and breathing pauses during sleep.
The benefits of dental treatment for sleep apnea are numerous. Firstly, it can help to improve sleep quality, which can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes. Secondly, it reduces the risk of complications associated with sleep apnea, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, it can help to improve daytime functioning, such as reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. These benefits are particularly relevant for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, where dental treatment can be a viable alternative to other treatments, such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
The process of getting dental treatment for sleep apnea involves a consultation with a qualified dental professional, such as a dentist or orthodontist. During the consultation, the dental professional will assess your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach. They will also take impressions of your mouth, which will be used to create your custom-made oral appliance. Once the appliance is ready, you will return to the dental office for a fitting, where any necessary adjustments will be made to ensure a comfortable and effective fit.
One of the advantages of dental treatment for sleep apnea is that it is non-invasive and has minimal side effects. However, like any treatment approach, it may take some time to get used to. You may experience some mild discomfort or soreness in the jaw or teeth in the first few days of wearing the appliance. However, this usually subsides quickly, and most people report feeling more comfortable within a week. It’s also important to maintain good oral hygiene practices while using the oral appliance to reduce the risk of oral health issues.
In summary, dental treatment for sleep apnea is an effective and safe option for managing sleep apnea symptoms. It can help to improve sleep quality, reduce the risk of complications, and improve daytime functioning. While it may take some time to get used to wearing an oral appliance, most people find it a comfortable and convenient treatment option. If you think you may have sleep apnea, speak to your dental professional to learn more about dental treatment options and find the right treatment approach for you.
Dr. Montz, Dr. Maher, or Dr. Dunwody at Houston Sleep Solutions South will be able to help you determine if sleep apnea treatment is right for you. Contact us now.
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 713-565-1178
