If you have trouble sleeping due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may need treatment. If you’ve heard that a mouthguard can help stop sleep apnea, well, that’s almost true. We don’t just prescribe a mouthguard for our Astoria, NY, patients, but a custom-made device that fits like one. How does this unique device help stop OSA?
The Causes of Sleep Apnea
A sleep apnea episode, which may happen several times a night, involves the tissues in the back of our mouth and throat collapsing and blocking airflow. The person stops breathing for a brief period, but enough to interrupt sleep and prevent him or her from obtaining proper rest. Warning signs may include frequent daytime drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth, moodiness, and chronic snoring. Risk factors include obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, an irregular sleep schedule, deviated septum or allergy/sinus issues, age (many sufferers tend to be 55 and older), and neck circumference. As part of the diagnostic process, we will identify the factors behind your case of OSA.
Don’t Ignore Your Sleep Disorder
If you think one or more of the symptoms we discussed above apply to you, then please let us know right away. Over time, untreated sleep apnea has been known to strain the immune system and cardiovascular system. You may become more prone to sickness, as well as an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Depression could also develop. However, with our treatment options we can help stop OSA episodes and allow you to sleep throughout the night, enjoying an improved quality of life.
Oral Appliance Treatment
The oral appliance we prescribe will be custom-made, which ensures a comfortable fit and accurate treatment. We create them based on detailed measurements and impressions taken of your smile. The device will look and fit much like a mouthguard, however the device actually repositions the jaw to help keep airways open, preventing the collapse of soft tissue. You snore less and enjoy a good night’s rest free of apneic episodes.
In addition to our custom oral appliance, we may also discuss changes to your sleep habits. For example, going to bed and waking up at the same times each day, sleeping on your side instead of your back, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption before going to bed. If you have any questions about your sleep habits or about treating OSA, then contact our team today.
Do You Need an Oral Appliance?
We use custom-made appliances to help our patients enjoy better sleep health. For more information on our approach to preventive dentistry, schedule a consultation with us by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
