Dental sleep medicine can help with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, which are two common sleep problems. Snoring is one of the primary symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores has it. However, snoring alone can cause problems for individuals and their sleep partners by interrupting sleep. While the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, other treatment options exist.
Dental sleep medicine is dentistry that treats snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. It offers patients an alternative to CPAP machines. Dentists create customized mouth appliances that patients wear during sleep. These appliances support the jaw in a position that prevents the patient's airway from collapsing during sleep. This type of continuous jaw support can prevent snoring and help relieve sleep apnea, so patients rest better.
The customized mouth appliances dentists make for patients with snoring or sleep apnea issues resemble the custom mouth guards that athletes wear while playing sports. When not in use, the appliances fit into a case so that they are easy to take along during travel.
To make the mouth appliances, dentists perform a dental exam and may take X-rays. Technicians then create impressions of the patient's teeth. These impressions go to a laboratory where technicians use them to create an appliance designed to fit the patient's mouth exactly. When the dentist receives the completed appliance from the laboratory, the patient comes in for a fitting. The dentist may then make minor adjustments to the appliance and will teach the patient how to clean and care for it.
Patients who have mild or moderate sleep apnea may find they no longer need their CPAP machine during sleep once they start using their dental appliance. The portability and convenience of the appliance appeal to many patients, and they may find themselves more likely to comply with instructions for its use than with their CPAP machine.
CPAP machines consist of a mask that covers the mouth and nose and tubing connecting the mask to the machine itself, which is roughly the size of a shoebox. Patients must plug their CPAP machine into an electrical outlet for it to function.
By contrast, dental sleep appliances have no mask or tubing and fit inside the mouth, with no external parts. Because of the appliance's convenience and portability, many patients are more likely to use their dental appliance than a CPAP machine. Better treatment compliance may result in better relief from snoring and sleep apnea.
Snoring and sleep apnea can affect a person's sleep quality and quality of life. The sleeping partners of snorers and people with sleep apnea may find their own sleep quality affected as well. Dental sleep medicine helps people address snoring and sleep apnea in a way that is less obtrusive and inconvenient than a CPAP machine and can help improve the quality of life for these patients and their partners.
Request an appointment here: https://608familydental.com or call 608 Family Dental at (608) 713-9418 for an appointment in our Sun Prairie office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Sleep Medicine in Sun Prairie, WI.
Tooth extraction can apply to an impacted tooth. This tooth can cause pain and other dental problems. Your dentist may suggest the removal of this tooth after a thorough assessment. Here are the details to consider if your impacted tooth needs extraction.The main goal of dentists is to keep teeth intact. They will only remove…
Tooth extraction can be a daunting prospect for anyone, let alone children. Fortunately, our team can help parents learn everything they need to know about tooth extraction. As a parent, it is natural to be concerned about your child's well-being during a medical procedure. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after this common dental…
Straightening teeth is easy and convenient with Invisalign®. This orthodontic treatment offers a modern alternative to traditional braces, appealing to those seeking comfort, convenience, and discreetness. While Invisalign is highly effective for many, it is not for everyone. Understanding who makes an ideal Invisalign candidate can help patients determine if this treatment aligns with their…
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that general dentists perform on a regular basis. Although it is a routine and safe method, there are common misconceptions about it that cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. It is normal to feel a little nervous before any medical procedure, but it is equally important not to let…