Having a good night’s sleep can help you feel rested and healthy, yet many people don’t get the sleep they need. Chronic loud snoring, waking up at night, and drowsiness in the morning are common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper airways are blocked, preventing deep, restful sleep. As a serious matter, it can lead to numerous health issues if not treated.
When sleep apnea machines and other medications cannot help you get the sleep you need, oral appliance therapy may help. At Dental Care 4 U, our team can offer sleep apnea oral devices to help unblock the airways and provide you with the sleep you desire most.
Snoring & Sleep Apnea Treatment at Dental Care 4 U
Obstructive sleep apnea is a severe type of sleep disorder caused by the tissues in the back of the throat obstructing the airways. This obstruction leads to breathing pauses throughout the night, leaving people tired and groggy the day after. Not only does obstructive sleep apnea leave people sleepless, but it also puts people at risk for a collection of other health problems, including heart disease, depression, and high blood pressure.
Most sleep apnea specialists will recommend a positive airway pressure device or a CPAP machine to prevent the airways from collapsing. Some people, however, can’t always use CPAP machines, and surgeries are often too invasive to prevent the issue.
If you’re having problems with sleep apnea, then oral appliances can help. Oral appliances are custom-made devices designed to push the lower jaw and tongue forward and keep the tongue in place to help open up the airways during sleep.
How Dental Care 4 U Can Help Treat Sleep Apnea
As a convenient option for treating sleep apnea, our practice can provide oral appliances to help you get a better night’s sleep. We offer multiple options for sleep apnea oral devices, including:
- Mandibular Advancement Devices: These devices attach to the upper and lower teeth to move the jaw and tongue forward and can be customized to fit the patient’s teeth, reducing snoring and daytime sleepiness.
- Tongue-Stabilizing Devices: Tongue-stabilizing devices work to pull the tongue forward using suction and keep the tongue from blocking the airways.
- Rapid Maxillary Expansion Devices: Rapid maxillary expansion devices are orthodontic devices that expand the roof of the mouth to open the airways. These involve wearing a custom-fitted expander to fit over the top back teeth and using pressure to correct arched palates in children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a dentist help with sleep apnea?
A: Yes, dentists can provide oral appliance therapy, custom devices that shift the position of your jaw and tongue to keep your airway open while you sleep.
Q: How do I know if I have sleep apnea?
A: Common signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and difficulty staying asleep. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare professional.
At Dental Care 4 U, we can provide you with a better night’s sleep and good oral health through quality, bread-and-butter dental care. Whether you need a cleaning and exam, a replacement crown, or other treatments, we provide a selection of services to care for all of your basic dental needs. For more information, contact our practice today in Holland, IL, to speak with Dr. Raj Khurana for an appointment. No matter the time, you’ll always see the same dentist and experience quality care that feels like home.
