Sleep Apnea is increasingly being recognized as a major health issue in the United States, affecting over 22 million adults. The most common form, Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep caused by an obstruction in the airway. Uninterrupted sleep is essential to good health, so these frequent interruptions can lead to numerous health concerns including high blood pressure, impaired alertness and memory, and an increased risk for heart attack, stroke and other chronic conditions. For people with moderate to severe sleep apnea, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are often used. However, many are unaware that there is an affordable, comfortable alternative for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea – Oral Appliance Therapy.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral Appliance Therapy is a dental treatment for Sleep Apnea and Snoring, an effective alternative to CPAP therapy. The treatment involves fabricating a custom-fit device that holds the lower jaw forward, in an optimal position to keep the airway open during sleep. This allows the patient to breathe comfortably throughout the night and get the deep, restful sleep quality they need.
Oral Appliance Therapy versus CPAP Therapy
CPAP therapy uses a small machine that delivers continuous airflow throughout the night to keep the airway open. Many find these machines to be unpleasant to use due to their size, noise, or the experience of being strapped up every night. These concerns often lead to inconsistent use, and as a result patients are not receiving the full benefits of the treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy offered in Bend is designed to replace CPAP therapy with a more patient-friendly alternative. The device is smaller, more portable, and free from noise, making it much more convenient for travel. Additionally, Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective alternative for those who can’t use a CPAP device due to claustrophobia or severe anxiety about wearing it.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
One great thing about Oral Appliance Therapy is that it’s tailor-made for each patient. The device is custom-fitted to the mouth to ensure maximum comfort and efficacy, and it can be easily adjusted if needed. Many patients with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea or even those who simply snore find that they are able to completely eliminate their CPAP machine and instead use the oral appliance. Even mild usage of CPAP therapy requires the patient to be hooked up to a machine, and if they roll or move in their sleep, it can cause the mask to leak.
Oral Appliance Therapy is an ideal option for patients who want a comfortable, affordable alternative to CPAP therapy. The device gently and comfortably holds the lower jaw forward and allows the patient to breathe freely throughout the night. What’s more, Oral Appliance Therapy has been shown to improve scores of sleep quality, as well as reduce daytime sleepiness as a result of apnea.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Safe?
Oral Appliance Therapy is not only safe, but also has been shown to be an effective solution for mild and moderate obstructive Sleep Apnea. Studies have shown that oral appliances significantly reduce both AHI and oxygen desaturation, leading to improvemed quality of sleep. The fact that Oral Appliance Therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment option makes it appealing to many patients who want to achieve better sleep without the potential risks and discomfort of CPAP therapy.
Talk to Your Dentist Today
If you or a loved one are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and are struggling with CPAP treatment, then it’s time to consider the potential of Oral Appliance Therapy. The first step is to discuss your situation with your dentist and ask if Oral Appliance Therapy may be right for you. Only a trained and experienced dentist can determine if it’s the right solution for your sleep apnea. In Bend, numerous dentists offer Airway Health solutions, so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find qualified professionals who are ready to help you achieve a more restful, healthier night’s sleep.
In conclusion, Oral Appliance Therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP therapy for Mild and moderate obstructive Sleep Apnea patients. The device is custom-fitted to ensure maximum comfort and efficacy, and it has been demonstrated to significantly improve scores of sleep quality as well as reduce daytime sleepiness. So if you or a loved one are having trouble with your CPAP machine, then consider discussing the potential of Oral Appliance Therapy with a dentist in Bend to see how it can help you regain the sleep you deserve.