Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition that arises when the muscles in the throat and surrounding areas relax excessively during sleep. This relaxation allows the soft tissues within the airway to collapse, thereby obstructing the normal flow of air. As a result, the airway becomes blocked, which can lead to significant breathing difficulties during sleep. One of the most common signs of this condition is loud and frequent snoring. Additionally, individuals with OSA may experience extended pauses in their breathing while asleep. These interruptions in breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute, and they can occur repeatedly, up to hundreds of times throughout the night. This frequent disruption of normal breathing patterns can have a substantial impact on overall sleep quality and health.
Common symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) include loud and frequent snoring, noticeable pauses in breathing or gasping for air during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and an unusual ability to fall asleep almost anywhere. Other symptoms may include acid reflux, high blood pressure, morning headaches, and waking up multiple times during the night to use the bathroom.
To determine definitively whether you have obstructive sleep apnea, it is essential to obtain a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. This often involves undergoing a sleep study, which can provide detailed insights into your sleep patterns and identify any disruptions caused by OSA. If you do not currently have a doctor, there is no need to worry. We collaborate with a wide network of physicians and can assist you in finding a suitable doctor for a referral and further evaluation.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a highly effective and non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This therapy integrates smoothly into your daily routine. The treatment involves the use of a device similar to a mouthguard, which is worn during sleep. This device works by positioning your jaw in a forward alignment, thereby facilitating easier breathing throughout the night. By maintaining an open airway, OAT effectively prevents obstructions that cause snoring and OSA, thus alleviating these disruptive symptoms.
There is a wide variety of oral appliances available, and I will personally collaborate with you to design and custom-fit an appliance that perfectly meets your unique needs. Our custom-designed and FDA approved appliances are crafted to provide the utmost comfort and relief from symptoms, ensuring a significant improvement in your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Patients appreciate our oral appliances for a multitude of reasons. They find them to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to wear, offering a significant contrast to other treatment options. Additionally, these appliances operate quietly, ensuring an undisturbed night's sleep. Their portability and convenience make them ideal for travel, and they are straightforward and simple to clean.
Traditionally, the prescribed treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This method requires patients to sleep with a facemask that is connected by tubing to a machine running continuously throughout the night. Although CPAP therapy is known for its effectiveness in treating OSA, a significant challenge remains: up to half of the patients do not adhere to the treatment regimen. Recognizing this issue, we offer an alternative solution through oral appliance therapy.
Comfort - Sleeping with a CPAP machine and its accompanying bulky facemask can be quite challenging for many patients. The discomfort and inconvenience of the apparatus can significantly disrupt sleep quality. In contrast, patients often prefer oral appliances due to their superior comfort and ease of wear. These appliances are particularly advantageous for individuals who frequently change positions during sleep or enjoy snuggling with their bed partner. The streamlined design of oral appliances ensures minimal intrusion, allowing for a more restful and natural sleep experience.
Quiet - While a CPAP machine can effectively eliminate snoring, the constant hum of its motor can create a new challenge by making it difficult for both you and your partner to sleep peacefully. The continuous noise can be disruptive, especially in otherwise quiet sleeping environments. On the other hand, oral appliance therapy offers a silent alternative. This innovative treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and loud snoring without generating any noise. The quiet operation of oral appliances ensures that you and your partner can enjoy an undisturbed and restful night’s sleep, free from the intrusive sounds of machinery.
Easy Travel - Traveling with a bulky CPAP machine can be quite cumbersome and inconvenient, often adding unnecessary stress to your journey. The size and weight of the machine, along with the need for additional accessories and proper power sources, can make packing and transport challenging. In stark contrast, a compact and lightweight oral appliance offers a much more travel-friendly solution. This portable device significantly reduces the burden of travel, fitting easily into your luggage or carry-on bag without taking up much space or adding excessive weight. The ease of transporting an oral appliance ensures that you can maintain your sleep apnea treatment seamlessly, no matter where your travels take you.
Low-maintenance - Caring for an oral appliance is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free solution. To maintain the hygiene and functionality of the appliance, all that is needed is a simple cleaning with a toothbrush and mild soap. This uncomplicated cleaning routine is sufficient to keep the appliance free from germs and in optimal condition. The ease of maintenance ensures that you can effortlessly incorporate the care of your oral appliance into your daily routine, providing a convenient and effective method for managing your sleep apnea symptoms without any added complexity.
Effective Treatment - Extensive research has demonstrated that oral appliance therapy is a highly effective alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for treating obstructive sleep apnea. When patients consistently utilize their custom-fitted oral appliances, they experience a significant improvement in sleep quality. Each morning, they wake up feeling thoroughly refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day with renewed energy. This positive impact extends to their partners as well, who also benefit from a quieter and more restful night's sleep. The effectiveness of oral appliance therapy in mitigating the symptoms of sleep apnea ensures a substantial enhancement in the overall well-being and quality of life for both patients and their partners.
Neglecting your condition is not an option!
Leaving sleep apnea untreated can lead to potentially life-threatening consequences. This serious condition significantly raises the risk of developing other severe health issues, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and impotence.
Beyond these substantial health risks, untreated sleep apnea can also result in heightened daytime sleepiness and decreased alertness. These symptoms contribute to a higher likelihood of car accidents, workplace incidents, and even accidents within the home. Alarmingly, some studies have indicated that individuals with untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) have a reduced life expectancy compared to those who actively seek treatment. Therefore, addressing sleep apnea promptly is crucial for safeguarding both your immediate safety and long-term health.
Contact our office today at 281-758-1555 or schedule your appointment. We're happy to answer any questions, inquiries, or concerns you may have about Sleep Apnea Treatment.
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Sandalwood Dental is now accepting new patients. We practice IV Sedation, Sleep Apnea and Cosmetic Dentistry. Visit us and discover compassionate care along with your best smile.
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