When we diagnose obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and find that you need treatment, that doesn’t mean you’re destined for a CPAP machine. Instead, your Celina, TX, dentist could offer relief with a custom oral appliance. In today’s blog, find out how we treat your sleep disorder with a cozy and noninvasive device.
The CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine is effective, and involves wearing a mask over the nose and mouth that is connected to a machine via a plastic hose. The machine pumps air through the hose and into the mouth and nose, so you breathe without interruption. However, the device is loud and uncomfortable for many people. This leads to interruptions in treatment as many people simply forgo wearing them. Which is why we offer an alternative with an oral appliance.
An Oral Appliance Alternative
OSA occurs when you stop breathing as you sleep. Airways become blocked by the collapse of soft tissues in the throat and mouth. You stop breathing multiple times a night, leaving you feeling exhausted the next day. Factors include neck circumference, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, deviated septum, and sinus and allergy issues. Symptoms include chronic snoring, headaches, migraines, daytime drowsiness, moodiness, and difficulty staying focused on tasks at work or school.
If you experience these symptoms, then we can diagnose the issue with an assessment and home sleep test. Next, we take detailed impressions and images with digital technology, which lets us design and craft an oral appliance. The device looks and fits like a mouthguard and is worn as you rest. The appliance then moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues so you breathe without interruption.
Better Sleep Habits
You can also help by maintaining a good sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same times daily, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. Try to avoid screens right before bed, including smartphone screens, and also cut back on the consumption of alcohol or large meals in the two hours before bed. Rest on your side, not your back. These actions help improve your ability to go to sleep and stay that way, and the oral appliance helps prevent the cessation of breathing, so you feel more rested and alert, and avoid complications for your immune system and heart health.
If you have any questions about how we treat issues like OSA, then contact our team today. We want to make sure you rest easy again!
Talk To Your Celina, TX Dentist’s Office About OSA
Our team doesn’t rely solely on the CPAP machine to bring you relief from OSA. To learn more about combating common sleep disorders, then contact your Celina, TX, dentist, Dr. Newton, by calling (214) 851-0130.
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