Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that hinders your breathing, causing you to wake up and gasp for air several times a night.
If your sleep is interrupted by choking gasps for air, loud, disruptive snoring, and daytime exhaustion, you could have sleep apnea. World-renowned doctor Kenneth Malament D.D.S. of Boston Prosthodontics can relieve your sleep apnea symptoms with nonsurgical treatments.
There are two main types of Sleep Apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is caused when soft tissues in the back of your throat collapse and obstruct your upper airway when you fall asleep.
Central Sleep Apnea: Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain cannot send signals to the muscles that enable breathing. Some people have a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea.
Insomnia
An oral appliance is a custom-designed mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. After assessing the source of your sleep apnea, our doctors will help you decide which type of device will best suit your needs and decrease your symptoms.
Oral appliances can treat a variety of different conditions but are often used to provide a gentle, non-invasive solution, and proven treatment for sleep apnea. A custom-made oral appliance for sleep apnea works by gently pushing the lower jaw into a slightly forward position. This shift can prevent the soft tissues from collapsing and blocking airways during sleep.
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are also highly recommended by many doctors, oral appliances can provide quieter, more comfortable treatment for those who qualify. An oral appliance is easily transportable, makes no noise, and offers immediate and comfortable relief, allowing patients to enjoy more restful sleep and greater energy throughout the day.
The first step in treating snoring or sleep apnea is to meet with our doctors. They will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and conduct a thorough examination.
If they suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea, they may recommend a sleep study to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Our doctors recommend oral appliances for most patients because of their simplicity and effectiveness. Using the data obtained during your sleep study, as well as measurements taken from x-rays, our team can design a custom oral appliance.
You will typically only wear this appliance when sleeping. In some cases, oral appliances can even be combined with CPAP therapy for more effective treatment.
Once you receive your custom oral appliance, you will likely notice immediate improvements in your snoring or sleep apnea symptoms. Most patients begin sleeping more deeply and have more energy throughout their day within the first week of beginning oral appliance therapy.
Whether you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you are in need of a diagnosis, Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group can help. Contact us online or call 617 582-2487 to schedule your screening and get fitted for your custom-made oral appliance for sleep apnea.
A consultation is an excellent opportunity for you to discover more about who we are and what treatment we can offer you to help restore your smile.
From preventative care to restorative procedures, our highly-trained prosthodontists can provide you with incredible results.
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*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.
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