When it comes to a good night’s sleep, breathing effortlessly should be a given, not a luxury. Yet, for millions suffering from sleep apnea, a disorder where one’s breathing stops and starts repeatedly, restful nights seem elusive. Fortunately, the dedicated team at Mint Hill Dentistry is on a mission to change that with state-of-the-art sleep apnea oral appliances. Here’s what you need to know.
Causes of Sleep Apnea
For starters, it is helpful to know more about sleep apnea. It occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, causing a blockage in the airway. This results in snoring, choking sounds, or silent pauses in breathing, leading to frequent awakenings and a sense of never having slept at all.
Treatment for Sleep Apnea
Many have heard of a CPAP machine when you’re researching a sleep apnea treatment. But for those who find it uncomfortable or cumbersome, there’s another effective option – sleep apnea oral appliances.
Both devices below aim to prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat. By doing so, they ensure the airway remains open throughout the night. Most devices are adjustable, allowing the dentist to fine-tune the position of the jaw or tongue for maximum effectiveness.
Types of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
1) Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)
The most used type, MADs resemble orthodontic retainers or sports mouthguards. They snap over the upper and lower dental arches and feature metal hinges to ease the lower jaw and tongue forward, helping to prevent an airway blockage.
2) Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces
A slightly different approach, these devices hold the tongue forward to keep it from collapsing back into the airway, ensuring an open path for airflow.
Benefits of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances
1) Comfort
Many find them more comfortable than CPAP masks.
2) Convenience
They’re compact and portable, able to take them anywhere.
3) Quiet
No machine noise to disturb your or a partner’s sleep.
4) Easy Maintenance
Simple cleaning, much like a retainer or mouthguard.
Questions? Contact Us.
Sleep apnea might be common, but its solutions are highly personalized. What works wonders for one might not for another. This is where the expertise of Mint Hill Dentistry comes in. Our team will thoroughly assess your condition, recommend the most suitable oral appliance, and ensure a customized fit for optimal results.
Give us a call today to schedule your sleep apnea oral appliance consultation. Let’s usher in a new dawn of restful nights!