Everyone needs a good nights sleep

Sleep apnea is a common but serious sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to fragmented rest and numerous health complications. One of the most effective non-invasive treatment options for certain cases of sleep apnea and snoring is the use of oral appliances, also known as mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or snore guards.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is primarily classified into three types:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common type, caused by a physical blockage of the airway due to the collapse of soft tissues in the throat.
2. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): A neurological condition where the brain fails to send proper signals to control breathing.
3. Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A combination of both OSA and CSA.

OSA is particularly prevalent and often associated with loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and metabolic disorders (Patil et al., 2007).

The Role of Snoring Appliances

For patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA or those who suffer from chronic snoring, oral appliances offer a non-invasive and convenient alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. These devices work by repositioning the lower jaw (mandible) and tongue to prevent airway collapse during sleep.

Types of Oral Appliances:

1. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): These appliances hold the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, keeping the airway open (Chan et al., 2007).
2. Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs): These devices stabilize the tongue to prevent it from blocking the airway.

Custom-fitted oral appliances have been shown to be more effective and comfortable than over-the-counter options, making professional fitting a crucial step in treatment success. At Park Blvd Dentistry we can help make you an appliance that is comfortable, durable and effective in reducing snoring or even mild sleep apnea.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

• Improved Sleep Quality: Reduces snoring and apnea episodes, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
• Portability and Convenience: Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances are small, quiet, and easy to travel with.
• Better Compliance: Many patients find oral appliances more tolerable than CPAP therapy, leading to higher adherence rates (Sutherland et al., 2014).
• Reduced Risk of Associated Health Issues: Effective treatment can lower the risks of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Seeking Treatment

If you experience chronic snoring or have been diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy may be a viable solution. While our office specializes in creating custom-fitted snoring and sleep apnea appliances, it is essential to first obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional, such as a sleep physician, who can determine the severity of your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options.

To learn more about how oral appliances can help improve your sleep and overall health, schedule a consultation at PBD today.

Dr Doodes and the PBD team.

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References:

• Chan, A. S., Lee, R. W., & Cistulli, P. A. (2007). Dental appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Chest, 132(4), 1421-1422.
• Patil, S. P., Schneider, H., Schwartz, A. R., & Smith, P. L. (2007). Adult obstructive sleep apnea: Pathophysiology and diagnosis. Chest, 132(1), 325-337.
• Sutherland, K., Vanderveken, O. M., Tsuda, H., et al. (2014). Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: An update. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 10(2), 215-227.