A Comfortable Alternative To The CPAP Machine

treating sleep apnea with an oral applianceWhen people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), this could lead to exhaustion and other uncomfortable symptoms. Unfortunately, the solution is often uncomfortable as well. Fortunately, your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist provides an alternative to the cumbersome CPAP machine with oral appliance therapy!

The Causes of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea means that as a person sleeps, the soft tissues in the back of the mouth and in the throat become too relaxed and actually collapse and then block airflow. The person literally stops breathing during the night until the brain registers this lack of oxygen and wakes them. Few people remember waking up, but this could happen hundreds of times a night and interrupts the sleep cycle. Unless treated, this could lead to serious complications.

Warning Signs and Long-Term Dangers

People with the disorder often suffer from chronic snoring, waking up frequently in the night, daytime exhaustion, headaches, and irritability. Over time, this strains the immune system so you may become sick more often. The disorder has also been shown to strain the cardiovascular system, which could mean a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack! If you experience one or more of these warning signs, then please let us know!

Oral Appliance Therapy

To treat the issue, we often create an oral appliance, which is a comfortable alternative to the CPAP machine, which involves wearing a mask connected to a loud machine as you sleep. We start by taking detailed impressions of your smile and using the information to create an oral appliance that will look and fit like a mouthguard. The device fits comfortably as you sleep to ensure a proper fit and treatment with accuracy and precisions. The appliance moves the jaw forward to prevent the collapse of soft tissues so you rest easier. You could also help by avoiding caffeine, alcohol, large meals, and vigorous exercise in the two hours before bed. We also suggest resting on your side instead of your back, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and keeping your bedroom dark and cool. If you have any questions about identifying and treating sleep apnea, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Treating Sleep Apnea?

We know that the key to better quality of life is good sleep, so we want to help by addressing OSA and helping you enjoy a better night’s rest. We even offer a comfortable and easy to use oral appliance to help! For more information on solutions for snoring and sleep apnea, then please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.