Sleep Apnea Treatment Oxnard CA
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes you to stop breathing for a short period while you are sleeping.
Individuals with sleep apnea have a low intake of oxygen which causes them to gasp and wake up.
Sleep apnea can sound like snoring and can lead to several health complications, while also making you feel more tired in the morning.
If you are experiencing sleep apnea, there are numerous treatment options available depending on how long the symptoms have occurred, which symptoms you have, and other health problems that you are experiencing.
One of the main treatments for sleep apnea is by use of oral appliance therapy.
It involves wearing a removable mouth appliance in your mouth when you are sleeping. This device fits in the mouth like an orthodontic retainer or a sports mouth guard.
If you are struggling with sleep apnea, our dentist at Esthetic Smiles can help you find ways to overcome this issue and finally get a good night's sleep.
What Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
These are devices that are put into the mouth to assist the patient's airway in opening as they sleep. These devices stop airways from collapsing by either supporting the teeth in a forward position or holding the tongue.
Individuals are usually prescribed oral appliances by sleep specialists, but it can also be handled by a dentist or orthodontist.
These appliances will also help people who want to reduce snoring.
 What are the Types of Oral Appliances?
There are numerous oral appliances available for treating sleep apnea. Although these devices may look different, most of them usually fall into two types.
Mandibular repositioning devices are devices that connect the lower and upper jaw of your mouth to move or advance the jaw forward.
These devices help open the upper airway band and are designed to be inserted when sleeping and you remove them in the morning.
This appliance looks similar to a mouth guard and comes in multiple variations in terms of color, shape, and materials. They can come in one piece or two separate pieces for lower and upper teeth.
These devices also help to reduce sleep bruxism.
Tongue retaining devices are another type of oral appliance. They are also called tongue-stabilizing devices. They hold the tongue in place to ensure that your airway is open.
The devices will pull the tongue forward using suction and the tongue tip sits in the plastic bulb as it protrudes through the lips.
They function by moving the tongue forward and will assist in keeping the base of the tongue from blocking the airway.
What are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?
For moderate to mild sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy offers numerous health benefits. Treating sleep apnea helps to reduce the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
You will likewise improve your emotional health, concentration, and daytime alertness. Oral appliances are also easy to wear and are small and easy to transport.
Treating your obstructive sleep apnea and snoring can make you feel like a new person.
FAQs
What is sleep apnea and how does it affect my health?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It can lead to poor oxygen intake, resulting in frequent awakenings and excessive daytime fatigue. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
How do oral appliances help treat sleep apnea?
Oral appliances for sleep apnea work by repositioning the jaw or holding the tongue in place to keep the airway open during sleep. They help reduce airway obstruction, lessen snoring, and improve overall sleep quality for individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea.
What types of oral appliances are available for sleep apnea treatment?
The two main types of oral appliances are mandibular repositioning devices and tongue retaining devices. Mandibular devices move the jaw forward to open the airway, while tongue retaining devices hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent airway blockage.
Who is a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliance therapy is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or those who cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. A dentist or sleep specialist will evaluate your symptoms and overall health to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
Are oral appliances comfortable and easy to use?
Yes, oral appliances are generally comfortable and easy to wear. They resemble mouthguards or retainers and are custom-fitted to ensure a proper fit. They are also portable, easy to clean, and convenient for travel.
Can Esthetic Smiles help with my sleep apnea treatment in Oxnard, CA?
Yes, Esthetic Smiles in Oxnard, CA offers professional evaluation and oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea. Our dental team can help determine the most effective treatment for your condition so you can enjoy restful, uninterrupted sleep.
Our dentist at Esthetic Smiles offers oral appliance therapy for individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea. Call us at 805-365-4222 or schedule a consultation to speak with us to learn more about sleep apnea and the treatment options available. |
