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Sleep Apnea/Oral Appliances 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. Our dentist at Esthetic Smiles offers oral appliance therapy for individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea. Call us at 805-365-4222 to speak with us to learn more about sleep apnea and the treatment options available. |
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