Treating Your Sleep Apnea With an Oral Appliance

October 18, 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could mean trouble resting and even strain on your immune and cardiovascular systems. At one time, treatment meant a cumbersome and loud CPAP machine. But your Olathe, KS, dentists can offer a comfortable and convenient alternative with a custom-made oral appliance.

A person lifting a ball

The Causes of OSA

OSA means that as you rest at night, you stop breathing for brief periods once the soft tissues in your mouth and throat collapse and cut off airflow. The brain will wake you quickly, and you may not remember this happening, but it could mean interruptions to your sleep cycle occurring hundreds of times in a single night. This could be due to a number of factors, such as large neck circumference, obesity, deviated septum, sinus and allergy issues, and excessive alcohol consumption. While this could impact teens and adults of all ages, men 55 and older are especially at risk. When you experience symptoms, we want you to alert us right away!

The Symptoms and Complications

People with the disorder may report waking suddenly in the night gasping for air or choking, or they may report dry mouth, chronic snoring, and headaches. Trouble concentrating on tasks at work could be a factor too, as could moodiness and daytime drowsiness too. Without treatment, the disorder could strain your immune system so you become sick more frequently. In addition, it could stress your cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Don’t live with poor quality of life, exhaustion, and risks to your heart health and immune system. Talk to our team about a possible solution.

Treatment With an Oral Appliance

While effective, the CPAP machine is loud and uncomfortable, and people often forgo their use. Which is why we’re so excited to offer oral appliance therapy, which addresses concerns with OSA without a mask or loud machine. Instead, we take detailed digital images of your smile and use them in a lab setting to design and craft an oral appliance. The device will look and fit like a mouthguard and is worn as you sleep at night. The oral appliance actually moves your jaw to ease pressure and strain, and to keep your airways open as you sleep. You then avoid symptoms and rest without difficulty.

Do You Have Any Questions About Treating Sleep Issues?

Our team is eager to help treat your sleep problems, so you can rest easy again! Schedule an appointment today and learn more about our custom oral appliances. You can also call E-Care Dentistry in Olathe, KS, today at 913-586-2718. Find our office at 15010 S Black Bob Road Olathe, KS 66062. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.