Sleep Better with a Custom Sleep Appliance
Many patients who exhibit chronic snoring do so because they suffer from obstructive sleep apnea – a sleep disorder that causes them to repeatedly stop breathing in their sleep. However, many patients with sleep apnea don’t realize that their snoring indicates a bigger problem, and therefore, the condition often goes untreated. Sleep apnea describes the complete obstruction of your airway, which is caused by oral and throat issues collapsing into the airway while you sleep. As the obstruction grows, it cause you to snore increasingly louder, until you stop breathing altogether. This leads to repeated interruptions to your breathing and sleeping cycles, as well as increasingly worse symptoms of sleep deprivation.
How an Appliance Treats Sleep Apnea
Patients who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea are often prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine that provides a steady stream of air to keep the airway open. While effective, the CPAP machine and mask can often be too cumbersome for some patients. As an alternative, we can often custom-design a sleep appliance that’s similar to a mouthguard but smaller and comfortable. The appliance works by supporting your jaw in a more comfortable position that prevents tissues from collapsing into your airway. For patients who can’t sleep peacefully with CPAP, a custom-made appliance can often produce comparable results. For more information please visit sleep tight appliances.
Learn More About Advanced Sleep Apnea Treatment
Sleep apnea could have a significant impact on your quality of life, but you may be able to treat your condition comfortably with a custom-made sleep appliance. For more information, schedule an appointment by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, today at (515) 244-9565. We also proudly serve patients from West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Johnston, and all surrounding communities.