Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with serious health problems, such as cardiac issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, and more. Many patients hear that the CPAP machine can effectively treat sleep apnea, but some find it too uncomfortable or disruptive, creating another barrier to rest. If you’re in that boat, take a moment to learn about oral appliances. These non-CPAP alternatives can help treat sleep apnea.
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that high-quality care won’t compromise comfort. That’s why we love supporting patients with sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when your airway passage becomes blocked, usually due to the collapse of soft tissue in the throat while you sleep. This condition often interrupts your breathing, possibly waking you up gasping for air. If left untreated, repeated episodes of blocked airways can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
Here are signs of sleep apnea you should watch out for:
- Loud snoring: Patients with sleep apnea often snore louder and more persistently than those without it. If you constantly snore and wake people up, you may have sleep apnea.
- Breathing pauses: Obstructive sleep apnea can cause you to stop breathing while you sleep. These pauses can be difficult to notice on your own, but a partner or friend nearby can often detect them.
- Morning headaches: Waking up with morning headaches could be a sign of sleep apnea. When you stop breathing for periods during sleep, the reduced oxygen levels can impact your body, leading to headaches and affecting your well-being even after you wake up.
- Sleep disturbances: Not sleeping through the night can lead to problems with attention, concentration, and memory. Lack of sleep can also cause irritability and, if recurring, depression.
One of the most frequently used treatments for sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines persistently deliver pressurized air to your nose and/or mouth, keeping your airway open. But many patients struggle with regular use.
Problems With CPAP Treatment
While the CPAP is probably the most widely known treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, people often find it difficult to tolerate night after night.
The mask covering the airways may leave pressure marks, sores, or irritation on the face. Patients often feel that the airflow pressure is unnatural. When the mask doesn’t seal properly, leaks reduce the treatment’s effectiveness. If you’re the kind of person who hates tight, cramped spaces, the CPAP creates a feeling of claustrophobia.
While CPAP has been shown to improve sleep quality, this discomfort might make it harder to fall asleep every night, and patients might not adhere to treatment. When you find yourself struggling to rest easily with the CPAP, oral appliances are an alternative sleep apnea treatment that may be more comfortable.
How Oral Appliances Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for sleep apnea that patients often find easier to adjust to. Different appliances improve airflow through different means. For instance, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) gently pulls your lower jaw forward, helping you maintain airflow as you sleep by gently adjusting the soft tissue around your throat. This device is custom-fit to your mouth and feels similar to a mouthguard.
Another option is a tongue-retaining device, which holds the tongue in place to prevent it from blocking your airways as you sleep.
Treatment with these devices can improve sleep for many patients, but you’ll need to adhere to proper compliance, maintenance, and follow-up care for the best results. Over time, we will need to replace or alter your device to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry has three generations of dentists right in our practice. We have a combined 80 years of experience, so you can trust our skilled doctors with your sleep apnea treatment.
Learn About CPAP Alternatives at a Free Consultation
While snoring can seem harmless, severe obstructive sleep apnea can have serious consequences. The CPAP is often recommended to patients as the most effective treatment. But if you simply can’t make it work for you, oral appliances are a more accessible alternative to support better rest! At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer CPAP alternatives that open your airways without discomfort or hassle.
Our practice loves providing more than one solution to the same problem, giving you the freedom to explore every option. That’s why we’re so passionate about oral appliances for healthier sleep. Contact us today for a free consultation to discover non-CPAP treatments for obstructive sleep apnea.
