If you have sleep apnea, then you might be wondering how it can be treated. While the most common treatment is a CPAP machine, there are other treatments available to you as well. Making lifestyle changes or getting a dental appliance can both be options to treat your sleep apnea. The right treatment for you will depend on the level of severity of your sleep apnea as well as your personal preferences.
Sometimes, sleep apnea is not severe and making some lifestyle changes can help. For example, nasal allergies can cause sleep apnea symptoms. Treatment for allergies can help with sleep apnea. People who are overweight can also be at a higher risk of sleep apnea. The excess tissue around the throat can fall toward the airway and close it off. In this case, losing weight can help alleviate symptoms. It is also a good idea to quit smoking.
In this type of therapy, good for moderate to severe sleep apnea, a machine will maintain air pressure in a patient’s airway. The patient will wear a mask while sleeping. The air pressure that this machine can provide is higher than the rest of the air, which is enough to keep the airway open. This can prevent sleep apnea and snoring.
One of the problems with this machine, however, is that some people do not find it to be comfortable. It can also be difficult to use. Some people find that the straps are too difficult to adjust. A doctor can make adjustments to the machine to help it be more comfortable for patients. However, sometimes, a CPAP machine does not work well for everyone.
Dental appliances can be easier to use than CPAP machines. These are designed to bring the jaw forward and keep the airway open. Other types of oral appliances can help keep the tongue in place. Other dental devices can do both of these things. This is a good option for mild to moderate sleep apnea.
A dentist can provide a variety of different types of oral devices. The patient will be able to try on different ones to find one that is comfortable. The dentist can then customize the device for each patient. A patient will need to follow up with the dentist after getting an oral appliance during the first year. This will help the dentist to see that the appliance still fits well.
No matter what your sleep apnea symptoms are, it is important to get them treated as soon as possible. This will prevent your sleep apnea from worsening and causing serious health problems. If you have mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea, then a dental device may help you. A dentist can help you determine if a dental appliance may be right for treating your sleep apnea. Contact a dentist today to find out how an appliance can help you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Patients who feel self-conscious about their smiles might want to consider getting clear aligners. The dentist can help a patient decide if they are a candidate for the treatment plan. After having the aligners for a few months, patients can once more enjoy having straight teeth. Keep reading to learn more about who the right…
A cosmetic dentist provides several treatments that can give teeth a makeover. Those looking to improve the appearance and restore full functionality to the teeth have multiple options available, depending on the condition of the teeth and one’s general oral health. Appearance can have a significant impact on one’s self-confidence, and a teeth makeover is…
Clear aligners offer a convenient and effective way to straighten your smile discreetly. Contrary to some beliefs, clear aligners are actually ideal for many people. Patients are usually surprised to hear that they are good candidates for clear aligners. Fortunately, clear aligners are a good solution for individuals with many straightening needs. Read on to…
Restorative dentistry deals with diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral problems. The dentist may recommend a treatment plan to restore a chipped, cracked, decayed, discolored, or lost tooth. Any patient with a structurally impaired tooth qualifies for restorative treatment. The dentist may recommend a dental filling, implant, crown, or bridge, depending on the nature of the…
Patients who feel self-conscious about their smiles might want to consider getting clear aligners. The…
Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to find out which solution will be effective…
Clear aligners offer a convenient and effective way to straighten your smile discreetly. Contrary to…
Discover vital reasons you would need to consider restorative dentistry services.
Clear aligners are fast becoming a popular method of correcting orthodontic and cosmetic issues with…
You may have heard a lot about clear aligners lately. Many people are choosing this…