Are You A Candidate For Dental Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Did you know that many dentists treat issues like sleep apnea? As treatments for sleep apnea become more popular, people are more interested in oral appliances and what they can do for families across the country. The FDA has approved many different oral appliances to use in the fight against sleep apnea. Many people consider using these appliances as a way to combat sleep apnea and the potential consequences.
Of course, dental appliances are not right for everybody. You may be a good candidate for a dental appliance if you meet the following criteria:
You Have Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea
Dental appliances are not necessarily recommended for patients who have severe sleep apnea, though in some cases dentists may advise the treatment if PAP therapies are not working. Each case of sleep apnea is different from another, so it is important that you discuss your level of severity with your dentist.
Of course, you may be wondering what the differences are between mild, moderate, and severe sleep apnea. Mild sleep apnea consists of several periods of shallow breathing in sleep, along with sleepiness when you are doing things that don't require much attention or activity. Moderate sleep apnea consists of more periods of stopped or shallow breathing, and you may feel sleepy when you participate in activities that require some attention. Severe sleep apnea covers cases that are more intense than this.
You Snore
Regardless of whether you feel your sleep apnea impacts your snoring, snoring is a major concern that can be treated with oral appliances. Dental appliances are great for putting an end to snoring that keeps you and your loved one awake at night.
You Have Tried CPAP Therapy
Even if you tried CPAP therapy and it simply did not work for you, you could benefit from dental appliances. Simply because CPAP wasn't a great choice for you does not mean that there is no hope, and this method might work perfectly for you.
Additionally, you may be able to use dental appliances in conjunction with CPAP. You can use both options at the same time to see more improvement while you sleep.
You Have a Dentist You Trust
Dental appliances hold your jaw forward, which helps your airway open up while you sleep. The devices also prevent your tongue from blocking your airway. In spite of what it may sound like, oral devices used to treat sleep apnea are relatively comfortable. You can speak with a dental professional in your area for more information about sleep apnea solutions.
