According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. This condition causes people to stop breathing while they sleep. As a result, people with sleep apnea are usually sleepy throughout the day, experience headaches in the morning, find it difficult to concentrate, and have increased irritability.
If you or someone you know is suffering from sleep apnea, there is hope for regaining restful sleep. Oral appliances and CPAP machines are proven treatments that open obstructive airways and dramatically improve quality of life.
Continue reading to learn about the benefits of oral appliances and CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea.
Benefits of Treatment
Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can affect every part of a person’s life and health. Without effective treatment, sleep apnea can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Asthma
- Acid reflux
In addition, people who suffer from sleep apnea are up to five times more likely to get into a car accident. Sleep apnea can also dramatically affect your work and home life.
By seeking treatment through oral appliances or CPAP machines, patients can lower their risk of these health issues and consequences.
People who seek treatment noticeably feel more:
- Energetic
- Rested
- Alert
- Focused
- Calm
- Positive
If you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, don’t hesitate to seek treatment today. Your sleep doctor can work with your dentist or general physician to relieve your symptoms and help you live a more fulfilling life.
Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
Dentists use oral appliances called mandibular advancement devices (or MADs) to decrease snoring and relieve obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances support the jaw in order to maintain an open airway during sleep.
Many people prefer oral appliances for these several reasons:
- Comfort
- Convenience for travel
- Lack of sound
- Easy maintenance
Oftentimes, oral appliances are recommended as the first line of treatment for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea by sleep professionals.
CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine works by using a tube and mask over the nose or mouth to force air through the obstructed airway. While this is an extremely effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, many patients refuse to use them because of the noise and discomfort the machines create. However, patients who consistently use these machines report better sleep and overall health.
For patients with severe sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be their only option. However, both CPAP machines and oral appliances work for mild to severe cases of sleep apnea.
The Face of Dental Sleep Medicine
If you are interested in a more comfortable treatment for your obstructive sleep disorder, Dr. Timothy E. Mickiewicz can help. Dr. Mick has dedicated his career to helping his patients sleep better and live a more fulfilling life through non-surgical therapies like oral appliances.
Once you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a medical doctor, Dr. Mick can begin examining your oral structure for the right dental appliance for you. These include:
- Mandibular repositioning appliances
- Tongue retaining appliances
- Combination oral appliance and CPAP
These oral appliances are much more comfortable to wear than CPAP machines and offer the same benefits. Because of this, patients are much more likely to use them. Ninety percent of Dr. Mick’s patients report that their snoring has stopped or dramatically decreased within two nights of using their oral appliances.
Contact our Sacramento, CA office today at 916-469-9178 to learn how Dr. Mick can help you.
