Statistics show that over 22 million Americans currently suffer from sleep apnea, the most common form of which is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The usual way of treating the condition is with a CPAP machine, but many patients find it to be difficult and uncomfortable. There’s no need for you to worry, though, because there’s a custom alternative to help you rest better. It’s an oral appliance for sleep apnea, but where can you get one? As you read further, you’ll discover why more and more patients are choosing this method instead of the traditional route.
What is OSA?
If you have OSA, it results from a complete blockage of your airway during the sleep cycle. This can happen because of the throat muscles becoming flaccid, having a thicker than average neck width or a combination of both. As a result, the restricted air can cause vibrations as it attempts to pass, which can lead to loud snoring.
If the condition goes untreated, it can leave you susceptible to a host of life-threatening health conditions, like stroke, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease and other problems. Thankfully, there is help available.
How to Get an Oral Appliance
Once you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, you should immediately seek the care of a local sleep dentist. When you visit, the specialist will perform an initial assessment and take bite impressions. They will be used to custom design an oral appliance (also called a mouthguard) that fits your mouth perfectly. While there are online offerings now available, it’s just not worth cutting corners when it comes to your health. You’ll be much better off by working directly with a dentist.
Why an Oral Appliance is the Better Option
As mentioned earlier, the most common form of treating OSA is to wear a CPAP machine, which consists of three main components: a mask, tube and base unit. While it’s an effective way of treating OSA, many patients struggle with the machine’s noisiness, its cumbersome nature and the restrictive feeling it can create.
A custom designed oral appliance can remedy this problem. It works by gently shifting your jaw forward while you’re asleep to ensure that your airway remains unobstructed; thus, you’ll be able to breathe normally without having to deal with the other challenges.
If you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, it’s imperative that you take action to get help. By reaching out to your local sleep dentist, you can finally start getting the quality rest that you need.
About the Author
A graduate of the University of Texas Dental School in Houston, Dr. Dean Hutto understands how valuable it is to get adequate rest at night. Thus, he has remained dedicated to helping his patients overcome OSA. As part of his commitment to excellence, Dr. Hutto maintains professional affiliation with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He offers FREE consultations for new patients dealing with sleep apnea at Sleep Better Baytown, and he can be reached for more information through his website.