Sleep Dentistry Appliances
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Snoring
Snoring is considered a major indicator of OSA.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is recognized as repeated episodes of cessation in breathing during sleep. This results because our muscles relax during sleep and then gravity pulls the airway closed. Momentary suffocation develops producing excessive stress on the body. OSA is highly correlated with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke. OSA is also associated with daytime sleepiness, headaches, memory loss, mood changes, relationship disturbances and decreased libido.
Risks of having Obstructive Sleep Apnea:
Sleep Apnea affects an estimated 25 million adults, and despite growing awareness of the severe consequences of untreated OSA, 90% of sleep apnea patients are still undiagnosed.
Possible complication if OSA is left untreated:
Untreated sleep apnea is a major independent risk factor contributing to: Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease, Cognitive Impairment/Daytime Sleepiness, Depression, Impotency, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Increased mortality.
Are you at risk of OSA?
- Have you been told that you snore?
- Do you often wake up tired or unrefreshed?
- Do you suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness?
- Do you wake up choking or gasping for air?
How does an oral appliance work?
Oral appliances work by maintaining the lower jaw in a protruded position, thus opening the airway and increasing muscle tone.
Is my condition right for the Oral appliance?
Mild to moderate OSA patients are well treated by an oral appliance. The most severe patients are best helped with CPAP. However, the non-compliant severe patients should consider an Oral Appliance.
Is the Oral Appliance covered by insurance?
Yes. Most Medical Insurance plans will cover Oral Appliance Therapy.
What is needed to make an Oral Appliance that is right for me?
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and measure the movements of your jaw. Then will manufacture an Oral Appliance to your specifications.