Obstructive sleep apnea impacts up to 10% of adults in the U.S. The exact numbers are not known because many cases go undiagnosed. Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing while you are asleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type, which is caused by the airway collapsing or blockages in the back of the throat. As part of our general dentistry treatments, SmileBuilders, Inc. offers advanced and unintrusive sleep apnea treatment for our patients in the Canton, Batesville, Byram, and Lucedale area.
Symptoms and Risks of Sleep Apnea
The most recognized symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Those with sleep apnea are likely to be loud snorers and have moments of gasping while they sleep. If you have sleep apnea, you may have 30 or more interruptions in your breathing every hour. This can impact your quality of sleep and health. Those with sleep apnea may experience higher risk for:
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease, heart attacks and stroke
Sleep apnea treatments that may be recommended include lifestyle changes like losing weight or using a CPAP machine. Another option is an oral appliance that is less intrusive than CPAP therapy, which we offer at SmileBuilders, Inc.
Oral Appliance for OSA and Snoring
A specialized dental nightguard can be used for effective obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. This oral appliance adjusts the jaw to shift it forward, opening the airway. This can prevent airway collapse while you sleep, and it also reduces snoring. We customize the oral device to fit your teeth, so it is comfortable to wear while you sleep.
If you are a chronic snorer or you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment is available at SmileBuilders, Inc. Contact our dental office to schedule a sleep apnea consultation to discuss treatment options.