If you or
a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you might not know a dentist can
help you. Sleep is so very important,
but sadly so many people deal with sleeping problems that make it difficult to
fall or stay asleep. My husband is one
of them. He snores often, and has a
history of diagnosed sleep apnea. He’s
even been awakened from his sleep by his apneas, which can be a very scary
thing.
While CPAP
therapy is often the most common and recommended treatment for handling sleep
apnea, not everyone is successful with this treatment option. Some people
experience issues and irritation wearing the mask at night. Some people may
accidentally even lose the mask while moving around in their sleep, which
obviously negates having the equipment in the first place if it isn’t actually
helping. And, like my husband, many
people just don’t want to wear a CPAP.
So, I made
him a sleep apnea dental appliance, and he loves it. It looks like the one on the right. If you are
someone for whom CPAP equipment just isn’t cutting it when it comes to managing
your sleep apnea symptoms then it might be time to start talking to an
experienced general dentist, like myself, about whether oral appliance therapy
is right for you. We can work with you to help determine whether this is a
great way to manage your symptoms and finally help you sleep more soundly.
This
custom-made oral appliance can treat patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea
but can often be used in conjunction with your CPAP equipment for those with
more severe cases. The appliance is designed to fit over your upper and lower teeth
to shift the jaws forward and prevent the muscles of the throat from collapsing
and obstructing the airways while you sleep.
There are many benefits to oral appliance therapy for
those with milder forms of sleep apnea. Most people find that wearing this
retainer-like appliance fits
easily into their lifestyle. Patients like oral appliance therapy because it
is:
- Comfortable
- Easy to wear
- Quiet
- Portable
- Convenient for travel
- Easy to care for
Those who
suffer from sinus issues due to the drying CPAP mask won’t have these same
issues when they wear this dental appliance. Also, there is much less of a
chance of this appliance being removed or knocked out in the middle of the
night and can be a great option for someone who tends to toss and turn a lot
while they sleep.
And, yes,
when medically indicated, it is covered by most insurances.
Here at the dental
office of Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD with offices in West Hartford Center, and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut, we understand the importance of sleep. If
you are ready to finally have quality sleep, then it’s time to call us and let
us know that you are looking for a way to manage your sleep apnea symptoms once
and for all.
Keep
smiling,
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
