How the Dentist Can Help with your Sleep Disorder

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