Sleep Apnea at Sea Brite Dental
Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing several times throughout the night due to an obstructed airway. Commonly, your tongue slides back and blocks your airway, making it difficult for you to breathe.
Aside from affecting the quality of your sleep, this interruption in your breathing can have devastating consequences. Sleep apnea plays a role in heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and other serious illnesses.
A Better Solution
Many people who suffer from sleep apnea struggle with the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. The CPAP uses a face mask that must be worn while sleeping. A machine forces a gentle stream of air through the mask to keep the airway open throughout the night. The mask, however, is cumbersome and forces patients to sleep on their backs. Many people end up removing it during the night.
Dr. Morris at Sea Brite Dental has a better solution for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea. As a CPAP alternative, a simple appliance is placed in the mouth while sleeping to shift the lower jaw forward and prevent the tongue from falling back. The appliance has many benefits compared to the CPAP:
- Most people adjust more quickly to the appliance than to the CPAP
- You’re not required to sleep on your back
- You’re not connected to a machine
- The appliance is completely portable for travel
- The appliance works immediately – there is no phasing in
- You will quickly be able to get better quality sleep
Getting Started with the Appliance
Before Dr. Morris can fit you for an appliance, you’ll need to talk with your doctor about having a sleep study done. Once you complete a sleep study and receive a diagnosis of mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Morris can work with your insurance to begin the process of getting you fitted for the appliance. Those that have moderate to severe sleep apnea will need to remain on their CPAP.
Typically, you’ll need at least two visits to have your appliance made. At your first visit, Dr. Morris will take molds of your mouth and teeth. The appliance will be made, and you’ll have a second appointment to ensure that it’s fitted properly. Additional follow-up visits may be required to make sure your appliance fits properly and is working for you.
Stop Suffering and Start Sleeping
If you suffer from sleep apnea, let Dr. Morris help you improve your sleep and your overall health. Contact us today to find out more about this alternative to CPAP!
CONTACT US »
