Did you know that over 50 million North American adults snore and about 20% of children snore on a regular basis. Up to 30% of those who habitually snore have sleep apnea. If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, an equally small, comfortable, and custom-fitted device could be just the solution you're looking for.
While in the past Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (C-PAP) has been considered the gold standard therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, not everyone can tolerate the cumbersome device and simply won't use it. That's hazardous to their health.
Therapy with a portable custom-fitted, comfortable oral appliance can be extremely helpful for a variety of apnea problems ranging from mild to severe - without surgery. Snoring noise is caused by vibrations of air moving through a narrow airway. In apnea, the tongue and soft tissues relax and completely collapse the airway during sleep until breathing stops. The brain partially awakens them to restore breathing.
The key to successful treatment with your oral appliance is custom fitting so that it meets your unique needs and will maintain an open, unobstructed airway while you sleep. It does this by repositioning your lower jaw, tongue, and soft palate. It is an excellent alternative for many apnea patients and also for snorers whose problem has not improved in spite of weight loss, avoidance of alcohol, quitting smoking, or shifting their sleep position.
I have, through post-graduate courses, been trained to treat snoring and mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea. Severe, life threatening sleep apnea, is treated in conjunction with a sleep specialist or Ear Nose and Throat physician.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms that are indicative of a person who is suffering from apnea.
- Heavy snoring
- Gasping or choking during the night
- Excessive day time sleepiness
- Frequent arousal during sleep
- Non-refreshed sleep
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Nausea
- Abnormal weight gain
- Personality changes such as becoming irritable or temperamental
- Sever anxiety or depression
- Poor job performance
- Clouded memory
- Intellectual deterioration
- Occupational accidents
- Impotence
- Decreased sex drive
- Bruxing
- Dry mouth when you awaken
- Scratchy throat
If you, a family member, or even a close friend habitually snores and/or suffers from any of the above mentioned symptoms, I highly recommend making an appointment for a thorough evaluation. Getting the appropriate treatment could be dramatically life changing and even life saving! If you have already been prescribed or are already wearing a C-PAP device, you still may be a candidate for one of the new and innovative dental devices, which are much more comfortable and lifestyle friendly.
