What You Need to Know About Sleep Apnea

Snoring can be a nightly nuisance for both individual & partner, it may also be a sign of a more serious condition… A condition that must not be ignored. Sleep apnea is characterized by snoring and can have a tremendous, negative affect on one’s ability to reach restorative sleep in turn causing very serious medical issues.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to stop breathing hundreds of times a night. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea, which results from a blockage of the airway. This can be from extra fat on the neck, a lazy tongue, or a jaw that is not properly aligned. Dr. Andrew Spath in the Orange County area has helped many patients with the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea using dental appliances.

Dental appliances can be worn by patients at night to improve their ability to rest at night. Known as oral appliance therapy, this is the least invasive treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea—and extremely effective when patients are consistent with the use of their oral appliance every night. Other methods often suggested by physicians who have diagnosed patients with obstructive sleep apnea include CPAP machines, but these devices can be extremely cumbersome and many patients do not maintain use because they are difficult to sleep with, embarrassing, and uncomfortable. Oral appliance therapy has better compliance with both men and women and it is highly recommended by dentists.

Dentists make these oral appliances that help align the jaw, hold down the tongue, and can keep the bite in place to reduce problems often associated with sleep apnea. Impressions are used to make a custom appliance and ensure proper fit and function. Patients often find that these oral appliances are extremely comfortable and enjoy using them, while also improving their overall quality of life thanks to the restorative sleep they begin to experience.