The cornerstone of a productive day is a restful, restorative night of sleep. This can be difficult if you are struggling with sleep apnea and find yourself relying on very bulky, uncomfortable equipment like CPAP machines to assist you in getting a good night’s rest.
But that doesn’t have to be the case! Many dentists, Fairchance Dental Arts included, offer sleep appliances that open the airway without a CPAP.
Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machines
Before we look at how orthodontic appliances can help you get a better night’s sleep, talk about sleep apnea itself.
Without getting into too much medical jargon, sleep apnea is a condition that prevents your body from regulating proper oxygen levels while you are sleeping. Those who have it are often prevented from reaching REM sleep, the deepest and most restorative type of rest. REM sleep is required to function properly both mentally and physically.
There are several types of sleep apnea, but the most common is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). As it sounds, this condition means something is obstructing your airflow while you sleep; this can be jaw misalignment, tongue placement, or even a relaxed palette.
Where Do CPAP Machines Come In?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a device that attempts to remedy low oxygen levels while you are at rest. This makes them a great choice for individuals with lung issues, those who are at high risk of stroke, and anyone with dangerous levels of hypertension. They can also combat the symptoms of sleep apnea.
There are certainly some benefits to having a CPAP machine, but it IS a machine. Many patients who need them to get a good night’s sleep have a laundry list of complaints about their design: they are bulky, uncomfortable to wear at night, incredibly noisy, and add an extra headache when traveling.
On top of that, many patients are uncomfortable because a CPAP machine regulates your oxygen levels by forcing air through your airways.
The Signs of Sleep Apnea
Now that we have explored what sleep apnea is, the next important question is to determine whether or not it is impacting your sleep habits. This can be a bit tricky, as there are a lot of variables that can influence a good night’s rest, from diet to ambient light pollution.
However, here are a few indicators you may have undiagnosed sleep apnea:
- Excessive daytime fatigue
- Chronic snoring
- Waking up gasping, short of breath, or choking
If one or more of the above describes you or a loved one, don’t worry. Your friends at Fairchance Dental Arts are here to help with beaming smiles or sleep apnea! Contact our office for a consultation.
The Orthodontic Solution
With this understanding of sleep apnea, its symptoms, and CPAP machines, it is time to look at the surprisingly streamlined alternative: orthodontic appliances/mouth guards!
For patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea who aren’t fans of lugging loud machines around (light sleepers or frequent travelers for example), they can get the rest they need without any electronics thanks to our mouth guards.
Using some of the most advanced dental technology available, we can scan and analyze your mouth, discovering which sections may be causing the obstruction.
With our custom mouth guards, your sleep troubles could be gone! Simply pop it in at night and everything will be held correctly and comfortably in place, allowing you to breathe easy all night long and get the restorative rest you deserve!
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Consultation Today!
Our office is your home for your beaming smile! Fairchance Dental Arts is always here to help improve your well-being, even if you struggle with sleep apnea.
So don’t suffer through another restless night! Call today to schedule your consultation.
