Sleep medicine isn’t what often comes to mind when people think of dentists. So, what is dental sleep medicine? Dental sleep medicine is centered on the use of custom oral appliances to help patients who snore or have obstructive sleep apnea.
These appliances gently reposition your lower jaw to help keep your airway open while you sleep. For many people, this can also reduce snoring and greatly improve sleep quality.
Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnea
People with obstructive sleep apnea experience repeated pauses in breathing while they sleep because their airway becomes blocked. This can interrupt your breathing throughout the night, and you might not even realize it’s happening.
Common symptoms of OSA include snoring, waking up gasping for air, feeling fatigued during the day to the point of falling asleep, and even headaches. Some people also experience irritability and difficulty concentrating due to their chronic poor sleep quality. Not everyone experiences every symptom, which is why a professional evaluation is important if you suspect sleep apnea.
OSA isn’t something to ignore. Without treatment, sleep apnea can lead to several long-term health concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Sleep Apnea Dentistry and Sleep Apnea Treatment in Wheaton
Many people ask, “Can a dentist help with sleep apnea?” For those living with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliance therapy can provide an effective solution. Your dentist creates the appliance specifically for your teeth, and you wear it while you sleep. As you sleep, the oral appliance gently shifts your lower jaw forward to improve airflow, making it a popular alternative to CPAP therapy.
Many people find oral appliances work well to reduce their snoring and help them get a more restful night’s sleep.
Benefits of Dental Sleep Medicine
Oral appliance therapy offers several advantages. The devices are easy to transport, don’t require electricity, and are silent, offering several practical advantages over CPAP therapy.
Dental sleep medicine focuses on improving airflow while you sleep with a custom oral appliance. Our dental sleep medicine team works closely with your physician to coordinate your care and recommend the treatment that best fits your needs.
When to Call
Early treatment can help improve your sleep before symptoms become more disruptive. If you’re looking for a dentist for snoring and sleep apnea, schedule an evaluation with us at Amber Dental.
Dental sleep medicine can benefit many people living with severe snoring or OSA. With the right treatment plan, you can enjoy more restful sleep while supporting your long-term health.