Reasons to Treat Sleep Apnea With a Dental Oral Appliance

Wondering how to treat your sleep apnea? This sleep disorder causes you to stop breathing during the night, which is caused by either your tongue or excess tissues blocking the back of your throat. Common signs associated with this condition include snoring, headaches, a dry throat, grinding or clenching teeth, mood swings, feeling tired, and gasping for air during the night. For effective sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD, consult Dr. Chetan Parikh at Rockville Family Dental to explore oral appliance therapy.

Oral appliance therapy in Rockville, MD

Understanding the oral appliance therapy options for treating sleep apnea is necessary when you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. The fact that there are a few different types of oral appliances available makes it a good idea for you to understand how each type of oral appliance works. Common types of dental oral appliances include a CPAP machine, a mandibular advancement device, and a tongue-retaining device. For specialized oral appliance therapy in Rockville, MD, consult with Dr. Chetan Parikh at Rockville Family Dental. According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment option for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, as a custom-fit oral sleep appliance can improve your sleep, restore your alertness, and revitalize your health.

Reasons to treat sleep apnea with a dental oral appliance

The list below includes common reasons for using a particular type of oral appliance in order to treat this common sleep disorder.

Reasons to use a CPAP machine

One reason that sleep apnea patients are choosing this type of dental oral appliance is that it allows them to get a restful night's sleep. Two additional reasons include that CPAP machines are easy to use and provide users with a sufficient amount of air during the night to support their good overall health. For personalized sleep apnea treatment in Rockville, MD, including CPAP machine options, consult Dr. Chetan Parikh at Rockville Family Dental.

Reasons to use a mandibular advancement device

Mandibular devices are also known as dental sleep devices. The reason sleep apnea patients are choosing this type of oral appliance is that it keeps their airway open during the night, allowing them to breathe easier. This particular device moves the lower jaw forward, which in turn, helps keep the tongue from blocking the throat when sleeping.

Reasons to use a tongue-retaining device

Tongue-retaining devices are dental oral appliances that hold the tongue in a way that prevents it from blocking one's airway when sleeping during the night. It consists of a small piece of plastic that fits over the lips and includes an opening in order to insert the tongue. In order for this particular type of dental oral appliance to work, a patient's tongue must be able to stick out of their mouth far enough for it to be securely held by the device.

Advantages of Using Oral Appliance Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

• Improved Comfort: Oral appliances are often more comfortable to wear than CPAP masks, making it easier for patients to adhere to treatment.
• Portability: Unlike bulky CPAP machines, oral appliances are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel.
• Reduced Snoring: Oral appliances can effectively reduce or eliminate snoring, leading to better sleep quality for both the patient and their partner.
• Enhanced Sleep Quality: By keeping the airway open, oral appliances help prevent interruptions in breathing, resulting in more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: Oral appliances offer a non-invasive alternative to surgical options and are often recommended for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy.

Are you in need of a dental oral appliance?

When you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, this potentially serious sleep disorder is one that requires treatment. Since there are a few different types of treatments available for those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it is important to choose one that is right for you. When you make an appointment with us, you will learn everything there is to know about the oral appliances that can treat your sleep apnea.

Request an appointment here: https://www.rockvillefamilydental.com or call Rockville Family Dental at (301) 575-0941 for an appointment in our Rockville office.

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