Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea

By Marcie Goodman


Dental appliances for sleep apnea sufferers are recommended by most medical professionals who treat this disorder as the first step in treatment. They have proved their effectiveness in more than ten years of use. Designed to alleviate snoring, oral devices work on the most common type of apnea, which is termed 'obstructive'. Drugs, sleeping position, and lifestyle changes may also be helpful.

People afflicted with this disorder rarely get adequate rest, because they stop breathing repeatedly while sleeping. The interruptions last from ten seconds to several minutes, and this may happen many times an hour. Understandably, sufferers are fatigued, sleepy during the day, and may become increasingly irritable and even aggressive. They have difficulty performing routine tasks and may become clinically depressed.

A small number of cases of apnea are caused by brain malfunction, but most are throat and airway blockages. The last is 'obstructive' and can be treated with oral appliances as a first response. This use of a device that fits over the teeth is recommended by sleep therapy professionals.

One of the major causes of this problem is obesity. People who are grossly overweight often already have breathing problems. In this instance, lack of muscle tone causes the soft tissues of the throat and airways to collapse when the person is sleeping. Losing weight and exercising under medical supervision can help alleviate breathing problems. Doctors also recommend avoiding alcohol and tobacco smoking.

This abnormality often also complicates heart problems, chronic pain treatment, and other serious illnesses. Different parts of the brain are affected, studies show. People with this condition may have memory loss, difficulty in concentration, and problems with performing tasks required by their jobs.

Dental devices are mouthpieces that fit over the teeth and advance the lower jaw. This is done gradually, with adjustments to the mouthpiece, until the prescribed adjustment is achieved. The devices are made so the patient can do the adjustments; this minimizes discomfort. The advancement of the lower jaw keeps upper airways open. There are many different devices on the market. It's informative to go online and look at the options, materials used, and guarantees offered by manufacturers.

People who have this condition generally are totally unaware that they stop breathing over and over again. It's usually another person in the household who notices the disturbing pattern. A complete diagnosis involves spending nights st a clinic while being observed by doctors and monitored by electronic diagnostic tools.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can help those with this condition lead a more normal life. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem in itself which can compromise health. Anyone with this problem should not ignore it but should seek medical help. A diagnosis is the first step. There is a lot of information online about different kinds of treatment which patients should read in order to understand their options. Lifestyle changes, of course, will be the patient's responsibility; they should be part of the recovery program, which might be incomplete without them.




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