Sleep apnea is a type of sleep breathing disorder characterized by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most prevalent type, occurs when the airway is blocked, often by the tongue or collapsed throat tissues. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to significant health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and liver complications, as well as other serious medical issues.
Common signs of sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Personality changes
- Irritability
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Snoring
- Waking up with a dry or sore throat
- Frequent morning headaches
One of the options available to manage sleep apnea is oral appliance therapy. Sleep appliances are highly effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea. This device, custom-fitted by our dentist to ensure your comfort, helps keep your airway open while you sleep, allowing you to breathe easily and naturally to get the oxygen and the rest you need. These appliances work by either preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by positioning the jaw to maintain an open airway.
Oral appliance therapy is a popular choice for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring disorders. These conditions occur when the airway becomes obstructed, often due to the collapse of soft throat tissues or the tongue falling back into the airway. The oral appliance helps maintain normal breathing during sleep by keeping the airway open.
Our custom-made oral appliances are designed to fit your mouth perfectly. They work by gently moving the lower jaw forward, tightening the upper airway’s soft tissues and muscles. This forward movement prevents these tissues from vibrating or becoming obstructions. Additionally, the appliance helps the throat tissues relax and stops the tongue from rolling back, ensuring a safe, quiet and restful sleep.
Diagnosis of sleep apnea requires a sleep physician. If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, we encourage you to discuss these with both your physician and our dentist to ensure you receive a treatment that is right for your needs.
For more information about sleep apnea appliances in Boise, Idaho, and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory Davis, contact State Street Dental today at 208-939-1700. We are dedicated to improving your health and wellbeing by providing effective treatments for sleep apnea.