About 22 million Americans have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, you stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. This disrupts oxygen flow to your brain and can cause other health problems if the condition is left untreated.
There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, and it happens when the muscles in your throat relax when you sleep, blocking your air passages. Central sleep apnea is the other form, which occurs when you brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing.
For people with obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance offers a convenient and effective treatment option. Worn in your mouth at night, an oral appliance helps keep your throat clear to keep you breathing.
Danielle Greene, DDS, and her team at Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta are here to help you manage your sleep apnea. Dr. Greene provides custom oral sleep apnea appliances to patients, giving them a better chance at better sleep. Call our office or request your first appointment online today to learn more.
You could have sleep apnea without knowing it
Up to 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t know they have the condition. It’s a common sleep disorder that can have serious complications if left untreated. One of the most noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring, but other common signs include:
- Stopping breathing while sleeping
- Gasping for air while sleeping
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
If you snore regularly and feel fatigued during the day, you may have sleep apnea. Your risk of having the condition increases if you are:
- Male
- Over 40 years old
- Overweight or obese
- A smoker
A sleep specialist can confirm a sleep apnea diagnosis if you suspect you have it. You may participate in a sleep study at a sleep clinic or undergo an in-home test. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, there are a number of treatment options available to you.
Get better sleep with a sleep apnea appliance
If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance can be an effective treatment option. Dr. Greene regularly helps patients get more restful sleep and manage their sleep apnea by fitting them with an oral appliance to wear at night.
An oral appliance is a simple, comfortable, and convenient way to address sleep apnea. Dr. Greene custom-fits each patient to ensure a comfortable experience. Typically, oral appliances for sleep apnea open your airway by gently holding your jaw in a forward position.
When you come to Fabulous Smiles of Atlanta for sleep apnea help, you’ll have a comprehensive exam and learn about your treatment options. If an oral appliance is a good choice for you, we’ll get impressions of your teeth and your appliance will be custom-created. You may have a few follow-up appointments with Dr. Green to make sure your appliance is working like it should.
You’ll wear the appliance only while you sleep. Many patients prefer oral appliances to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. CPAP machines are large and noisy, and you need to wear an uncomfortable mask that covers your nose and mouth. Oral appliances are:
- Comfortable
- Quiet
- Portable
- Easy to care for
When your airways are open, your sleep is no longer disrupted. Treatment for sleep apnea often improves quality of sleep and overall wellness. To find out if an oral appliance is a good option for your sleep apnea, make an appointment with Dr. Greene today. Call the office or book online to get started.
