Oral Appliances Offer Relief to Sleep Apnea Sufferers

CHICAGO - May 27, 2016 - PRLog -- Provide a Comfortable Alternative to CPAP

A good night's sleep lays the foundation for a productive day. But for those with sleep apnea, restful sleep is just out of reach.

Sleep apnea occurs when an individual repeatedly stops breathing while asleep. Left untreated, the sleep disorder can impact overall health and be a factor in hypertension, stroke, heart failure, irregular heart beats, and heart attacks.

Snoring, obesity, large neck size, and elevated blood pressure are risk factors associated with sleep apnea. Men and those over the age of 40 are also more prone to developing the disorder.

Sleep physicians diagnose sleep apnea by doing an examination and sleep study.  Sleep studies are normally done at a hospital or sleep laboratory. Some physicians can even order an at-home sleep study, which is more convenient for many patients.

For patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is usually prescribed. The machine works by blowing air down the throat to keep the airway from collapsing. CPAP devices are uncomfortable for most patients, with an estimated 70% discontinuing use within one year.

For patients with low to moderate (but usually not severe) sleep apnea, the Mitchell Dental Spa in Chicago offers a more comfortable alternative. Patients are fitted with an oral sleep appliance, which consists of two mouthguards--one that fits over the upper teeth and another that fits over the lower teeth. These mouthguards position the lower jaw forward, opening up the airway, thereby reducing the number of negative breathing events.

Being fitted for an oral sleep appliance is simple and consists of an examination and taking molds of the teeth.  The doctor exam involves taking a medical history, examining the airway for obstructions, measuring neck size, examining the teeth and occlusion, and palpating the facial muscles. Mitchell Dental Spa professionals will also test the jaw for range of motion and signs of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder.

Most patients find an oral sleep appliance to be much more tolerable than CPAP, with 70% still using the device after one year, compared to only 30% still using a CPAP after one year. Dr. Margaret Mitchell states, "The vast majority of patients tolerate oral sleep appliances well and find them much more comfortable than wearing a CPAP."

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To schedule an appointment, email the Mitchell Dental Spa at: office@mitchelldentalspa.com or phone (312) 642-1014.