Unfortunately the lack of quality, restful sleep seems to be a common complaint today. Lack of restful sleep has been connected to a multitude of health issues including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, strokes, depression and many others. Although restless sleep can be attributed to many things, two of the most common factors are snoring and sleep apnea. Both of these conditions are linked to the airflow (or lack thereof) from your nose/mouth to your lungs. With snoring, many times tissue in the back of your throat is partially covering your airway and as you breathe the tissue vibrates resulting in the noise referred to as "snoring". Snoring can not only be disruptive to the snorers sleep quality but can also impact anybody within earshot! Sleep apnea is a serious condition where the tissue completely covers the airway blocking the intake of oxygen. This results in an "episode" where an individual is abruptly awoken from their sleep to get air into their lungs. Depending on how many episodes a person has throughout the night corresponds to the severity of the sleep apnea. If you suspect you or someone you know has sleep apnea I highly recommend you have a sleep study done to determine the severity.
One of the most conservative and cost effective ways to manage both snoring and sleep apnea is through the use of a mouth appliance. Although there are many types and designs the basic premise is to keep the airway open and unblocked thus eliminating snoring and sleep apnea episodes. Some appliances accomplish this by pulling the lower jaw forward and others utilize a design to depress and reposition the tongue. Both approaches are effective. Your dental office will be able to discuss your particular needs and recommend an appropriate design. I would recommend that if you are using it as a treatment for sleep apnea that you follow up with a sleep study while wearing the appliance to confirm that your episodes have been addressed.
Call us today at (616) 284-3200 for a free consult regarding this important and potentially life changing treatment!
