Snoring and Sleep Apnea - How Dentists can help.
Healthy teeth, healthy gums and also…healthy SLEEP!
Sleep Apnea is a life threatening condition and shouldn't be ignored or left untreated.
A dentist trained and experienced in Dental Sleep Medicine can help patients to manage Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
An oral appliance is an effective alternative to the standard continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask.
Oral Appliance Therapy uses a mouth guard-like device worn only during sleep to maintain an open, unobstructed airway by supporting the jaw in a forward position.
Many medical insurance plans cover oral appliances.
First, a physician must diagnose the patient with obstructive sleep apnea and prescribe oral appliance therapy. Then, the dentist can work with the patient to select the best oral appliance and custom-fit the device using impressions and models of the teeth.
Many patients prefer Oral Appliance Therapy as a solution for living with sleep apnea. It provides them much improved sleep and offers the following benefits:
• Comfort – It can be hard to sleep with a CPAP machine and bulky mask. Patients often like oral appliances because they are comfortable and easier to wear. No Mask, No tubes, No wires.
• Quiet – A CPAP machine may silence the snoring, but its constantly running motor might not help you or your bed partner sleep more soundly. Oral appliance therapy is a silent option that can minimize the symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, without making a peep of its own.
• Easy Travel – It can be difficult to travel with a bulky CPAP machine. A compact, lightweight oral appliance can help lessen your load.
• Low-maintenance – It is super easy to care for an oral appliance. Just a toothbrush cleaning with mild soap will keep your appliance germ-free.
• Effective Treatment– Research shows that oral appliance therapy is an effective alternative to CPAP. When patients consistently wear their oral appliance, they wake up each morning feeling refreshed.
What should I do next? For those who suspect they may have Sleep Apnea or are seeking treatment already, we can help! Our team at Dental Wellness at Weston will answer your questions, including the process for diagnosis and treatment options. We work closely with board-certified sleep medicine doctors who will diagnose and help you decide on treatment alternatives. If you are a viable candidate for OAT we will then fit you with an oral device which looks like a sports mouth guard that is worn only during sleep. These devices are covered by many insurance plans.
We can work together to get you sleeping more soundly!
Schedule a consultation by calling (954) 706–6440 - Hablamos Español -
Dr. Gabriela Bozzuti is an AADSM Qualified Dentist who helps treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea with an effective Non-Invasive treatment known as Oral Appliance Therapy,
Dr. Bozzuti is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, a professional association dedicated exclusively to the practice of dental sleep medicine, which provides its members with resources and tools to enable the highest quality of care.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.