What Are Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards and How Do They Work?
If you snore loudly, wake up choking or gasping for air, or feel constantly tired, you may suffer from sleep apnea. This condition affects a quarter of men and 10 percent of women, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
The good news is there are many effective treatments. In fact, one can be found at the top-rated New York City dentist office near you, Morningside Dental Care. We offer sleep apnea oral appliance therapy to help you manage the condition and improve your sleep.
What Are Oral Appliances?
Oral appliances are custom-made devices you wear while you sleep. They come in different types, but all are designed to keep your airway open, helping with sleep apnea.
Mouthguards
For people with only mild sleep apnea, we can create a custom sleep mouth guard. These work by preventing your teeth from coming together, forcing your jaw to relax and reposition and supporting better breathing.
Mandibular Repositioning Devices (MRDs)
MRDs are the most commonly used oral appliances for sleep apnea. They hold your lower jaw forward and keep your tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into your airway.
Tongue Retaining Devices (TRDs)
Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) are less common but can be effective for people with a lot of tongue tissue. TRDs hold your tongue forward while you sleep, preventing it from falling back and blocking your airway.
How Effective Are Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
Oral appliances can be effective for treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. Additionally, if you have severe sleep apnea but cannot tolerate CPAP therapy, you might also benefit from oral appliance therapy.
What Are the Benefits of Using Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea?
Using an oral appliance for sleep apnea can provide many benefits, including:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Not only will you sleep better, but so will your partner.
- Reduced Snoring and Breathing Interruptions: Better positioning of your jaw or tongue prevents disruptions of your breathing rhythm.
- Increased Oxygen Levels: Fewer breathing interruptions mean your body no longer suffers from reduced oxygen.
- Lowered Health Risks: Treating sleep apnea reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Enhanced Mood and Mental Function: Better sleep is linked to increased energy and better quality of life.
Plus, oral appliances are also usually more comfortable and convenient than CPAP machines. They are small, portable, easy to clean, and don’t require electricity or a noisy mask.
Get a Sleep Apnea Treatment That Fits You
Sleep apnea can disrupt your life in many ways, but it doesn’t have to control it. With the help of an oral appliance from our NYC dentist, you can enjoy better sleep and health. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to Morningside Dental Care about your options. We can give you information and guide you through the process of finding a solution that works for you. Sweet dreams!
