Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea, the most common of which is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, sometimes occurring hundreds of times a night. The resulting sleep disruptions and oxygen deprivation can pose a serious threat to your health.
Symptoms of OSA may include loud snoring, waking up choking or gasping, morning headaches, fatigue, irritability, and unexplained weight gain. Sleep apnea can also impact your health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, premature death, type 2 diabetes, and more.
Traditional OSA treatments typically involve using a CPAP machine, which delivers a constant stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. For those who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy or find it cumbersome, there are options. Our Lake Vista Dentistry team may recommend a custom-fitted oral appliance to help reposition the jaw or tongue during sleep, helping keep the airway unobstructed. Many patients find oral appliance therapy a comfortable and effective solution for relieving sleep apnea symptoms.
Splint Therapy for TMJ Disorders and Bruxism
TMJ disorders can be debilitating, leading to morning headaches, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, jaw pain, clicking, popping, or even locking, especially when biting, chewing, or yawning. Splint therapy involves using an oral appliance like a mouthguard to help keep your jaw in a favorable position and relax the facial muscles, reducing your pain and discomfort.
Splint therapy is also indicated for patients who grind their teeth in their sleep, a condition known as bruxism. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to uneven tooth wear or fracture, morning headaches, daytime fatigue, TMJ pain, and more. Wearing a splint or a night guard will help prevent your teeth from grinding against one another and absorb the forces of grinding and clenching, safeguarding your smile.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy?
- Customized: Our oral appliances are custom-created to the specifications of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and the best possible protection for your smile.
- Easy to Use: Oral appliances and bite splints are easy to use - just place them over your teeth before sleep with ease.
- Quiet: Unlike CPAP devices, oral appliances provide relief without disturbing your sleep or your partner's.
- Less Restrictive: For those who find CPAP therapy restrictive and uncomfortable, oral appliances offer a reliable, effective, and less cumbersome alternative.
- Highly Effective: Oral appliance therapy is proven to be effective, providing relief for symptoms of sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, and bruxism.
- Non-Invasive: Oral appliance therapy offers a non-invasive alternative to surgical sleep apnea or TMJ disorder relief and does not require ongoing use of medications.
What Can You Expect?
- Initial Consultation: We begin by evaluating your medical history, symptoms, and unique needs to determine the ideal solution for your sleep apnea, TMJ pain, or bruxism.
- Custom Design: If oral appliance therapy is right for you, we take precise digital impressions of your teeth to create your custom-fitted appliance.
- Delivering Your Appliance: Once your appliance is ready, we'll ensure it provides a perfect fit and make any necessary adjustments for maximum comfort and function.
- Ongoing Support: We may schedule follow-up treatments to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and make any needed adjustments.
Oral Appliance Therapy Near Me in Mesa, AZ
Contact Lake Vista Dentistry to learn more about oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, or bruxism relief. Our experienced team will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal oral appliance to enhance your health and quality of life.
Call 480-832-3400 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today!
Why Choose Lake Vista Dentistry?
At Lake Vista Dentistry, we believe in more than caring for your smile. We are dedicated to treating the whole person. As a patient-centered practice, we strive to elevate the dental experience, providing our patients with positive experiences they'll enjoy again and again. Our integrated psychology training helps address dental phobia and anxiety rooted in past traumatic dental experiences, helping build positive associations with the dentist.
Our team at Lake Vista Dentistry strives to create a warm and caring environment where you can always expect exceptional care. Our cutting-edge technology, modern techniques, sedation dentistry options, and gentle approach help even the most anxious patients relax in the dentist's chair. At Lake Vista Dentistry, your comfort and well-being are always at the forefront of everything we do.
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