Sleep is important because it’s when our bodies recover from all we do throughout the day; without proper rest, people can become more prone to high blood pressure, depression, obesity-related illnesses like heart disease or stroke. Studies have shown a 7-10 reduction in lifespan from untreated sleep apnea! For these reasons, if you’re looking for a way to improve your health while sleeping better at night, then speak with your family doctor or dentist about getting a sleep assessment and possibly an oral appliance.
Oral devices are typically prescribed for people who have mild to moderate snoring and sleep apnea. Oral appliances can be helpful for many reasons: They help with snoring or noisy breathing; they’re easy to wear; they don’t require surgery or implants; and best of all, they work. After using an appliance nightly for about four months, more than half of patients see their symptoms improve by at least 50%. And after two years, about 80% of patients see an improvement.
Oral appliances can be custom-fitted, just like a mouthguard, and require no surgery, medication, or special equipment. While they may not always provide relief as predictably as CPAP, oral appliance therapy can help you breathe better at night which benefits your overall health. Unlike CPAP, oral appliances are not invasive and require no tubing or masks. You may be more likely to stick with this type of treatment than CPAP because it is less time-consuming, less in-your-face, and more comfortable.
First, you should confirm a diagnosis from a sleep apnea dentist or physician. You can take this quick self-assessment to determine your risk level.
If your dentist or doctor confirms your diagnosis, they can prescribe the right type of device for you and make recommendations on the length of treatment. It is important to talk with your family doctor and dentist about your treatment options to determine the most effective type for you. Unlike over-the-counter devices, which don’t always work for patients, an oral prescription appliance will be specifically tailored for your exact needs.
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Evergreen Dental Care
937 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 285-0285
