Overcome Snoring and Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy

Good sleep is essential for optimal health, but those with sleep apnea find restful nights elusive. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions when sleeping. It causes daytime fatigue, headaches, memory loss, and other symptoms and increases the risk of systemic complications. Traditional treatments for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, but many patients don’t like them because of discomfort.

Dillard Dental Services offers oral appliance therapy as a minimally invasive, effective sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Leslie Dillard can ensure you enjoy your sleep and life again with a simple customized oral device.

What is sleep apnea?

While many think snoring is a joke, it could be a sign of a severe sleep disorder: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when breathing stops and starts when sleeping. Interrupted breathing cycles occur when the soft tissues at the back of the throat relax and block the airway. This blockage causes oxygen levels in the body to drop. When the brain detects this oxygen deprivation, it prompts the body to wake up to restore normal breathing. This process happens so quickly that you may not even remember waking up nearly 100 times at night! No wonder you are so tired the following day, even after a full night’s sleep.

Suspect sleep apnea? Watch out for the following symptoms.

  • Chronic snoring
  • Morning headaches
  • Waking up with a dry or sore throat
  • Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
  • Mood changes and irritability
  • Poor concentration/clouded memory
  • Gasping or choking when sleeping
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Fragmented sleep patterns

When your body experiences sleep and oxygen deprivation every night, your heart and other systems overwork. Over time, this results in heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. Studies have also linked untreated sleep apnea to diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. Additionally, poor concentration increases the risk of road and workplace accidents.

How does oral appliance therapy (OAT) work?

CPAP therapy involves using a machine that forces a constant stream of air in your airway through a mask placed in the mouth. CPAPs have been the standard treatment for OSA, but many patients don’t like them because of noise, discomfort, and bulkiness. Plus, they need electricity to keep them working.

Can you not tolerate CPAP therapy? Oral appliance therapy is an excellent option. This treatment involves wearing a custom-made oral appliance when sleeping. This device repositions your lower jaw and tongue to keep your airway open. Dr. Dillard provides customized oral appliances after taking bite impressions of your mouth, ensuring your mouthpiece fits comfortably.

What are the advantages of oral appliance therapy?

Compared to CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy has several benefits for treating mild to moderate OSA. Its benefits include:

  • Easy to wear and maintain
  • Portability, making them ideal for travel
  • The treatment is discreet—you slip the appliance in your mouth, and no one will notice it
  • Comfortable treatment
  • Noiseless treatment
  • It doesn’t need electricity to operate
  • It treats snoring, too

Would you like to treat sleep apnea without CPAP?

Ready to enjoy improved sleep quality? Consider oral appliance therapy from Dillard Dental Services. Soon, you’ll experience fewer sleep interruptions, restful nights, and improved overall health—call (615) 541-4722 to schedule an appointment. Our Nashville office serves numerous locations, including Green Hills, Dickson, Fairview, Belle Meade, Kingston Springs, Bon Aqua, Franklin, Ashland City, and Brentwood.