Start Your Journey to Quality Sleep
Snoring occurs when the soft tissue structures of the upper airway collapse onto themselves and vibrate against each other during a breath. Although snoring can be harmless, it can also be a more serious medical condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
At Downtown Dental Group, our Manhattan, KS, sleep dentist offers oral appliance therapy to patients in St. George, Junction City, and Riley. Oral appliances can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms and get you back to restful nights and productive days.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a medical condition that occurs when the tongue and soft palate collapse on the back of the throat. It blocks the upper airway and stops airflow, forcing the patient to wake up and catch their breath several times throughout the night. Another condition known as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS) is midway between snoring and OSA.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliances for sleep apnea are similar to orthodontic retainers or sports mouth guards. These appliances help prevent the collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat, keeping the airway open and unobstructed. Numerous oral appliances have FDA approval for treating snoring and sleep apnea symptoms.
Our sleep dentist in Manhattan, KS, may recommend oral appliance therapy for patients suffering from loud and frequent snoring or mild OSA that are unresponsive to or are not candidates for treatments like weight loss or a change in sleep position. Oral appliances may also work for patients with moderate to severe OSA who have initially tried nasal CPAP and are intolerant or patients who refuse treatment with CPAP therapy.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Compared to other sleep apnea solutions like CPAP therapy, oral appliance therapy offers an array of benefits, such as:
- Comfortable and easy to wear
- Customized to fit perfectly in your mouth
- Small and convenient, making them easy to travel with
- Reversible and non-invasive treatment
The Oral Appliance Therapy Process
The process of oral appliance therapy involves selecting, designing, fitting, and using a custom-designed oral appliance worn during sleep. Both short and long-term follow-up is an essential step in treating snoring and OSA. It assesses the treatment of your sleep disorder and the condition of your appliance to ensure that it’s comfortable and works properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sleep apnea can present itself in different ways, but there are some common signs to watch out for:
- Loud or frequent snoring
- Daytime drowsiness
- Difficulty staying awake
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Daytime headaches
- Irritability and mood swings
You may have a sleep disorder if you struggle with these symptoms. Call our Manhattan, KS dental office at (785) 776-0097 to schedule a sleep consultation. We’ll determine the best course of action for your case.
Determining the root cause of sleep apnea can be difficult, as several factors contribute to sleep disorders. Some risk factors of sleep apnea include:
- Narrowed airway
- Neck circumference
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Age
- Use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers
If you suspect you have sleep apnea or want to learn how to lower your risk, schedule a consultation at Downtown Dental Group to meet with one of our dentists. They can evaluate your oral health and wellness to assess your situation. It’s also a great time to discuss any questions or concerns.
Unfortunately, sleep apnea symptoms won’t go away overnight. This chronic sleep disorder can impact your physical and mental health if left untreated. It’s crucial to seek treatment for sleep apnea as soon as possible to avoid further health complications.
Neglecting to treat sleep apnea may put you at risk for:
- Hypertension
- Metabolic disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Accidents caused by fatigue
- Liver problems
- Stroke
- Heart disease
Return to Restful Nights With Our Manhattan Sleep Dentist
You may struggle with sleep apnea if you experience frequent daytime sleepiness or migraines. Don’t let quality sleep pass you by—call the sleep experts at Downtown Dental Group today to learn how to begin safe and effective oral appliance therapy. Contact our Manhattan dental office at (785) 776-0097 or fill out our online contact form to book your consultation.