When I had a badly decayed tooth extracted, I got a partial denture to fill in the gap. I didn't mind it at first, because I was just so happy to have my painful tooth out of my mouth. Over time, I began to get tired of taking it out at night. I asked my dentist if I was could get a dental implant, and he said that my gum disease did not make me a good candidate, but a fixed bridge may be a good option for me. I went with his suggestion, and I have no regrets. I love feeling like I have a real tooth again that I don't have to remove at night. I created this blog to remind other people with a missing tooth that they have many replacement options, and if one is not for you, then try another that may be right.
If you have sleep apnea, you want to find an effective treatment for it so you can sleep better at night and avoid any health complications. The first step is to see your doctor and find out what type of apnea you have. Obstructive apnea is the most common. It's caused when your airway collapses when you sleep. This causes you to snore and struggle to breathe. One possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is an oral appliance. Here are a few things to know about getting and wearing one of these devices.
Why Visit The Doctor
Even though the oral appliance is made by your dentist, you'll want to see your doctor first to get a prescription. Your sleep apnea is usually diagnosed after having a sleep study done in a clinic. Your doctor can then repeat the study while you wear your oral appliance to determine if it is effective at treating your apnea. Your doctor and dentist work together to get you the best treatment to manage your condition.
How The Appliance Is Made
Your dentist makes a mold of your mouth that is then sent to a dental lab so your device can be custom made. A custom fit ensures the device fits perfectly in your mouth at night so it doesn't bother you and interfere with your ability to sleep. The device may to be need altered over several visits to make sure it is as comfortable as possible. You only need to wear the appliance at night while you sleep. In addition to making sure you have a good fit, your dentist also teaches you how to care for your mouth and the appliance so you can maintain good oral hygiene.
How The Appliance Works
An oral appliance is very similar to a mouth guard that is worn during sports such as soccer and football. It slips in your mouth, between your teeth, and pulls your lower jaw forward. By holding your lower jaw in an extended position, your airway is kept open while you sleep. In addition to controlling your apnea, one of these devices is very useful at stopping your snoring too. Once you get used to wearing an appliance, you'll be able to sleep comfortably, and you'll forget it is in your mouth. These devices are convenient, especially when you travel. When compared to a CPAP machine, which is another treatment for sleep apnea, an oral appliance is easier to use, less expensive, quieter, and easier to tolerate.
Although one of these devices has advantages over other treatments for sleep apnea, it is not implemented in every case. In some situations, CPAP, or even surgery may give the best results. Using the oral appliance may be a lifelong thing, or it may be temporary while you lose weight and improve your lifestyle in an effort to overcome your obstructive sleep apnea naturally.
For more information, contact a company like Jerry C Hu DDS Family Dentistry LLC.
Share5 May 2016
