A LOOK AT A CPAP ALTERNATIVE
Living with sleep apnea can be a struggle, whether you realize that you have it or not. Oral appliance therapy is an effective treatment to treat sleep apnea, so you can sleep well throughout the night and wake up feeling rested. It might take time to get used to your dental appliance, but the benefits will far outweigh any initial discomfort, and the treatment will improve your overall health. Read on for a guide to adjusting to your new oral appliance.
Why You Need One
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that prevents normal airflow and wakes you up repeatedly throughout the night, so you can catch your breath. A nighttime mouth guard changes your bite to keep your airway open, resulting in less snoring and a better night of sleep.
How to Make the Switch
A new custom fit mouth guard can be a little uncomfortable if you’re not already used to using one. The best way to set yourself up for success is to make sure your oral appliance fits properly. Everyone has unique teeth, gums, and bite structures, and oral appliance therapy should be designed specifically for yours. Let your qualified dentist or sleep doctor know if you have any problems with your TMJ. If so, a dental device might not be the right choice in this case.
Addressing Problems
There are different ways to go about oral treatment therapy. As long as you communicate with your doctor, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right type of oral appliance. Some people get claustrophobic, so they don’t like wearing big masks to sleep. However, others are happy enough just to be relieved of their symptoms. There are different kinds of oral appliances you can use, so don’t be afraid to ask your dentist if there’s a more suitable option. Regardless, expect some difficulty adjusting to your new oral appliance, and remember the benefits are worth it.
Oral appliance therapy in New Jersey can change your life. The experts at Sleep Dynamics can figure out exactly what you need to give you better sleep and more wakeful days. Check out our website or give us a call at (848) 217-0240 to set up a sleep study.
