Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance in Danbury, CT

Many patients experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) disorders that disrupt sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. If your doctor or GP has diagnosed you with sleep apnea, our dentist near you can provide a custom-fitted oral appliance to alleviate symptoms.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea involves a disturbed sleep cycle during which the patient stops breathing many times during the night. Patients with sleep apnea often snort, gasp, or choke at night as the body resumes breathing again. They may also experience daytime sluggishness or fatigue.

Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway is blocked and, if left untreated, can lead to several serious disorders like stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Children’s OSA usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 6 but may affect children of any age.

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Landress for personalized sleep apnea dental appliances near you.

Types of Sleep Apnea Dental Appliances in Danbury, CT

There are two common types of oral appliances that help reduce sleep apnea symptoms:

  • Mandibular Advancement Devices (also called MADs)
  • Tongue Retaining Oral Appliances

MADs can be snapped onto the upper or lower teeth and are similar in appearance to orthodontic retainers or mouth guards. They can be snugly fitted over the upper as well as lower dental arches and connected with metal hinges. Mandibular advancement devices thrust the lower jaw and tongue slightly forward to prevent throat muscles from collapsing back into the upper airway.

Dr. Landress adjusts the MAD to allow for maximum movement of the jaw while keeping the patient relaxed during sleep. Tongue retaining devices are similar to MADs but have an additional compartment to keep the tongue from settling into the upper airway. Tongue retaining devices from Danbury Smiles – George L. Landress D.D.S.,M.A.G.D., D.A.B.D.S.M are more suitable for patients who experience difficulties with jaw movement.

Overall, sleep apnea oral appliances are lightweight, portable, and require less manipulation of equipment. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, please contact our skilled dentist in Danbury, CT for individualized dental appliances custom-fitted for your unique needs.

FAQs

What are the common signs of sleep apnea?

Common indicators of sleep apnea include persistent loud snoring, waking up abruptly gasping for air, dry mouth upon waking, frequent morning headaches, difficulty staying asleep, and excessive daytime fatigue.

How is sleep apnea typically diagnosed?

Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed with the help of a sleep study. This can be conducted in a sleep lab or at home only with a portable monitoring device. The data collected helps in determining the severity of the condition.

What are the treatment alternatives for sleep apnea?

Treating sleep apnea may involve lifestyle modifications, the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, oral appliances provided by dentists, and in more severe cases, surgical procedures. The appropriate treatment varies based on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs.

How can a dentist assist in managing sleep apnea?

Dentists can offer specially designed oral appliances that help keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are an effective alternative for patients who find CPAP machines uncomfortable or difficult to use.

What lifestyle changes can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms?

To lessen the symptoms of sleep apnea, it is recommended to lose weight, avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed, quit smoking, sleep on your side rather than your back, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

Can sleep apnea affect children?

Children can indeed suffer from sleep apnea. Symptoms in children include loud snoring, restless sleep, bedwetting, and behavioral issues during the day. Consulting a pediatrician or sleep specialist is advisable if sleep apnea is suspected in a child.

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