The Sleep Apnea Dentist Can Provide Relief

Posted by Seattle Sleep Solution on July 31st, 2019

Sleep apnea can be disturbing to the patient, as well as their partners. Usually, there are two types of sleep apnea, of which the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the most common. OSA can cause the person to stop breathing momentarily at continuous intervals. Generally, the individual suffers obstruction of the airway for a minimum of ten seconds. It can lead to panic attacks, as the person gasps for air to resume breathing again. As a result, you lose sleep, thereby adding to the irritability factor. Visiting the sleep clinic in Seattle should help you get over this disorder.

Treatment for sleep apnea

The standard mode of treatment for OSA is the use of a CPAP device. This device works on the simple principle of ensuring a steady stream of pressurized air into the respiratory system using a mask. One can wear this mask-like device over the mouth or nose. Using CPAP devices is the conventional form of treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea. It is the first-line treatment option in any case.

Using a dental device is also one of the recommended forms of treatment for sleep apnea. The best aspect of dental appliances is that you can use them in conjunction with the CPAP devices, especially when you need reducing the air pressure.

Dental appliances can do the trick 

The sleep apnea dentist should be the ideal person to help out under such circumstances. There are two types of dental appliances to provide relief to sleep apnea patients.

·         Mandibular advancement devices (MAD)

Mandibular advancement devices look similar to the sports mouth guards that boxers and wrestlers wear to prevent injuries. It is possible to fit these devices by snapping them over the lower and upper dental arches. Metal hinges hold these arches in place, as one part fits over the upper teeth and the other covers the lower ones.

MADs work in a simple way. They push the tongue and the lower jaw forward, thereby preventing the throat muscles from collapsing into the airways to ensure normal breathing while you sleep. As these MADs are adjustable, the sleep apnea dentist can fine-tune the jaw position to ensure maximum effectiveness.

·         Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces

The Tongue Retaining Mouthpieces are similar to the MADs. The difference is that they have a small compartment to fit around the tongue. This device uses suction to hold the tongue forward and prevent it from collapsing into the airway. The sleep apnea clinics in Seattle recommend this line of treatment for patients who face difficulty in having their jaws repositioned forward.

The role of the sleep apnea dentist

A CPAP device fits over your nose or mouth. However, it is not the case with dental appliances. The sleep apnea dentist plays a vital role, as patients need a custom-fitted device. Though OTC devices are available, it is always advisable to visit the sleep apnea clinic in Seattle to consult a qualified dentist. The sleep apnea dentist is one person who can give relief to patients.