Your snoring might be more than an annoyance to your significant other. It may also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when your throat muscles relax and block your airway while sleeping. This increases the air pressure in your throat, which causes the tissues to vibrate loudly, creating the snoring sound. OSA also has the potential to be dangerous if left untreated. Usually, people use an uncomfortable and cumbersome CPAP machine to treat it. Thankfully, there is an alternative to treat your sleep apnea—a custom-made oral appliance that doesn’t rely on machinery to help you sleep peacefully again.
A More Comfortable Solution
If you are suffering from more mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom designed oral device can be an effective form of treatment. Your dentist, after a careful examination of your mouth, can design a custom appliance that comfortably fits over your teeth. Once in place, the device will keep your lower jaw in a slightly forward position and prevent your airway from becoming clogged with oral tissues. All of this without the discomfort of a facemask or loud machine!
The Benefits of Treatment
With the help of the custom oral device along with follow-up therapy, you’ll be able to sleep more soundly, lessening your fatigue during the day. This treatment will also help lower blood pressure, as you will no longer be suffering from sudden drops in blood oxygen levels due to lack of airflow from your obstructive sleep apnea. Last but not least, your sleeping partner can finally rest peacefully by your side again.