How Oral Appliance Therapy Provides Relief to Patients in the Chicagoland Area

Snoring is sometimes viewed as “funny” and “cute”.  However, snoring can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea which has been associated with heart attack and stroke.   Fortunately at The Center for Sleep Medicine dentists who have received special training the selection, fitting, and use of a specifically designed oral appliances are available to provide a solution to snoring.

The reality is that nobody appreciates a person who snores because it causes significant disruption to other peoples' sleep.  It is, however, something that can be alleviated through the use of custom made oral appliances which repositions and maintains the lower jaw in a protruded position during sleep.  This opens the airway by indirectly pulling the tongue and soft tissue behind the tongue forward.  Doing so maintains an open, unobstructed airway when worn during sleep.

Custom made oral appliances are proven to be more effective than over-the-counter devices.  Oral appliances are comfortable and easy to wear, small and convenient, making them easy to carry when traveling.  Also, oral appliances are easily adjustable and less conspicuous with a bed partner. 

The Center for Sleep Medicine follow guidelines as set forth by the physicians and dentists of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the two most respected organizations in the sleep medicine field.  The dental sleep specialists at The Center for Sleep Medicine stay abreast in the latest advancements in the field of dental sleep medicine and are able to offer an array of devices, based on patient needs.

There are two basic types of oral appliances. The tongue retaining device and the mandibular repositioning device.  Both prevent the jaw and tongue from moving by keeping them in a forward position. Both of these techniques keep the airway open and ensure that breathing proceeds as it should.

Oral Appliances are also used as a therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which can be a potentially serious medical condition if left untreated.  Snoring is often a symptom of OSA.  Snoring occurs when the upper airway partially collapses during sleep. 

  

Proven Ways to Stop Snoring

The loud snoring some people make while sleeping is no joke. Snoring is often a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).  OSA, if untreated, can lead to serious health consequences.  The Center for Sleep Medicine can help those suffering from snoring and sleep apnea. An estimated 17% of the general population has OSA and the numbers are increasing with the obesity epidemic. 

Snoring occurs when there is a partial collapse of the upper airway during sleep. The flow of air through this partially collapsed airway causes tissue vibration.   The partial collapse of the airway occurs when the tongue slips backwards into the airway during sleep.  This blockage can be caused by the position of the body at rest and muscle tone that gradually diminishes during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. 

The incidence of OSA is higher among men than women until women reach menopause. At and after menopause the incidence of OSA is the same in men and women. Approximately 70% of people having OSA are overweight or obese while the remaining 30% are not overweight.  Therefore, not all obese or overweight individuals have OSA and not all people with OSA are obese.

Because snoring is so widespread, new consumer products are regularly introduced that promise instant relief. While individual successes have been reported long-lasting solutions may involve physical changes including weight loss and exercise.

Sometimes snoring can be addressed by having a person sleep on their stomach or side.  Nasal strips and antihistamines offer no relief from snoring for those having OSA. 

Snoring may seem funny in a cartoon, but is no laughing matter to those who must deal with the consequences daily.  Seeing a board certified sleep physician at The Center For Sleep Medicine can put you on a path to end your snoring.

Learn How Oral Appliance Therapy Alleviates Sleep Apnea

When a person's sleep is disrupted even for one night, they may wake up groggy and spend the whole day sleepy and unproductive. If this happens every night or almost every night, then the affect becomes magnified, making life difficult. If this is you or someone you love, consider an evaluation from the professionals at The Center for Sleep Medicine to help alleviate the problems that come with interrupted sleep.

One of the most common reasons for lack of sleep is called sleep apnea. It can be marked by loud snoring and occasional interrupted breathing while sleeping. It can leave you feeling tired in the morning even when you slept all night without waking up. It can be caused by a number of factors, including other medical conditions, an enlarged tongue, obesity, jaw or dental issues, and other conditions. If not treated, it can lead to other health problems, some of which can be very serious.

The good news is that there are devices called oral appliances that can help fight the causes of sleep apnea to help you get better rest. With a proper fitting from a professional, an oral appliance can help you wake up each morning ready to face the day.

Two among the best oral appliances therapies are:

• MRD (Mandibular Re-positioning Device).
• TRD (Tongue Retaining Device).

MRD

There are several oral appliance types, including the very popular MRD, or Mandibular Repositioning Device. This repositions the tongue and jaw. Your airways are not blocked, making breathing much easier.

TRD

The TRD or Tongue Retaining Device keeps the tongue in a forward position so it does not fall backwards and block the throat.  A partially blocked airway can cause uneven and interrupted breathing. It is also a good alternative for those with enlarged tongues or missing teeth.

These devices are a great alternative to surgery.  They should be prescribed and fit by a medical professional. Make your appointment today if you think you suffer from sleep apnea.