Snoring may seem like a harmless habit, but it could have a bigger impact on your daily life than you realize. Beyond the social stigma often associated with being a "snorer," snoring may also be a signal that your health could be compromised.
Commonly referred to as “Sleep Apnea,” snoring is a condition where your airways collapse, shrink or are blocked, preventing you from getting enough air while you breathe in your sleep. Those with chronic sleep apnea may have tried at-home therapy methods, such as humidifiers or nose strips to try to stop their snoring but most people don't know there is a professional dental treatment available that can help.
Getting the oxygen your body and brain need is important, not only during the day but also as you sleep. Oxygen deprivation can lead to brain damage, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or even moodiness. Impaired thinking and alertness can greatly affect your quality of life. Those with minor sleep apnea may find themselves waking in the middle of the night, disrupting proper sleep cycles. Chronic snorers may find themselves more tired in the morning or having less energy throughout the day since their body is not getting the rest it needs to fully recover from the previous day.
If left untreated over a longer period, sleep apnea can have even more drastic and adverse effects on your health, such as the increased risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and more.
Some of the most common treatments for snoring and sleep apnea include CPAP, which uses a machine to keep your airways open, or surgery, which can open up space for your airway to make breathing easier. However, there is an alternative that can be just as effective as these other methods, but which doesn't require bulky machinery or any kind of invasive procedure. Dental appliances for sleep apnea are simple devices worn by patients at night that position the mouth in a specific way to open airways for more comfortable and consistent breathing. The appliances resemble mouth guards, making them easy to care for and wear.
Oral dental appliances for sleep apnea are custom made for each individual, so it's important to work with your dental professional to ensure proper positioning and fit of the device. High-quality molds and images of your teeth are used to craft each appliance to perfection. Compared with other treatment methods, not only are oral devices more comfortable, but they are typically more affordable as well. That's why you should consider consulting your dentist - who should work in conjunction with your physician or sleep specialist - to learn more about this recommended choice before trying other methods.
Why miss out on the quality of sleep or quality of life? If you have questions about oral appliance therapy for snoring and sleep apnea, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Shah at MaconSmiles. With 20 plus years of caring for patients, the team of experts at MaconSmiles can assist you with all the information you need for your best smile... and your best sleep!