Sleep Apnea

At Rite Smile Dental we treat those who suffer from sleep apnea and its consequences. If you have experienced extreme tiredness during the day or restless nights, you may be a candidate for our sleep apnea device.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is caused by a narrowing or closing of the airway as the body relaxes during the night. Because of the narrowed airway, breathing is interrupted, which often causes patients to jerk awake.

With constant interruptions like this, patients are likely to experience tiredness and drowsiness the next day. In some cases, the condition is so serious it can lead to constant headaches, weight gain, even heart attack and stroke.

What Can I Do About It?

While there is no cure for this condition, doctors often recommend a treatment called CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. The CPAP machine blows air into the patient’s throat through a tube. Though it can be very effective, many people don’t like sleeping with a machine. It’s often loud and cumbersome.

However, there is an alternative which many people get through their dentist. This alternative is an oral appliance which patients wear in their mouth at night. It’s similar to the mouthguards athletes wear. It works by opening up the airway and allowing you to breathe freely.

Unlike the CPAP treatment, patients don’t need a mask or a machine. The oral appliance can provide you with a good night’s rest and can reduce or prevent you from snoring, meaning your sleeping partner also gets more sleep.

Most patients find the oral appliance more convenient and less intrusive than using the CPAP treatment. Also, because the appliance is FDA-approved, many insurances cover part or even all of the cost.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition and if you believe you have it, you should consult your doctor. Once you have the diagnosis, we can provide you with an oral device that could help you sleep better at night and have more energetic days. Please contact us for a consultation.