Sleep apnea is a condition that triggers stoppages in breathing while asleep. This occurs when your muscles relax, and gravity closes the airways, creating stress on your body from a lack of breathing. The condition can be dangerous, as it could trigger fatigue, memory loss, and hypertension, among other health threats.
At Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI, Dr. Edward Knight has been diagnosing and treating sleep apnea for his patients in Midland, MI using a dental alternative instead of bulky and cumbersome machines.
What makes CPAP machines a hassle?
A continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP machine can help with sleep apnea by administering oxygenated air into your airways. The machine uses a bulky mask and tube structure that needs to fit over your face while you sleep. Such items are hard to manage and clean. Plus, they can slip off at times and even trigger nasal congestion from how your nose may be obstructed during the treatment process. CPAP devices are also more expensive than you might expect, making them less accessible for most patients.
Our team at Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI can diagnose your sleep apnea and identify a more suitable solution for your condition. We provide oral appliances for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea that are more effective and comfortable than traditional CPAP materials.
What dental alternatives are available for mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea?
You can manage your sleep apnea through oral appliance therapy (OAT) instead of a more complex CPAP device. OAT entails a patient wearing a custom-made mouth guard, similar to a retainer, that prevents the tongue from blocking the throat or moves the lower jaw forward. The design encourages the jaw to shift to ensure the airway stays open, improving how well you can breathe at night.
The OAT process is easier to manage than a CPAP machine, and it is easier to transport. It does not require electricity, and the specific appliance you use will also be quiet.
How is the oral appliance made?
You will require a thorough review of your jaw, teeth, tongue, and airways to see what appliance works for you. Dr. Knight and the dental team at Knight Dental Care will complete a digital x-ray to get an impression of your teeth so a customized mouth guard can be designed to fit your mouth. Once created, you’ll wear the appliance nightly to treat your sleep apnea and reduce the risk of various problems, like fatigue, snoring, morning headaches, and concentration issues.
Contact us today for sleep apnea treatment in Midland, MI
You don’t need an expensive and hard-to-manage CPAP machine to resolve your mild to moderate sleep apnea condition. At Knight Dental Care in Midland, MI, Dr. Edward Knight has been helping patients who have been struggling with sleep apnea get a good night’s rest through dental alternative sleep apnea treatments. You can visit us online to plan an appointment and discover how well we can treat all your dental needs in Midland, MI.