Sleep Apnea Treatment at Goldstein Dental Group, PLLC
Sleep apnea is an unfortunate condition that has forced many people to use CPAP machines every night. While CPAP machines certainly provide a level of comfort and relief from apnea, they are still quite a burden. Many long time CPAP users are starting to look at the all of the recent breakthroughs that have come out in recent years and they asked: is there a better sleep apnea solution?
The answer is a long awaited yes! Sleep apnea mouth guards were created as an easier way to cope with sleep apnea.
Mouth Guard Alternative to CPAP Machine
The most widely used sleep apnea treatments all provide some form of positive airway pressure, which was most easily created with a CPAP machine. Now, new mouth guards allow you to create positive airway pressure without a machine – just use the mouth guard and leave the machine off.
Positive airway pressure systems work by ensuring that air flows continuously (or intermittent for some patients) and prevents the collapse of the sleeper’s airways. CPAP machines provide continues airway pressure.
While CPAP and other machines still serve a purpose, the FDA has approved approximately 100 different oral treatments for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. Most of them look pretty similar to sports mouth guards and simply have to be worn at night. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends oral appliances as a first wave of treatment for patients with sleep apnea. Alternatively, The American Academy of Sleep medicine and other experts suggest that oral appliances are excellent for those who cannot tolerate CPAP and other similar devices.
Mouth guard’s work by holding the sleeper’s lower jaw further forward than usual, creating enough space to keep the airway open. Most of these devices prevent the tongue and other muscles from blocking the airway or causing the collapse of the airway.
Safe and Doctor Recommended
If your doctor has suggested a sleep apnea mouthpiece to replace your CPAP machine, it’s understandable for you to be a little worried. You may have grown to depend on your machine. It’s helped you sleep for weeks, months or even years.
Trying an alternative, especially one as simple as a mouth guard, may take a leap of faith. Your doctor has examined your condition and is confident that your case of sleep apnea will be solved using a sleep apnea mouthpiece. Along with receiving FDA approval for treating sleep apnea, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands with the mouthpiece system.
Call 248.374.2273 to schedule an evaluation.