For many, the last place you think about falling asleep is in the dentist’s chair. However, dental appliances can treat disorders that keep you or your family awake at night.
Snoring is not only noisy, it can also be a symptom of other more important health issues. Snoring involves the partial blocking of the airway while breathing during sleep. It occurs when the tongue falls back and interrupts air flow. This can result in decreased oxygen to the lungs and brain.
When air flow is blocked completely, sleep apnea can result. Sleep apnea causes the sufferer to stop breathing for short periods of time. Apnea can occur many times over the course of a night. Not only can there be severe health consequences, but this disorder may leave you feeling tired, cranky and unable to function properly during the day.
Dental appliances can be fitted to help prevent sleep disorders. Oral appliance therapy involves an intra-oral device that assists breathing by opening the airway. Maintaining a normal breathing pattern reduces the long term effects of sleep disorders which create even greater health problems.
Several types of intra-oral dental appliances are available to help alleviate sleep disorders. No matter which treatment is best for you, diagnosing your sleep issues is the first step to a healthier lifestyle.