Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of Americans. Safe and effective treatment is available at Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte.
With sleep apnea, the airway is blocked during sleep. The person stop and restarts breathing repeatedly. Since it cuts off oxygen supply to the brain, it can lead to serious health conditions.
Sleep apnea is primarily treated with two very different devices. A CPAP machine uses air pressure through a tube. The patient wears a mask during sleep and air is forced through the obstruction.
An oral device is like a mouthguard, and works by repositioning the lower jaw. This opens the airway causing a free flow of air. There are benefits in using an oral device over CPAP.
Issues
While CPAP is in many ways the gold standard for treating sleep apnea, the plain fact is that a lot of people find it hard to get used to wearing it. In too many cases it’s so uncomfortable they stop using it, which defeats the purpose.
Oral appliance therapy is an alternative treatment that many find far less cumbersome. Since it is worn like a mouthguard there no mask to wear, and no additional parts. It is proven to be effective, especially in mild to moderate cases.
If you think you or someone close to you might have sleep apnea, the first step is a diagnosis. At Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte we can help. Patients from Myers Park, Cotswold, and South Park have come to us for treatment, and also for complete family dentistry. Call our office to schedule an appointment today!
Contact Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte – Dr. Christopher A. Bowman:
704-337-8070
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1618 E Morehead St Ste 100
Charlotte, North Carolina
28207
