It is a sleeping disorder in which an individual's breathing is obstructed during sleep. If left untreated, a person may stop breathing many times a night. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed, among which obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. It happens when the airway is partially or fully blocked during sleep. 

Obstructive sleep apnea can occur in individuals of all ages, including children. They are more common in people:

• Who are obese
• Have a large neck
• Having a small diameter of the airway
• Have nasal obstructions
• Whose soft palate hangs lower than normal
• Who have a small jaw and an overbite

Sleep appliances

Sleep appliances are a non-invasive treatment. They are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring in a person. The oral appliance resembles a retainer and fits over your teeth to keep the airway open by supporting the jaw in a forward position and preventing airflow obstruction into nasal cavities. 

They may also hold the tongue in such a manner that it does not fall back during sleep and prevent airflow into the lungs. These appliances are custom-made in dental labs after the dentist sends the measurements of your mouth and jaw. 

• Mandibular advancing devices: They fit over the upper and lower dental arches

Causes and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

When the throat tissues collapse during sleep, it sometimes blocks the airway causing sleep apnea. It is common in patients with nervous system disorder and pulmonary disease. The symptoms of sleep apnea are:

• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Feeling restless during sleep
• Dry mouth and throat after waking up
• Having difficulty in concentrating
• Sweating during the night and having recurring headaches
• Waking up multiple times during the night with a choking sensation

Advantages of an Oral Appliance

Several patients suffering from sleep apnea take the help of oral devices, also known as sleep appliances because they are very easy to wear and are convenient. They do not require extensive care and are very comfortable. They are portable and can be carried anywhere to give you a better and trouble-free sleep. 

When your snoring and breathing obstructions are taken care of, the quality of your life increases, and you have more energy throughout the day when you get a good night's sleep. This makes you more productive. 

Please reach out to Cascade Dental Group in Salem, OR, to consult with our Dentists in Salem OR, Dr. Dahl and Dr. Coulombe. Please call us at (503) 399-0724 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.