Sleep Apnea Treatment
About Sleep Apnea & Snoring
Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder, affects around 22 million Americans. This condition occurs when a person’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to a blockage in their airway. This causes the tissues in their throat to collapse and results in loud snoring. While snoring can be harmless, it may also indicate the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The importance of getting a good night’s sleep
Sleep apnea can cause interruptions, happening 5 to 30 times or even more per hour throughout the night. Although these interruptions are often forgotten because they are brief, they make achieving a deep and restful sleep, necessary for feeling refreshed and ready for the next day, unlikely. Night after night, sleep apnea puts a strain on both the body and the mind.
Adequate sleep plays a vital role in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. It also helps regulate hunger (ghrelin) and fullness (leptin) hormones, maintaining a delicate balance. Insufficient sleep disrupts this balance, causing increased levels of ghrelin, making you feel hungrier, and decreased levels of leptin, reducing your sense of fullness. Moreover, inadequate sleep can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes. Additionally, sleep is crucial for maintaining a robust immune system. Prioritizing high-quality sleep is essential for overall well-being.
Treating Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can disrupt your life and cause significant inconvenience. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs when the airway becomes blocked, leading to interrupted or halted breathing. OSA is often accompanied by loud snoring, a symptom that is often dismissed as normal. Recognizing the potential health risks and carefully considering other factors and effects can help determine whether you or your sleep partner are experiencing OSA.
Enhancing Sleep with an Oral Appliance
An oral appliance is a mouth-worn device that effectively enhances sleep quality by addressing sleep apnea and snoring. It works by securely fitting around the teeth. While various oral appliance types are available, the most widely used and extensively researched one is the Mandibular (Jaw) Repositioning Appliance, commonly known as MRA or Mandibular Advancing Device (MAD).
How an Oral Appliance Works
The MRA delicately adjusts the lower jaw and tongue position, pushing them slightly forward. This action effectively creates more room in the throat, minimizing any obstruction caused by tissues. As a result, the patient’s airway remains unobstructed and open during sleep, promoting uninterrupted and restful rest.
Oral Appliance Therapy is a Medical Service
Oral appliances used to treat obstructive sleep apnea are classified as Class II medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many insurance plans cover this therapy under their medical policies. Moreover, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has established criteria that define obstructive sleep apnea as a medical condition that dental professionals can effectively treat with advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Patients are referred for this treatment only after a sleep study confirms a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.
An oral appliance may be recommended to address snoring or as an alternative for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. In specific cases, it can be a suitable choice for individuals who cannot use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) equipment.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Glen Ellyn, IL
At Smile Glen Ellyn, Dr. Jessica Gibbs has advanced training in the field of dental sleep medicine and is experienced in fitting and installing oral appliances. Dr. Gibbs earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, and is a Diplomate of the prestigious American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).
Sleep apnea and snoring can significantly impact not only your quality of life but also that of your partner, hindering you from fully experiencing life’s joys. As each patient with sleep apnea and snoring has unique needs, we must evaluate you and determine a personalized treatment plan to optimize your results.
If you suspect you may be suffering from sleep apnea and snoring or if you simply have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and schedule an appointment. We are here to help!
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Monday: 11am – 8pm
Tuesday: 10am – 7pm
Wednesday: 8am – 4pm
Thursday: 7am – 3pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
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