Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which your breathing repeatedly starts and stops throughout the night. The most common sign of sleep apnea is frequent snoring, although other symptoms associated with the disorder include:
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have potentially serious consequences. Sleep apnea has been associated with:
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a prescribed oral appliance. Also known as a “snore guard”, this device is placed in the mouth and is worn similarly to mouth protectors used in sports. It works by keeping the airway slightly open while you sleep to prevent interruption to your breathing cycle.
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is a type of sleep therapy that requires the use of a ventilator. The ventilator applies constant mild air pressure into the mouth and nose to maintain a regular breathing pattern. Although effective, many people prefer oral appliances as an alternative because CPAP can be cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Lack of sleep can lead to difficulty concentrating, irritability, and potentially dangerous health conditions. At West Mill Smiles, we want more than to just improve your smile, we want to enhance your overall well-being. If you have struggled with sleep apnea, don’t hesitate and give our office a call today!