Understanding Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea

A good night’s sleep is critical for your health and general well-being. Unfortunately, for those struggling with sleep apnea, a truly restful night may seem like a luxury. The serious sleep disorder can take a toll on your energy, daily health, and overall quality of life. Dr. Harman and his patient-centered team at Harman Dental Care are pleased to offer oral appliance therapy to restore your restful sleep and help you feel like yourself once again. Contact our Arcadia neighborhood practice in Phoenix to get started today!

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea, the most common of which is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a sleep disorder that affects millions of patients worldwide. It is characterized by repeated pauses in breathing, known as apneas, which can occur numerous times throughout the night. This happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax, obstructing the upper airway and causing breathing disruptions that interfere with your quality of sleep.

These breathing pauses deprive your body of oxygen, posing serious health risks. The brain, sensing oxygen deprivation, wakes you from your deep sleep, prompting you to start breathing again.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Nighttime symptoms, usually noticed by a partner, include the following:

• Loud snoring, which is one of the most common signs of sleep apnea
• Gasping, snorting, or choking as your body forces itself to resume breathing
• Pauses in breathing that last several seconds at a time throughout the night
• Difficulty staying asleep or a persistent feeling of restless sleep

Daytime symptoms of sleep apnea may include the following:

• Waking up feeling tired even after what seemed like a full eight hours of sleep
• Feeling overwhelmingly fatigued, sluggish, or foggy throughout your day
• Waking up with a dull headache, a dry mouth, or a sore throat
• Mood changes, including heightened anxiety, depression, and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and trouble completing daily tasks

What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is often linked to chronic teeth grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism, which can result in excessive tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, and even TMJ pain. Untreated sleep apnea is also associated with serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, heart attacks, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, liver problems, acid reflux, metabolic syndrome, and more. Chronic daytime fatigue can also lead to trouble concentrating and an increased risk of accidents.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Traditional sleep apnea treatments typically involve a CPAP machine, which delivers pressurized air you breathe through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. However, some patients find the hoses and noise cumbersome and find it difficult to use consistently.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Harman may recommend oral appliance therapy as a convenient and effective CPAP alternative for sleep apnea and snoring. For example, a mandibular advancement device worn like a mouthguard holds the jaw in a forward position, helping maintain an open airway. Dr. Harman will recommend the ideal solution to address your unique needs.

Oral Appliance Therapy Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you’re finding it hard to comply with CPAP therapy, a sleep apnea oral appliance may be right for you. The easy-to-wear devices improve your comfort, are easy to maintain, and you won’t need to deal with loud machinery. Dr. Harman and his patient-centered team at Harman Dental Care are dedicated to helping you protect your health and reclaim your restful sleep. We invite you to call 602-840-5300 to schedule your appointment or book online today at drjohnharman.com!