Sleep Wellness
in Fort Myers, FL
Quality sleep is priceless. If you consistently wake up feeling tired and groggy despite getting enough sleep, you could have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Gulf Coast Advanced Dentistry offers custom oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which can help improve your sleep as well as your overall quality of life. To learn more or schedule your consultation, please contact us!
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What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea symptoms include loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing during sleep, abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking, and waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat. People with sleep apnea may also experience insomnia, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. If you or someone in your household suffers from one or more of these symptoms, we recommend scheduling a sleep study to address the situation.
What causes obstructive sleep apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax excessively during sleep. This relaxation causes the airway to narrow or close, temporarily stopping breathing. Factors contributing to OSA include obesity and anatomical features like a thick neck, narrow throat, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. Other risk factors are aging, which leads to decreased muscle tone, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions like hypothyroidism and nasal congestion.
How does an oral appliance from a dentist treat sleep apnea?
Our custom oral appliances treat sleep apnea by repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These custom-made devices are similar to mouthguards and are designed to fit comfortably for many hours. By advancing the lower jaw slightly forward, the appliance prevents the airway from collapsing, reducing snoring and episodes of stopped breathing. Once you receive a sleep apnea diagnosis, we can have you visit our office to take some quick, custom dental impressions to create your oral appliance for sleep apnea.
Are oral appliances better than CPAP machines?
Custom oral appliances for sleep apnea offer several benefits over CPAP machines. They are small, portable, and don’t require distilled water or electricity, making them a great option for people who travel often. Oral appliances are also easy to clean and wear, and no matter how much you toss and turn, you won’t have to worry about a CPAP mask coming loose.
Interested in learning more about our services? Ready to schedule your consultation? Please contact us!
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