Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a serious condition that can lead to several health issues if left untreated. At Sachem Dental Group, we offer a range of non-surgical sleep apnea screening and treatment options to help patients improve their sleep and overall health.
Oral Appliance Therapy for Sleep Apnea
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a non-invasive treatment for sleep disordered breathing that involves wearing a custom-made mouthpiece while sleeping. The mouthpiece is designed to reposition the jaw, tongue, and soft palate to keep the airway open and prevent apnea episodes. Dental sleep appliances are an effective alternative to the traditional Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which some patients may find uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Our experienced dentists at Sachem Dental Group will conduct a thorough examination to determine the severity of your sleep apnea and whether an oral appliance is the right treatment for you. These devices are made by taking impressions of your teeth to create a custom mouthpiece that fits comfortably and securely in your mouth. The device positions your lower in a slightly forward position, limiting airway blockage that can cause snoring or airway obstruction.
Laser Treatment for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, and it can disrupt your sleep and your partner’s sleep. A modern and non-surgical option for treating snoring and sleep apnea is non-invasive laser treatment. The procedure involves using an FDA-approved, powerful yet gentle laser to stimulate collagen production in the soft palate and uvula, reducing the vibration and obstruction of the airway that causes snoring.
The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no downtime. Many patients experience significant improvement in their snoring and sleep quality after just one treatment, but some people do best by planning at least a few laser sessions. Our dentists will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the appropriate treatment plan for you.
Weight Management and Exercise
A high BMI and large neck circumference are significant risk factors for sleep apnea. Excess weight can cause enlargement of the tissues surrounding your airway, causing it to narrow and obstruct breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve overall health.
Our dental team at Sachem Dental Group can provide guidance and support to help you achieve your weight management and exercise goals. We can also work with your primary care physician to ensure that your overall health is being addressed.
CPAP for Sleep Apnea
CPAP is a common treatment for sleep apnea that involves wearing a mask over the nose and/or mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air pressure to keep the airway open. While CPAP can be highly effective in treating sleep apnea, some patients may find it uncomfortable or inconvenient.
If CPAP is the right treatment for you, your medical provider will work with you to ensure that you receive the appropriate machine and mask size to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
While CPAP therapy can be highly effective in treating sleep apnea, some patients may find it uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even intolerable. As a result, many people prefer non-surgical sleep apnea treatment options like oral appliance therapy or laser treatment.
Oral Appliances vs. CPAP for Sleeping Disorders
Here are a few reasons why some patients may prefer non-surgical sleep apnea treatment over CPAP therapy:
Comfort:
Many patients find wearing a CPAP mask uncomfortable or claustrophobic. The mask can be bulky and make it difficult to sleep in certain positions, and the air pressure can feel uncomfortable or cause dryness or irritation in the nose or mouth. In contrast, oral appliance therapy involves wearing a small, custom-made mouthpiece that is typically more comfortable and less intrusive than a CPAP mask.
Convenience:
CPAP therapy requires a machine and accessories, which can be cumbersome to travel with or use outside of the home. Oral appliance therapy, on the other hand, is portable and easy to use, making it a convenient option for patients who are always on the go.
Compliance:
Compliance with CPAP therapy can be challenging for some patients. It can be difficult to adjust to sleeping with a mask and machine, and some patients may experience discomfort or pressure sores. Non-surgical treatments like oral appliance therapy or laser treatment may be more tolerable, which can improve compliance and ultimately lead to better treatment outcomes.
Cost:
While the cost of non-surgical sleep apnea treatment options may vary, they can be more cost-effective than CPAP therapy over the long term. CPAP machines require ongoing maintenance, replacement parts, and accessories, which can add up over time. Non-surgical treatments typically involve a one-time cost for the initial consultation, treatment, and follow-up appointments.
It’s important to note that every patient’s needs and preferences are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. At Sachem Dental Group, we offer a range of sleep disordered breathing treatment options and will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and preferences.
How to Choose the Best Sleep Apnea Treatment
Choosing the right sleep apnea treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your sleep apnea, your lifestyle, and personal preferences. At Sachem Dental Group, we will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.
We will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option, including the cost, effectiveness, and potential side effects, to help you make an informed decision. Our goal is to help you achieve better sleep and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Reserve an Exam
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea or snoring, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Sachem Dental Group, we offer a range of non-surgical sleep apnea treatments to help you achieve better sleep and improve your overall quality of life.
Contact us today to reserve an exam and learn more about our sleep apnea options.