Have you been told that you have sleep apnea but you're not sure what your best treatment option is? We are here to help!
Oral Sleep Appliances are a great tool for patients who suffer from sleep apnea and who either aren't using their uncomfortable CPAP machine, or who haven't found a treatment that works best for them. The best part is that your dentist is able to help!
The first step in deciding whether or not you are a candidate for an oral appliance is to make sure your teeth can withstand the device. Dr. Dudley performed an exam and took X-rays on her patient, Ryan, before taking digital impressions. (That's right, no goopy impressions!) Spodak Dental Group utilizes the most technology-driven processes in the office for the direct benefit to the patient. For instance, if you lose your device, we pull up your digital scan and essentially reprint it, and can even mail it directly to you!
Once the lab has the scan, the appliance is fabricated and we invite you back into the office for a quick 30-minute appointment to make sure the device fits. We will also run through the Sleep Apnea app, which is a free app that helps to monitor your progress. You input information as to when you went to bed, when you woke up, etc. and it is able to give you information as to how many times you woke up, and your improvement level. How great is that?
Lifestyle habits that affect sleep apnea include smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol close to bed time, big heavy meals, etc., all of which depress muscle tone and make it more difficult for you to breathe fully and consistently throughout the night. But, the good news is, we can help! Not only will we help you manage your sleep apnea through an oral device and the app, but we will also work with you and your lifestyle habits to recommend ways to increase your overall health, too.
Feel free and reach out to us at sleep@spodakdental.com or (561) 303-2413 should you have any additional questions!
