Countless people have difficulties getting a good night’s sleep for various reasons. Anxious thoughts, sleep disorders, and more can make getting the recommended eight hours increasingly difficult. One sleep disorder, in particular, affects countless people worldwide — sleep apnea. Finding an effective treatment for this condition has proven difficult for doctors to treat — but you have options.
Finding the best sleep apnea treatment in Portland, OR, usually centers around two possible avenues — CPAP and dentistry options. Knowing which treatment works best goes a long way for those looking for the best sleep possible. Here are some of the most important facts about treating your apnea.
What Is CPAP?
When you go to a medical facility for sleep apnea treatments, they will use a CPAP machine as a vital component of your treatment. Short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, this machine provides a steady flow of air while you sleep. It bypasses the blockages that occur during the night, allowing you to get the uninterrupted rest you have longed for.
A CPAP machine runs throughout the night and consists of a hose and mask combination that goes over your nose. The mask delivers consistent air pressure while you sleep to prevent obstructions from forming.
CPAP machines remain the most effective choice for serious cases of sleep apnea. The continuous pressure provided by the machine will help patients sleep through the night.
What Dentistry Treatments Can Help With Sleep Apnea?
One of the major keys to fighting sleep apnea revolves around preventing obstructions in your airways from occurring and allowing you to improve your sleep quality. For mild to moderate cases, an oral appliance can give patients the relief they need and a restful night’s sleep.
These appliances help keep the patient’s airways clear of obstructions and maintain the air pressure needed to stay asleep through the night. The most common variations of these dental devices include tongue retaining and mandibular advancement. We provide our patients access to the top dental appliances in Multnomah County, OR, Vivos for their sleep apnea treatments.
Tongue Retaining Devices
One of the most cited causes of sleep apnea comes down to the placement of your tongue in the mouth while sleeping. If it drifts during the night, it can block the airflow and prevent your lungs from getting the air it needs. A retaining device holds your tongue forward throughout the night, ensuring it doesn’t end up getting in the way and creating an obstruction.
Mandibular Advancement Device
Jaw placement plays a significant role in mild cases of sleep apnea. If it’s in an irregular spot while you rest, it can create a blockage that impacts sleep quality. A mandibular advancement device (MAD) is similar to traditional mouth or night guards. They snap into place over your upper and lower arches and hold the jaw in a forward position.
So Which Technique Is Better for Sleep Apnea?
When treating your sleep apnea, choosing one treatment over another doesn’t have to boil down to which is “better.” Both techniques help treat symptoms and provide the restful sleep you need. The better question is — which works best for my case?
Sleep apnea can be mild, moderate, or severe. Depending on the severity, each technique will deliver the needed results. For mild to moderate cases, oral appliances will do the trick. Using a CPAP machine under medical supervision makes the most sense for the most severe cases of sleep apnea.
Get Fitted for an Oral Appliance at Aesthetic Smiles Today!
For those looking to get a good night’s sleep while dealing with sleep apnea, finding a treatment that can help becomes crucial. With a mild to moderate case, dental appliances can help correct the issue causing airway blockages and get you on the road to a full eight hours of sleep every night.
Aesthetic Smiles can help get you fitted for an oral appliance and help you sleep more soundly. Schedule your first appointment with our team today!