Can I use an oral appliance to help treat my obstructive sleep apnea?

At the office of Dr. Mark H. Wright of Colorado Springs, Colorado, he helps patients with more than just oral health and wellness. Outside of routine cleanings and dental fillings, he also assists patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder sometimes referred to as OSA. 

Using an oral appliance for sleep apnea from Mark H Wright DDS is an alternative to the more traditional CPAP therapy that sleep doctors and primary care physicians recommend.

Understanding obstructive sleep apnea

With obstructive sleep apnea, patients are dealing with blockages in their airways, which can cause temporary stoppages in breathing, often hundreds of times in one night. Because patients are not getting the deep, restorative levels of sleep they require to feel and function at their best each day, they may spend hours in bed but never feel rested. 

This, along with snoring, increased depression and anxiety, and other common symptoms, can lead to a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA is often diagnosed after a sleep study, done at home or in a doctor’s office, to monitor the patient’s sleeping patterns and breathing during a single night of rest. 

When it comes to diagnosing OSA, at Mark H Wright DDS, we perform HSTs/Home Sleep Tests and use an acoustic Pharyngometer to measure the upper airway size and stability in a noninvasive and comfortable manner for our patients. 

Treatment for obstructive sleep apnea

Once a definitive diagnosis of OSA has been made, most doctors will encourage patients to use a CPAP machine. This is a large device connected to a mask worn on the face over the mouth and nose. It maintains an open airway while patients sleep, allowing them to get the rest they need to feel rejuvenated each morning. It can alleviate many of the symptoms patients experience. 

Unfortunately, these machines can be difficult to travel with and uncomfortable to wear. Dr. Mark H. Wright is pleased to offer oral appliances for sleep apnea patients, which are much more comfortable and just as effective as CPAP therapy.

Schedule time to talk to a sleep apnea dentist “near me” to learn more about oral appliance therapy

Do you have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea? Are you unhappy with using a CPAP machine and find yourself not complying with treatment?

You might be a proper candidate for oral appliance therapy. Call the office of Dr. Mark H. Wright today at (719) 624-4122 to request a visit.