Sleep apnea treatment for patients using CPPA machines?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes people to cease breathing for very short periods during their sleep. That can lead to various health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Oral appliance therapy is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, which involves wearing an oral device that keeps the airway open. Dr. Mark H. Wright is a dentist of the Colorado Springs, Colorado area and can help determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you!

What is oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made dental device to treat sleep apnea. It consists of a lower dental device that holds the jaw slightly forward during sleep, opening your airway so you don’t have trouble breathing at night. An upper dental device holds the tongue in place, preventing it from blocking the throat or interfering with the airway’s opening. The use of this unique oral appliance can eliminate snoring and stop pauses in breathing. They are only worn at night and are removed during the day.

Who can benefit from oral appliance therapy?

If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea, Dr. Wright often recommends oral appliance therapy to treat your sleep disorder. It is the perfect alternative to the CPAP machine, which can be uncomfortable for patients, causing noncompliance with treatment.

How does oral appliance therapy work as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea?

Your dentist makes a dental impression that is used to create customized upper and lower appliances that are worn at night. The dentist usually fits you with both devices at one time. The upper device holds your tongue in place, while the lower device holds your jaw forward to open up your airway. You can make minor adjustments for comfort by removing material from the inside of the mouthpiece using a sanding tool provided by your dentist.

How do I find out if I’m suitable for oral appliance therapy?

Calling Dr. Mark H. Wright is the first step in learning more about the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea without a CPAP machine. Call (719) 624-4122 to request an appointment at 930 North Cedar Street in Colorado Springs, CO.