How a comfortable sleep appliance in Wallingford, CT can stop snoring and treat apnea
Problems such as bruxism (grinding and clenching of teeth), snoring, and apnea can impact your health and quality of life. Unfortunately, these things happen while you are sleeping when you cannot take deliberate action to do anything about it. Thankfully, there is something you can do to prevent the problem. That is wear a comfortable, custom made sleep appliance, which is available from Wolfy Dental Group in Wallingford, CT.
WHAT IS BRUXISM?
This is a common condition, characterized by grinding or clenching teeth. It might happen in waking hours, most often during time of stress. In that case you can make a conscious effort to avoid clenching and grinding. However, nighttime bruxism occurs during sleep, and you might not even know if is happening.
Untreated nighttime bruxism may lead to:
- Jaw pain or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder
- Headaches
- Excess wear and tear on teeth
- Increased risk of tooth fractures
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder that causes frequent, brief interruptions in breathing during sleep. While snoring is often the only noticeable symptom of apnea, it can wreak havoc with your health.
Complications of untreated sleep apnea may include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Daytime fatigue
- Liver problems
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
SLEEP APNEA
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
THE PROBLEM WITH SNORING
Snoring is caused by tissue vibrating as air passes through a restricted space. If you are snoring, your airway is not fully open. It is not completely blocked either – air is still passing through. If you snore, there are a couple of reasons to be concerned:
- While snoring itself is not harmful, it can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.
- The sound of snoring might not wake you, but it can keep your sleeping partner from getting a good night’s rest.
HOW ORAL APPLIANCES CAN HELP
Our oral appliances are lightweight, comfortable, and custom made for an ideal fit. There are different types available, depending on your specific needs. Nightguards are designed to cushion the arches and prevent grinding of teeth. Appliances for apnea and snoring are designed to keep the lower jaw in a forward position, preventing the airway from collapsing.
Call us at (203) 902-3629 for more information or an appointment.
