If you’re tired of feeling fatigued during the day despite getting a full night’s sleep, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that disrupts your breathing while you sleep, leading to a host of health problems if left untreated. At McLean Healthy Smiles, we offer non-invasive, effective solutions for managing sleep apnea, helping you get the restful sleep you deserve. If you’re looking for a sleep apnea dentist near you, our team is ready to assist. Read on to learn about the signs, causes, and treatments of sleep apnea and how we can help you sleep better and live better.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing stops and starts while you’re sleeping. This interruption of airflow can happen many times throughout the night, causing fragmented sleep, which leads to excessive daytime fatigue and a range of health issues, including heart problems and stroke. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the muscles at the back of your throat relax too much, blocking your airway.
Why Dental Care Matters for Sleep Apnea
As dental professionals, we are often among the first to identify the physical signs of sleep apnea, such as a deep or narrow palate, large tonsils, or misaligned teeth that could affect the airway. Addressing these factors early on can help reduce the severity of sleep apnea or even prevent it from worsening.
At McLean Healthy Smiles, we begin by screening for sleep apnea symptoms during your routine visit. If we suspect sleep apnea, we refer you for a sleep study. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, we then explore various treatment options, including the use of intraoral devices. As a sleep apnea dentist in McLean, we are committed to helping you find the right solution for better sleep and overall health.
Intraoral Devices for Sleep Apnea
An intraoral device, also called a mandibular advancement device (MAD), is an excellent solution for many people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These custom-made appliances help by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open while you sleep.
How Does the Intraoral Device Work?
The device works by adjusting the position of your jaw and tongue. When your jaw is moved slightly forward, the muscles and tissues in your throat are kept from collapsing and blocking your airway. This helps prevent breathing pauses during the night, allowing you to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling more rested.
The Benefits of Using an Intraoral Device
- Comfortable: Unlike the bulky CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine, which requires wearing a mask, an intraoral device is small, portable, and comfortable to wear during sleep.
- Convenient for Travel: It’s easy to pack and take with you, making it an excellent option for frequent travelers who need a reliable sleep apnea treatment on the go.
- Effective for Mild to Moderate Cases: This device is an ideal solution for those with mild to moderate sleep apnea who may not tolerate CPAP therapy.
The Process of Getting an Intraoral Device With a Sleep Apnea Dentists Near You
Getting fitted for an intraoral device is straightforward and involves a few simple steps to ensure the device is customized to your needs.
- Initial Consultation: During your first visit, we’ll conduct a thorough screening, ask about your sleep habits, and evaluate your oral and physical anatomy to determine if an intraoral device is right for you. If we suspect sleep apnea, we may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
- Designing the Device: If you are a candidate for the device, we take digital scans of your teeth and jaw. These impressions help us create a device that fits comfortably and works effectively. We will also measure your “bite” to determine the optimal forward position for your jaw. This ensures the device holds your airway open while allowing you to sleep soundly.
- Fitting and Adjustment: Once your intraoral device is ready, we’ll schedule a fitting appointment to make sure it fits comfortably. We will adjust the device to ensure that it’s positioned correctly for the best results.
- Follow-Up Appointments: After wearing the device for a few weeks, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to check on your progress, comfort level, and any necessary adjustments. You’ll also be monitored for improvements in your sleep quality and any reduction in sleep apnea symptoms.
Invisalign for Sleep Apnea
While Invisalign is a popular treatment option for misaligned teeth and may help to reduce snoring, it is not the recommended treatment option for sleep apnea. Invisalign works by gradually shifting teeth into proper alignment, which can improve overall bite and jaw function, but it doesn’t specifically address airway obstruction caused by sleep apnea.
However, Invisalign can play an important supportive role for some patients who have sleep apnea and also suffer from issues like teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw misalignment. In such cases, Invisalign can help by improving the overall alignment of the teeth and jaw, which may reduce some sleep apnea symptoms related to poor bite or jaw positioning.
If you’re seeking advice on how Invisalign could complement your sleep apnea treatment, sleep apnea dentists near you can provide the right guidance. For mild or postural sleep apnea where jaw position is the main concern, Invisalign might be used in combination with other therapies, but it is not a standalone solution for sleep apnea. For mild or postural sleep apnea where jaw position is the main concern, Invisalign might be used in combination with other therapies, but it is not a standalone solution for sleep apnea.
Cost of Sleep Apnea Treatment in McLean
The cost of an intraoral device typically ranges between $1,200 and $1,800, depending on your individual needs, the complexity of your case, and any adjustments required. It’s a cost-effective option when compared to CPAP therapy, which can have ongoing maintenance costs.
For those who may need treatment adjustments, our team at McLean Healthy Smiles, as a sleep apnea dentist in McLean, will be here to guide you through every step, ensuring that your intraoral device provides the best results for your sleep and overall health.
Contact A Sleep Apnea Dentist Near You
If you’ve been struggling with sleep apnea or are tired of the discomfort of CPAP machines, McLean Healthy Smiles offers comfortable and effective alternatives like intraoral devices. Our team is here to help you find a solution that fits your needs and restores your sleep. If you’re looking for a sleep apnea dentist near you, contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward better sleep and improved health!