Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea
in Croton -on-Hudson, NY
Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters
Sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and complications related to diabetes and other systemic diseases. Treatment will help you not only help you feel more rested, but also contribute to your whole-body wellness.
Common Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but certain factors increase your risk:
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking or tobacco use
- High blood pressure
- A large neck circumference
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Being male (OSA is more prevalent in men, though women are also affected, particularly after menopause)
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
For many patients, oral appliance therapy is a highly effective, comfortable, and convenient alternative to CPAP. Dr Schwartz offers custom-fitted oral appliances, which are sometimes referred to as sleep apnea mouthguards. It works by gently repositioning the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. This reduces or eliminates the airway obstruction that causes snoring and sleep apnea episodes.
Unlike CPAP machines, oral appliances for sleep apnea require no mask, no hose, and no electricity. They are easy to travel with and they don’t make any noise, making them a popular choice for patients who have struggled with CPAP compliance.
Benefits of oral appliance therapy include:
- Custom-fitted for your comfort
- Silent and non-intrusive
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Highly portable and ideal for travel
- Effective for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Also used for primary snoring without a sleep apnea diagnosis
Does Oral Appliance Therapy work for everyone?
If you have removable dentures, unfortunately oral appliance therapy will not be an option. The mouthguard needs to fit snugly around your teeth to keep the airway open. Additionally, some sleep apnea cases are too severe or complex to be treated with a mouthguard and require CPAP.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea and your treatment plan includes an oral appliance? Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Schwartz, your dentist in Croton-on-Hudson, and start sleeping soundly again.