Sleep Apnea Dental Appliance in Shalimar, FL

One of life’s great blessings is that we don’t have to actively breathe. It’s something our bodies do automatically, or else we won’t be able to sleep. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person’s sleep stops for significant periods during the night.

At Complete Health Dentistry of the Emerald Coast in Shalimar, FL, we can set patients up with sleep apnea dental appliances to help treat this issue. These appliances are effective in many patients and can be used in those that don’t tolerate CPAP machines. Our dentist near me has experience fitting patients with these appliances, so they work well without being uncomfortable.

How Do Dental Appliances Work?

Sleep apnea can be due to a lot of things. One of the main causes is that the jaw and tongue recede during sleep and obstruct the airway. When this happens, air can’t get into the lungs. Sleep apnea dental appliances like tongue retainers keep these structures in their forward positions, thereby maintaining patency of the airway.

Patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea can use sleep appliances and nothing else. It can also be used in conjunction with CPAP machines to lower their settings. Patients like dental appliances because they’re small, easier to sleep with, and easy to take with you wherever you go. The key is to make them fit, as well as possible.

What about CPAP?

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Patients put on a mask during their sleep, and the mask is connected to a machine that pumps air. Air is infused at high rates to keep the airway open. It’s the most effective way of treating sleep apnea. The problem with CPAP is that it has too many side effects.

Patients find it hard to sleep with the mask on. Additionally, the constant air leads to a dry mouth and nose. Sometimes, nosebleeds can happen. These side effects make it hard for patients to use their CPAP machines regularly. Unfortunately, those with severe sleep apnea will usually need CPAP. CPAP machines and sleep apnea dental appliance in Shalimar, FL can be used together in a select number of patients.

For years, our dentist in Shalimar, FL has served residents of Navarre, Wynnehaven Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, Santa Rosa Island, Okaloosa Island, Ocean City, Wright and the surrounding communities of Niceville, Valparaiso, Destin, Miramar Beach dentist and Crestview. Need sleep apnea dental appliance near you? come meet our Shalimar family dentistry.