Sleep Apnea threatens the health and well-being of millions. People who are suffering from sleep apnea experience breathing obstructions during sleep. This obstruction reduces the amount of oxygen coming into the body and creates toxic health conditions. Sleep apnea can affect:
- Health
- Daily function
- Work performance
- Relationships
- Overall well-being
Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
Given the severity of this condition, swift and effective treatment is essential. As with all treatment plans, the process begins with diagnosis. For sleep apnea, this involves the evaluation of the patient via a sleep study. Once the sleep study results are collected and analyzed, Dr. Buck may recommend Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT).
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep breathing issues. This therapy involves a fitted device worn in the mouth like a mouthguard.
Types of Oral Appliance Therapy Devices
Depending on your specific needs, the functions of this appliance are to reposition your lower jaw, hold your tongue in place, and keep your airway open. There are several types of oral appliances:
- Jaw (mandibular) devices: These devices stop the mouth’s soft tissues from collapsing and closing off the airway by manipulating the jaw.
- Tongue devices: Known as Tongue Retaining Devices (TRD), these oral appliances prevent the tongue from blocking the airway.
- Jaw and tongue devices: These appliances, known as hybrid appliances, manipulate the jaw and hold the tongue to prevent airway blockage.
Oral Appliance Therapy is not intended to compete with sleep apnea treatment through Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines but to complement it.
Treat Sleep Apnea in Lynnwood, WA
Sleep apnea treatment requires a neuromuscular dental professional’s recommendations and a multi-faceted approach to account for the broad spectrum of symptoms possible.
If you’re curious about Oral Appliance Therapy and how it could work to treat your sleep apnea, call (425) 361-0715 today or visit our contact page here for more information. Dr. Buck of Balance Epigenetic Orthodontics specializes in sleep apnea and TMJ treatment making his office an excellent resource for those in need of relief.
