Sleep Appliances
Sleep Appliances
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What are Sleep Appliances, and How Are They Used?

If you have a problem with snoring or interrupted sleep due to difficulty breathing, you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – a condition where your breathing stops and restarts multiple times in your sleep. Sleep apnea keeps you from getting quality sleep, so you wake up tired and sluggish every morning. At Peachtree Corners Dental Associates, Peachtree Corners, Georgia, Dr. Kristina Dawson offers customized sleep appliances in the form of mouthguards to help counter the effects of sleep apnea, so you can get the rest you need. 

About OSA

As you sleep, the muscles in your body relax, including those in the back of your throat, that allow air to pass through. In most people, the throat stays open just enough for air to flow into their lungs so they can breathe normally. In others, muscle relaxation causes tissues to collapse and block the airway, resulting in obstructive sleep apnea. OSA can cause you to wake up multiple times during the night, gasping for air. It also produces loud snoring as the air squeezes through blocked airways. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause anxiety, uncontrolled blood pressure, uncontrolled blood sugar and many other systemic issues. 

Mouthguard for Sleeping

The traditional treatment for OSA is dictated by the sleep study. Many people start with a CPAP machine to help them breathe. However, if your sleep study indicates you have a mild or moderate case of OSA a mouthguard may be a good treatment to consider. To some, a mouthguard is less intimidating, making it easier to adjust to. This oral appliance is custom fitted to the contours of your mouth and teeth for comfort and effectiveness. It comes in two pieces worn over your top and bottom teeth. When in place, the mouthguards gently shift your jaw forward to keep your throat open so you can breathe normally while you sleep. 

Mouthguards for sleeping are: 

  • portable, convenient, and non-invasive, making them easier to use
  • easy to maintain and clean
  • highly customizable to suit your unique respiratory needs

Wearing a mouthguard when sleeping can significantly improve the quality of your sleep, so you can wake up rested and refreshed daily. 

To learn more about oral appliances for better sleep, contact Peachtree Corners Dental Associates in Peachtree Corners, GA, at (770) 501-6669.

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