Dental Devices for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, disrupts the normal sleep cycle and can lead to various health issues. Sleep specialists categorize it based on the frequency of these events per hour, ranging from mild to severe. Factors determining severity include daytime sleepiness, oxygen levels, and concurrent medical conditions like heart disease.

Statistics show a significant portion of adults are at risk of sleep apnea, with a smaller percentage affecting children. Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring with breathing pauses, high blood pressure, irritability, and more.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea, such as obesity, family history, and anatomical features like a thick neck or recessed chin. Diagnosis often involves assessing daytime sleepiness through tests like the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, followed by medical tests conducted in sleep labs or via portable monitors.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common treatment, delivering a steady airflow through a mask to prevent airway collapse. However, CPAP isn’t always comfortable, leading to alternative treatments such as lifestyle adjustments, dental appliances, or surgery, depending on the severity.

Dental appliances, worn at night, can be effective for mild to moderate cases by holding the tongue and jaw forward to maintain airflow. These appliances also serve as an alternative for treating snoring, though severe cases may still require CPAP. Downtown Langford Family Dental offers consultations for those seeking alternatives to CPAP for sleep apnea or snoring.