Obstructive sleep apnea dentist recommends effective treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleeping disorder that can cause a variety of problems. Not only can it lead to impacted memory and concentration, daytime fatigue, and difficulty sleeping at night, it can also contribute to one’s risk of developing problems such as depression, anxiety, heart attacks, and diabetes. However, when most patients get a diagnosis of OSA, they are often told by their physician to use a CPAP machine. However, this device is bulky and uncomfortable, causing many London, Ontario, area patients to avoid using them. Instead, our dentist at We Smile Dentistry encourages patients to visit to learn about a sleep apnea treatment that is much easier: oral appliance therapy.

What is oral appliance therapy?

Oral appliance therapy is a treatment option for patients who are faced with obstructive sleep apnea. Instead of utilizing the CPAP machine, patients can wear a special mouth appliance at night to provide the same results. The oral appliance used to treat OSA is custom-fabricated for the patient based on impressions to ensure a proper fit. It maintains an open airway by realigning the jaw. The result? A restful night’s sleep without a noisy machine.

Who is a good candidate for oral appliance therapy?

Any patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea will find that oral appliance treatment is a highly desirable alternative. During an evaluation with Dr. Giulio Spagnuolo, patients can express their concerns and find out if oral appliance therapy can help.