Dental Appliances For Sleep Apnea

By Marcie Goodman


Dental appliances for sleep apnea relief are really anti-snoring devices, but they seem to alleviate many symptoms of this disorder. They have been used for more than ten years, proving their effectiveness in clinical trials. There are several types of this serious condition, and the devices help with the 'obstructive' sort. People with this condition can also help themselves with some lifestyle changes that compliment medical treatments.

Sleep apnea is a condition which causes interrupted breathing during sleep. Those afflicted with this problem may stop breathing for ten seconds or more; severe cases may see many interruptions per minute. This serious disorder results in daytime fatigue and sleepiness, and it often causes irritability, difficulty in performing routine tasks, and depression.

A small number of cases of apnea are caused by brain malfunction, but most are throat and airway blockages. The last is 'obstructive' and can be treated with oral appliances as a first response. This use of a device that fits over the teeth is recommended by sleep therapy professionals.

One of the major causes of this problem is obesity. People who are grossly overweight often already have breathing problems. In this instance, lack of muscle tone causes the soft tissues of the throat and airways to collapse when the person is sleeping. Losing weight and exercising under medical supervision can help alleviate breathing problems. Doctors also recommend avoiding alcohol and tobacco smoking.

This abnormality often also complicates heart problems, chronic pain treatment, and other serious illnesses. Different parts of the brain are affected, studies show. People with this condition may have memory loss, difficulty in concentration, and problems with performing tasks required by their jobs.

Dental devices are mouthpieces that fit over the teeth and advance the lower jaw. This is done gradually, with adjustments to the mouthpiece, until the prescribed adjustment is achieved. The devices are made so the patient can do the adjustments; this minimizes discomfort. The advancement of the lower jaw keeps upper airways open. There are many different devices on the market. It's informative to go online and look at the options, materials used, and guarantees offered by manufacturers.

People who have this condition generally are totally unaware that they stop breathing over and over again. It's usually another person in the household who notices the disturbing pattern. A complete diagnosis involves spending nights st a clinic while being observed by doctors and monitored by electronic diagnostic tools.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea can help those with this condition lead a more normal life. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem in itself which can compromise health. Anyone with this problem should not ignore it but should seek medical help. A diagnosis is the first step. There is a lot of information online about different kinds of treatment which patients should read in order to understand their options. Lifestyle changes, of course, will be the patient's responsibility; they should be part of the recovery program, which might be incomplete without them.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire