Snoring and sleep apnea are two common sleeping problems that can be treated by your dentist. Both revolve around how you breathe while sleeping. Snoring occurs when one breathes through their mouth, causing the pharyngeal tissues to vibrate. Obstructive sleep apnea is a type of sleep apnea characterized by upper airway collapse that prevents airflow. Each episode can last from a few seconds to just over a minute, and multiple episodes can occur per night. While there is also another type of sleep apnea known as central sleep apnea, dental treatments are only effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.
Did You Know?
The reason why only some people snore is because of their anatomy. People with a large tongue, low soft palate, enlarged tonsils, or a long uvula are more likely to snore. Additionally, factors such as family history, nasal blockage, allergies, smoking, or drinking alcohol can also increase the likelihood of snoring.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental treatment of snoring or obstructive sleep apnea?
Chronic snorers or people who regularly feel sleep deprived may be candidates for dental treatment of snoring and sleep apnea. Some other signs that you may have sleep apnea include difficulty concentrating, irritability, depression, sexual dysfunction, or learning and memory problems. While you may need to visit your doctor for a diagnosis, our dentists at Apollo Dental Centre can provide treatment.
How do the dentists at Apollo Dental Centre treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea?
Our dentists at Apollo Dental Centre treat snoring and obstructive sleep apnea through appliance therapy. Dental impressions are taken of your mouth and used to fabricate a custom oral appliance that will be worn while you sleep. This appliance is fabricated to place the jaw in a slightly forward position, which keeps the airway open and prevents the tongue from falling backwards in the mouth. By positioning the mouth in a certain way, Jaw Advancing Devices (JAD) or Mandibular Advancement Devices (MAD) decreases the possibility of airway restrictions, while also preventing you from grinding or clenching your teeth.
What are the benefits of seeing the dentist for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea?
Traditionally, most people associate sleep apnea treatment with the use of a CPAP machine. While this approach may work well for some people, others find it to be uncomfortable, invasive, and loud. Therefore, one of the greatest benefits of using an oral appliance is that they are generally more comfortable, less invasive, and silent. Additionally, oral appliances also protect against teeth grinding and clenching, which is another common problem that can occur while sleeping.
Apollo Dental Centre Calgary has two office locations at Beacon Hill & Westwinds that are open 7 days a week with weekend and evening hours to meet all your general dental, cosmetic dental, orthodontic, and emergency dental needs. Call to schedule a consultation today!