Sleep apnea is a disorder that afflicts millions of people around the world. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) causes the air passages in the back of the throat to close during sleep, when an individual is no longer conscious and upright. These people often snore chronically and suffer from excessive daytime exhaustion, despite apparently getting a full night’s sleep.
As a result of the air blockage, the brain panics. Patients wake up, breathe in once again, then fall back asleep. This can happen anywhere from a few to several hundred times a night, and most of the time people don’t even remember it happening.
Treatment Options
The results of interrupted sleep and insufficient oxygen can be dramatic and detrimental, leading to more health problems down the line. People with OSA are at heightened risk of obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other major medical complications. Fortunately, there are quite a number of treatment options available to you. One of the most common apnea treatments is the use of a CPAP machine. This is a device that pumps air through your passages while you sleep. It keeps your airways open and provides sufficient oxygen throughout the night. Unfortunately, CPAP machines can be a hassle. We offer several alternatives to the CPAP in the form of various sleep appliances.
Sleep Appliances
Many sleep appliances look very much like a traditional sports mouthguard. They snap over the teeth, keeping the jaw and tongue positioned so that airways stay clear and open all night. There are quite a few brands and styles available, which adjust to fit in several different ways. Between elastic connectors and multi-joints, there’s something for every need. Just some of the guard options that we provide are as follows:
EMA:
The EMA appliance is extremely adjustable. It is custom-designed to perfectly fit your teeth, and it is held together with elastic bands, which can vary in length and flexibility. These bands can be replaced or adjusted at any time.
Herbst Appliance:
A Herbst style appliance is characterized by the telescoping bar along the sides. This bar can be adjusted forward or back in order to find the exact right jaw placement for you.
Tap 3 Elite:
Just as with the other appliances, Tap 3 is formed by two custom trays that fit over your teeth. This one, however, attaches together in front through a hook and eye mechanism.
Dorsal Fin:
The dorsal fin appliance doesn’t connect together at all. Instead, two fin-shaped pieces protrude from the front of the lower jaw piece. These protrusions meet with an adjustable rod in the top portion, guiding the jaw into its proper position.
Silent Night:
The Silent Night slide-lock appliance works just like the EMA. Flexible bands of adjustable length can be switched out right at home in order to get the customized fit you deserve.
Call Now
If you or someone you love suffers from sleep apnea, don’t wait to contact us. Give us a call to talk about your many apnea treatment options and get back the uninterrupted sleep you deserve!