About Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to low oxygen levels in your body. Upon waking up, those who suffer from it often feel fatigued and unrested. Many people don’t realize they have it because it happens while they’re asleep.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Health
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems including:
- Stroke
- high blood pressure
- Chronic headaches
- Diabetes
- Depression
- mood swings
- heart failure
- worsened ADHD symptoms
Sleep Apnea and Quality of Life
Sleep apnea can make it hard to stay alert during important moments, like family gatherings or while driving. This can be dangerous and affect your quality of life.
Types of Sleep Apnea
There are two main types:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): OSA happens when your throat muscles relax too much during sleep, blocking your airway. This leads to a snoring sound, which is one of the main symptoms.
- Central Sleep Apnea: Central Sleep Apnea is when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to control your breathing.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Shelby Township, MI
We offer non-invasive treatments like custom-made oral appliances. These help keep your airway open during sleep without the discomfort of CPAP machines.
Ready to improve your sleep and overall health?
Visit Summit Family Dental. We’re here to discuss your concerns and find the best solution for you.
Schedule your appointment for sleep apnea appliances in Shelby Township today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sleep apnea, and how do dental appliances help?
Sleep apnea is a condition where your airway partially or fully collapses while you sleep, causing breathing interruptions. Dental appliances help you to keep your airway open throughout the night.
Who qualifies for dental appliance treatment instead of CPAP?
You are a good candidate for an appliance if you have mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea or if you cannot tolerate a CPAP machine. Your dentist will review your sleep history, jaw structure, and health risks to decide if an oral appliance suits you.
What is the process of getting a sleep apnea appliance at Summit Family Dental?
We start with an evaluation of your airway and dental anatomy, then we create a custom appliance. We fit it to your mouth, make any needed adjustments, and follow up to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Will using a dental appliance feel uncomfortable?
At first, you may notice minor discomfort, increased saliva, or jaw fatigue. These symptoms usually lessen after several nights of use. We work with you to adjust the appliance so it fits better and works comfortably.
How do I maintain/care for a sleep apnea appliance?
You clean the appliance daily with a toothbrush and mild soap (or as directed by your dentist), store it dry, and avoid exposure to extreme heat. You also come back for periodic checkups so the fit remains correct and adjustments can be made
