Sleep Apnea Treatment and How Rinaldi Dental Arts Can Help
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that over 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and over 80% of the cases remain undiagnosed. While this condition is so common, it can also be extremely threatening for your well-being, and can considerably lower your quality of life.
Luckily, finding a discreet and non-invasive solution for sleep apnea is possible. Below, we will look into the symptoms and consequences of this condition, and explore the most suitable solutions for your lifestyle. Alternatively, book an appointment with Dr. Rinaldi today and speak with our team at Rinaldi Dental Arts.
Is Your Well Being Threatened by Sleep Apnea?
As we have seen, the large majority of moderate and severe sleep apnea cases are still undiagnosed. Many patients just live with this condition or are reluctant to see a dentist.
Nonetheless, sleep apnea is a severe condition that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening consequences such as chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression. At Rinaldi Dental Arts, we believe that every patient should have access to affordable, tailored, and non-intrusive solutions to regain their health and sleep quality.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a health condition that affects your breathing while you sleep. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you might experience your breathing starting and stopping, snoring, and feelings of choking while you are asleep.
There are three types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – This is the most common type of sleep apnea, and it is caused by blockages in the airway as a consequence of your tongue’s position.
- Central Sleep Apnea – This type of sleep apnea arises as a consequence of a signal failure between the brain and the respiratory system’s muscles.
- Complex Sleep Apnea – This is a combination of the two types seen above.
Obstructive sleep apnea represents the majority of sleep apnea cases, and it is a condition that you can resolve by partnering with your dentist at Rinaldi Dental Arts.
What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea or OSA is caused by the muscles in your throat relaxing and tightening intermittently, which causes blockages in the airways during sleep. This condition has been seen to be more prevalent in men over 40 who are dealing with issues such as obesity.
Some factors that can lead to OSA include:
- Excess weight
- Large neck or narrow airways
- Genetics
- Gender and age
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol
- Asthma and chronic nasal congestion
- High blood pressure
How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Some of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Loud snoring
- Daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- Suddenly awakening with a sensation of gasping or choking
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, irritability, and depression
- Decreased libido and high blood pressure
If you have witnessed instances in which you caught your breathing starting and stopping, or you have woken up with the feeling of choking, you should book an appointment with your dentist at Rinaldi Dental Arts today.
What Is the Right Sleep Apnea Treatment for You?
There are several types of sleep apnea treatment. Among the most common out there is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which will gently pump air into your airways as you sleep, ensuring continuous oxygen flow. While effective, these machines can be cumbersome and invasive and can significantly affect your lifestyle and bedtime routine.
Another, more discreet and non-invasive apnea treatment option is Oral Appliance Therapy. At Rinaldi Dental Arts, we believe that every patient should be able to enjoy their sleep without having to deal with unmanageable and uncomfortable machines. That is why we promote our Oral Appliance Therapy.
What is Oral Appliance Therapy?
If you cannot tolerate using a CPAP machine or looking for an alternative to surgery, Oral Appliance Therapy might be the right sleep apnea treatment option for you.
Oral Appliance Therapy is a type of non-invasive, discreet treatment that involves the fabrication of tailored oral appliances. These appliances or custom pieces will be created to match your mouth and dental structure. When applied, your custom mouthpiece will keep your lower set of teeth in a slightly lowered and forward position. Because of this, your airways can remain clean and open overnight.
Oral Appliance Therapy is suitable as a non-invasive option because the custom piece your dentist at Rinaldi Dental Arts will create does not look so different from a standard mouth guard or retainer.
During your first appointment, Dr. Blum, our Oral Appliance Therapy expert, will consider the factors that have been causing or worsening your sleep apnea, including teeth grinding, bite, and other underlying health conditions. This analysis allows our team to create a tailored solution for your specific needs.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment for Sleep Apnea
CPAP machines can effectively relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea, but they don’t come without significant drawbacks. Indeed, these devices are noisy and can lead to several conditions such as anxiety, a feeling of claustrophobia, nose bleeds, and dry mouth and throat. While they might relieve your condition, they will make it harder for you to fall asleep and regain your sleep quality.
Instead, Oral Appliance Therapy treatment for sleep apnea has some significant benefits that make it the right solution for patients looking for a more discreet alternative.
These advantages include:
- Can help you fall asleep easily – Maintaining your airway open, your oral appliance will allow you to fall asleep easily and eliminate snoring. In turn, this can help you enjoy the benefits of a good night’s sleep, including reduced daytime sleepiness, increased concentration, and better mood
- Can promote comfort – Your mouthguard will be tailored to your mouth and dental structure, which guarantees the highest level of comfort while you are asleep
- It is easy to take with you – If you are often traveling for work and you need a less cumbersome device, oral appliances can be carried with you easily and discreetly
- It does not require electricity – CPAP machines require electricity to work, making it more challenging to set them up in your room or when traveling. Oral appliances don’t require electricity to work.
- Oral appliances are quiet – even if newer models of CPAP are becoming quieter, they will still emit a noise throughout the night. This can make it more challenging for you to fall asleep, but it can also represent an issue for your partner. Oral appliances can be set up just before going to sleep and are noiseless.
Regain Healthy Sleep with Rinaldi Dental Arts
Regaining your healthy sleep is crucial for your whole well-being. A restful and restorative night’s sleep can help you feel stronger, healthier, more motivated, and more able to focus and enjoy life. Additionally, it can prevent severe health consequences such as depression and cardiovascular problems.
Improving your lifestyle, exercising, eating healthily, and reducing stress are important factors contributing to a better night’s sleep. However, Oral Appliance Therpay treatment for sleep apnea is a discreet, fast, and non-invasive solution to regain your sleep quality from tonight. Book your appointment with Dr. Rinaldi and the Rinaldi Dental Arts team today and start your journey towards a restful night’s sleep.
