Dr. Evans and Dr. Ziemba offer oral appliance therapy to treat the symptoms and effects of sleep apnea or snoring in Longmeadow, MA. Oral appliance therapy is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea and snoring that involves wearing a custom-made mouthguard while you sleep. The appliance looks similar to a sports mouthguard or retainer but is specially designed to maintain an open airway during sleep. Repositioning the jaw and tongue helps prevent airway collapse, allowing you to breathe easily throughout the night and sleep more soundly.
How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
During sleep, the muscles in your throat and jaw naturally relax. For those with sleep apnea or severe snoring, these muscles can relax enough to block the airway, causing interruptions in breathing and leading to poor-quality sleep. Oral appliances prevent airway obstruction by gently moving the lower jaw forward or holding the tongue in place. This simple repositioning helps keep the airway open, allowing for continuous, unbroken breathing and deeper, more restorative sleep.
Custom-fitted by our dentists, these oral appliances are designed for comfort and effectiveness, ensuring a perfect fit tailored to your unique mouth structure.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Improved Sleep Quality
The primary benefit of oral appliance therapy is improved sleep. By ensuring that your airway remains open throughout the night, you can experience deep, uninterrupted sleep. This results in higher energy levels, better focus, and improved mood during the day.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Unlike surgery or CPAP machines, oral appliances are non-invasive and comfortable. They are easy to use and require no complex setup or maintenance. Most patients find them simple to adapt to, and they are less intrusive than alternative treatments.
Portability and Convenience
One of the greatest advantages of oral appliance therapy is how portable and travel-friendly it is. Unlike bulky CPAP machines, oral appliances are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and use while traveling. Whether you’re heading out on a business trip or a family vacation, you won’t have to worry about bringing heavy equipment or finding a power source.
Reduces Snoring
Oral appliance therapy is also highly effective at reducing or eliminating snoring. This leads to better sleep for you and helps improve the quality of sleep for anyone sharing your bed or home. A quieter sleep environment means everyone can wake up feeling more refreshed.
No Masks or Tubes
Traditional CPAP therapy requires a mask and tubing, which can be uncomfortable and disruptive to sleep. With oral appliance therapy, there’s no need for masks, straps, or tubes. You wear your custom-made appliance, and it stays in place comfortably throughout the night.
Custom-Fit Design
Since each oral appliance is custom-made, you get a product tailored specifically to your mouth. This customization enhances comfort and ensures that the appliance works effectively for your unique needs.
Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?
Oral appliance therapy is most suitable for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. It may also be recommended for those with severe sleep apnea in combination with other treatments or as a first step before considering surgery or CPAP therapy. To determine if oral appliance therapy is right for you, it’s important to consult with a dentist or sleep specialist who is trained in sleep medicine.
If you are considering oral appliance therapy, a professional consultation will help evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best personalized treatment plan for your needs.
Take the First Step to Better Sleep
If you’re ready to find out if oral appliance therapy is right for you, start by scheduling a consultation at Meadows Center for Sleep Health in Longmeadow, MA. With this simple, non-invasive treatment, you can take control of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized. Don’t let snoring or sleep apnea keep you from living your best life. Contact us today and start your journey toward healthier, better sleep.