Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea

Living with sleep apnea can be challenging. You struggle with little sleep, health consequences, and all of the issues that make sleep apnea such a dangerous long-term condition.

In the past, traditional sleep apnea treatment has only consisted of getting a CPAP or BiPAP machine – a bulky and sometimes uncomfortable device that included a mask that you needed to wear every night while you sleep.

It’s an effective treatment when used. The problem is that many people will not use it, leaving their sleep apnea untreated and setting themselves at risk for the complications that this condition can create.

Orthodontics offers a non-invasive and highly effective treatment that is more comfortable than CPAP machines, and offers similarly effective solutions for your sleep apnea needs.

Understanding the Cause of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is caused by muscles in the throat relaxing during sleep, which can obstruct the airways and lead to moments where you stop breathing during the night. Sometimes these episodes will wake you up, startled and short of breath.

But most times you sleep right through it, not realizing that you stopped breathing. Unfortunately, this disruption in your breathing means you’re not getting a deep sleep that your body needs. This leaves you exhausted and at risk for many other medical issues.

Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Orthodontics offers a comfortable and easy alternative to the bulky traditional sleep apnea treatment methods. There are many devices that you can be fitted for by your orthodontist that you simply wear while you sleep. These devices help to keep the airways open, allowing for better breathing, more restful sleep, and no lingering side effects during the day.

For more information on orthodontic treatment for sleep apnea, click here.

Orthodontic Appliances in Sleep Apnea

There are a variety of orthodontic appliances that are being effectively used to treat sleep apnea. Some are designed to slightly move your jaw to help the throat stay more open while you sleep. Others may reposition the hyoid bone, or prevent the tissues in the throat from relaxing during restful sleep. Each appliance can be custom fitted to your mouth, giving you a comfortable sleep with technology you don’t mind keeping in your mouth.

For more information on all of the orthodontic appliances, we offer to treat sleep apnea, click here.

Call Us Today to Find Out Your Options for Treating Sleep Apnea

Remarkable Smiles has treated many patients with varying degrees of sleep apnea, from mild to severe. Dr. Rashidi is able to offer non-invasive and effective sleep apnea treatment plans for all of our patients in Orange County. Call us at (949) 770-8011 to make an appointment today for a free evaluation, where we will discuss all of the options we can offer you.