When to Use a Dental Appliance for Sleep Apnea

A portrait of an African-American man using a snore mouth guard before bed

Do you SNORE? You might be suffering from Sleep Apnea, a serious condition that can have long term repercussions, including an increased risk of heart disease. Belmont Dental Group is here to help you with a dental appliance for Sleep Apnea.

Dr. John Lapidus, of the Belmont Dental Group, says “We like to see patients try a CPAP machine first. They wear a mask all night, connected to a hose and a specialized machine that forces air whenever the patient needs it.” He goes on to say, “Unfortunately, many people just can’t get used to the restrictions of the mask and the hose. For those people, a properly fitting, custom-made sleep appliance is something I have formal training in.”

The most common type of Sleep Apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This is caused by the soft tissue in the back of the throat sticking together, causing a blockage, which then results in snoring. Your dentist can fashion a custom appliance for you that puts your jaw in the right position to prevent this blockage of your airway. You will sleep better, and your partner will thank you for it too.

Sleep Apnea robs you of the sleep you need for a healthy, sane, and energetic life. Lack of sleep can lead to mood changes, memory issues, and trouble concentrating. Your balance may suffer, you may gain weight, your sex drive may decrease, and you may find yourself pickup up colds more frequently because of a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and even Type 2 Diabetes.

Do you think you may be suffering from sleep apnea? If you snore loudly, you wake up tired and have trouble concentrating during the day, or you often have a headache and dry mouth upon waking up, schedule a sleep apnea consultation.

If you’re ready to find a team committed to your health as well as your beautiful smile, Belmont Dental Group is ready to meet you! We cover all kinds of dental care, from teeth cleaning to cosmetic dentistry to urgent care, and we believe in helping our patients be partners in their own dental health. Call us today at (617) 484-2431 or contact us through our website for a consultation.