Sleep Apnea
Having a good night’s rest is essential, as it helps you perform your daily tasks better. Sleep apnea can prevent you from experiencing a deep slumber and affect your focus, mood, and overall health. At Mall of Georgia Dentistry, we provide professional oral appliances to treat sleep apnea effectively.
We have three convenient locations in Dacula, Auburn, and Buford and welcome patients from the surrounding communities of Braselton, Sugar Hill, Lawrenceville, Winder, and Bethlehem. You can count on our skilled and experienced team of dentists for sleep apnea treatment. Call to schedule your appointment today!
Sleep Apnea & The Treatment Process
Sleep apnea is a condition that can severely affect your overall health. It is characterized by repeated pauses of breathing during sleep. There are two types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Relaxed throat muscles obstruct the airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea: The brain fails to send signals to muscles that assist in breathing.
A CPAP, or continuous positive airway machine, is the treatment most often recommend. However, many find it challenging to remain compliant using this machine. It can cause mouth and nasal drying, claustrophobia, or skin irritation from the mask. Restless sleepers can accidentally remove the device by tossing and turning.
Our Mall of Georgia Dentistry team can provide you with an oral appliance that is comfortable and meets your needs so you can regain a good night’s sleep.
A Variety of Appliance Options
Once we receive your diagnosis or a prescription for a dental appliance, we send your 3D imaging to a trusted local lab to craft a precise sleep apnea device. The device is worn while sleeping and positions the jaw to allow the airway to remain unobstructed, even when the throat relaxes.
Our dentists can customize a device that is right for you. Our team will carefully examine your oral anatomy and talk about what is comfortable for you. After reviewing all the benefits and costs, we can help you decide which one will be your best option.
DynaFlex Dorsal®: The two-piece design of this appliance makes it a popular choice for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The construction allows for lateral jaw movement and adjusts for maximum comfort.
Adjustable Herbst®: This appliance pulls the jaw slightly forward using a hinged mechanism. It has an upper and lower device and is easy to insert and remove.
EMA® The Elastic Mandibular Advancement Appliance: This small appliance is made of individual trays held together with flexible bands. The construction allows for comfortable lateral movement and precise advancement of the lower jaw.
TAP® Devices: Separate upper and lower trays use an adjustable hook and screw with a lower lingual bar on the bottom tray. The fully adjustable capability allows us to locate the ideal jaw placement for you.
Temporary Appliance: If you accidentally break your appliance, we can provide you with a provisional one while it is under repair.
Each sleep apnea device is made with durable material that does not irritate your mouth. The appliance will help keep your bite aligned and your airway open, allowing for restful sleep. It only takes a few nights to adjust to your device, and one appliance can last three to five years with proper care.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The signs of sleep apnea can progress gradually, and you may not be aware you have the condition. If you have sleep apnea, specific symptoms could indicate breathing problems, including:
- Loud snoring
- Morning headaches
- Sudden waking with shortness of breath
- Sore throat or dry mouth when waking
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
Why It’s Important to Treat Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs most often when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the flow of air. Additionally, the tongue may fall back into the throat, similarly restricting airflow. Most people wake up when this occurs, and that repeated disruption of sleep can lead to more severe health concerns. Other side effects of sleep apnea may include:
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Heart arrhythmias
Fatigue is often the most noticeable sign you are experiencing a sleep disturbance. When you don’t achieve a full night’s sleep, you can experience irritability and trouble concentrating. If you already have existing health issues, sleep apnea can exacerbate them if not addressed.
Making Your Treatment Affordable
There are many medical guidelines to follow when submitting for coverage of sleep apnea treatment. We can file the medical insurance papers for you, and we are approved to send requests to Medicare to cover your oral appliance.
Sleep Apnea Relief in Dacula
Dr. Vancil and associates offer sleep apnea relief through oral appliance therapy. At Mall of Georgia Dentistry, our team has the experience to address these concerns so you can enjoy a safe and restful night’s sleep. Call today and schedule your consultation!