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Posted on 9/20/2019 by Clackamas Oral Surgery |
 Sleep apnea is a condition that many people suffer from without even knowing it. It is something that happens while a person is sleeping. For some reason, a person will stop breathing for a period of time while they sleep. For most people these instances only last a few seconds, but they can last longer. It is important for a person to not only know whether they suffer from sleep apnea, but also that they know how to treat it if they do suffer from this condition. One of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is an oral appliance. Types of Sleep ApneaNot all sleep apnea is the same. Some people suffer from sleep apnea because of the position of their lower and upper jaw. While they sleep the jaw can move into a position that stops them from breathing. Once the jaw returns to the right position, the breathing restarts. A second reason that someone may suffer from sleep apnea is because their airway becomes obstructed while they sleep. Their tongue or palate shifts in some way to obstruct their airway and cause the instances of sleep apnea. How Oral Appliances HelpThe goal of oral appliances is to help maintain an open airway while you sleep. In the case of sleep apnea resulting from the position of the jaw, the oral appliance can force the lower jaw forward and help keep the flow of air open throughout the night. Another type of oral appliance is a tongue retaining device. This oral appliance can help prevent the tongue from slipping back into the mouth and blocking the airway. Oral appliance works best for people who suffer from mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea. They are an easy to use and effective way to treat the problem of sleep apnea for many people. They are easy to travel with and easy to use. For more information about this or any other oral health issue, contact our office to schedule an appointment. |
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