If you have an issue with chronic snoring, this could be due to a serious disorder known as sleep apnea. Our team can help, and we can do so without the need for a loud CPAP machine! In today’s blog, your team at Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, talks about how we treat snoring and sleep apnea with a custom oral appliance!
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
If you snore on a nightly basis, this could be due to sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, as you rest the airways become partially and completely blocked by the collapse of soft tissues. The brain then wakes you multiple times a night, even if you don’t remember it happening, as your breathing is cut off. This interrupts your REM sleep and leaves you feeling exhausted, even if you assume you slept well. When you snore, this is a common warning sign. You could also experience daytime drowsiness, irritability, issues with memory and concentration, and eventually, this could lead to stress on your immune system and heart health. But we can help you rest easier and avoid snoring with a custom oral appliance.
Our Custom Oral Appliances
Once we identify the symptoms and presence of the disorder, we will take images and impressions of your bite with digital technology, so we can custom-fit an oral appliance. Worn while you sleep, the device will fit like a mouthguard, but once it is in place, it will shift your jaw and tongue forward to keep airways open and free of collapsed soft tissues. This prevents snoring and breathing cessation, so you breathe without interruption and wake up feeling rested and alert! The appliance is easy to use and clean, and can travel with you. No need for a CPAP machine!
Other Helpful Sleeping Tips
You can also help your sleep with a few simple changes to your routine. Along with wearing an oral appliance, be sure you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and keep your bedroom dark and cool. In the two hours before bed, avoid exercise, large meals, or caffeine. In the hour before bed, avoid screens. Sleep on your side instead of your back too, as this helps prevent breathing cessation. If you have any questions about how we treat snoring and sleep apnea, then reach out to our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey!
Elm Creek Dental Wants You To Rest With Ease
Our team is ready to offer a comfortable and effective alternative to the traditional CPAP machine with a custom oral appliance. To find out more about our sleep apnea appliances, then call Elm Creek Dental in Maple Grove, MN, today at 763-416-0606.