Longview Dental CenterOral Appliance Therapy – Longview, TX
Breathe Better Without a CPAP
Sleep apnea is a common condition affecting at least 25 million Americans. Although there are 3 forms of the disorder, most people have obstructive sleep apnea, which causes several pauses in breathing frequently while sleeping. Often, it’s the result of the soft tissues in the back of the throat or tongue collapsing to block the air passage. Traditionally, the disorder is treated with a CPAP. Although it’s effective, it has a low compliance rate. As an alternative, many people are now turning to an oral appliance in Longview. You can breathe easier and sleep better with a small oral device.
CPAP VS Oral Appliance Therapy
A CPAP has been the go-to solution for decades to treat sleep apnea because it’s proven to be effective when used correctly, but it only has about a 68% compliance rate. The machine delivers steady air pressure through a mask worn over the mouth or nose to keep the airway open. Although it’s effective, it can be quite bothersome. If you’re among the people who can’t tolerate a CPAP, you don’t need to keep losing sleep at night. You can enjoy a comfortable alternative with oral appliance therapy.
The device may look like an athletic mouthguard, but it serves an entirely different purpose. Instead of protecting the teeth, it repositions your lower jaw forward to keep your airway open. Protruding your jaw prevents the soft tissues and tongue from blocking your airway.
Your oral appliance is custom fit to your mouth from high-quality flexible material for your comfort. When compared to a CPAP, it has a compliance rate of 83% after the first year when used to treat mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea.
Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy
Your dentist in Longview can fit you with an oral appliance to help you breathe better. You’ll enjoy a variety of benefits that may not be possible with a CPAP, such as:
- Significantly reduce or eliminate sleep apnea symptoms.
- Treat chronic snoring.
- Custom-fit to minimize discomfort.
- Easy to use and wear.
- Compact for easy storage and travel.
- Easy maintenance and care.
- Affordable solution.
Oral Appliance Therapy
If you’re ready to use an oral appliance for sleep apnea treatment in Longview, you’ll need a sleep study, so we can create a personalized treatment plan. After being diagnosed, you’ll have an initial consultation in our office. We will conduct an examination, which may include images and impressions. We’ll then have the oral appliance made to match your specifications.
It can take a few weeks to get used to sleeping with your oral appliance; however, in no time at all, you won’t be aware you’re wearing it. You may also experience excessive salivation or dry mouth. We will closely monitor your treatment to minimize any potential side effects or complications.
Get the Rest You Need!
You don’t need to feel restricted by a CPAP any longer. Enjoy the freedom and convenience of oral appliance therapy. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you breathe better to sleep soundly.