Although we love having the opportunity to change people’s lives by creating beautiful, healthy smiles, it’s even more gratifying to know we have the ability to actually save lives by treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is prevalent in as many as an estimated 18 million Americans alone. This statistic denotes that approximately 1 in every 15 Americans have a case of sleep apnea, with most going undiagnosed. Signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, restless sleep, and unexplained daytime sleepiness. Other symptoms include morning headaches, trouble concentrating, irritability, forgetfulness, increased blood pressure, decreased sex drive, and unexplained weight gain.
More importantly, untreated sleep apnea can cause significant health problems including type II diabetes, heart disease, strokes, dementia and cancer. If you or a loved one snores, you may have obstructive sleep apnea and could be at great risk for serious chronic disease. Fortunately there is now an easy, comfortable treatment alternative to the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine (CPAP).
Oral Sleep Appliances
While the CPAP machine is an effective option to treat obstructive sleep apnea, most people find it difficult to adapt to. In fact, many compare it to something from a bad science fiction movie: big, bulky, noisy, and obtrusive. Consequently many patients simply refuse to wear it or rip it off while asleep. In fact, studies show that about half of all people prescribed CPAP machines stop using them in one to two weeks.
Fortunately, there is a simple, comfortable alternative – the Oral Sleep Appliance. Oral sleep appliances are custom dental appliance (much like retainers or mouth guards) worn during sleep that work by moving the lower jaw and tongue forward, thereby creating more space to properly breathe during the night.
This device in turn greatly reduces the likelihood of airway collapse and eliminates snoring. Users (and their bed partners) report they love their oral sleep appliances and the restful, rejuvenating night’s sleep they get as a result of wearing them. Best of all they are covered by most PPO medical insurance plans that have out of network benefits.
Your Next Step
If you or a loved one would like to find out more about obstructive sleep apnea and oral sleep appliances, schedule an appointment today for a no obligation consultation appointment with Dr. DeFelice You might be interested to know that Dr. DeFelice is himself a sufferer of obstructive Sleep Apnea, he uses an oral appliance every night. For more information we encourage you to visit our website www.dvbraces.com or call us at 609-465-5175. Located at 22 West Pacific Avenue, Cape May Court House.
