We love changing people’s lives by creating beautiful smiles, but it’s gratifying to know we can save lives by treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
Sleep apnea is prevalent in an estimated 18 million Americans. This statistic denotes that approximately 1 in 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.
Untreated sleep apnea can cause significant health problems including type II diabetes, heart disease, strokes, dementia and cancer. If you or a loved one snore, you may have obstructive sleep apnea and could be at great risk for serious chronic disease.
Fortunately, there is 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 have difficulty adapting to it. Many compare it to something from a bad science fiction movie: big, bulky, noisy, and obtrusive.
Consequently, many patients refuse to wear it or rip it off while asleep. Studies show that about half of 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 appliances (like retainers or mouth guards) worn during sleep, that work by moving the lower jaw and tongue forward creating space to properly breathe.
This reduces the likelihood of airway collapse and eliminates snoring.
Users, and their bed partners, love their oral sleep appliances and the rejuvenating night’s sleep they get from 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 learn more about obstructive sleep apnea and oral sleep appliances, schedule an appointment today for a no-obligation consultation appointment with Dr. DeFelice.
Dr. DeFelice suffers from of obstructive sleep apnea himself, and uses an oral appliance.
DeFelice and Vecere Orthodontics is located at 22 W Pacific Ave, Court House, NJ 08210. Call (609) 465-5175, or visit www.dvbraces.com.
