Sleep Apnea Treatment

Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Loud, chronic snoring serves as the most obvious warning sign. Your bed partner might report that you stop breathing for several seconds, then gasp or choke before resuming normal breathing. These pauses terrify loved ones who witness them regularly.

Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms Include:

Excessive daytime sleepiness despite adequate time in bed
Morning headaches that fade as the day progresses
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Irritability and mood changes
Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
Frequent nighttime urination
Decreased interest in intimacy

Many people dismiss these symptoms as normal signs of aging or stress. They push through exhaustion with extra coffee and adapt to feeling subpar. Sleep apnea treatment in Newport addresses the root cause rather than masking symptoms, delivering energy and mental clarity you haven’t experienced in years.

Oral Appliance Therapy Explained

CPAP machines remain the most recognized sleep apnea treatment, but many patients struggle with these devices. The mask feels claustrophobic, the noise disturbs sleep, and the equipment makes travel cumbersome. Oral appliance therapy offers an effective alternative that many patients find much more comfortable and convenient.

Custom oral appliances look similar to athletic mouthguards or orthodontic retainers. You wear the device during sleep, and it gently repositions your lower jaw forward. This forward position opens your airway, preventing the soft tissue collapse that causes breathing interruptions. The appliance maintains this optimal jaw position throughout the night without conscious effort on your part.

We create these appliances specifically for your mouth structure. We take detailed impressions and measurements to ensure proper fit and effective positioning. The custom fabrication makes these devices far more comfortable and successful than generic “boil and bite” appliances sold online.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

Oral appliances deliver impressive results for mild to moderate sleep apnea cases. Even some severe cases respond well, particularly when patients cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. The devices prove especially effective for people whose sleep apnea worsens when sleeping on their backs.

Convenience ranks among the biggest advantages. The appliance fits in a small case that travels anywhere. No electrical outlet required, no distilled water to pack, no filters to replace. You simply insert it before bed and remove it upon waking. Cleaning takes seconds with a toothbrush and water.

Partners appreciate oral appliances too. The devices eliminate or dramatically reduce snoring, creating peaceful sleep for everyone in the bedroom. Couples who’ve spent years in separate rooms often reunite once treatment resolves the snoring issue. The psychological benefits of sharing a bed again strengthen relationships significantly.

Getting Started with Treatment

Sleep apnea treatment in Newport begins with proper diagnosis. We can refer you to a qualified sleep physician if you haven’t had a sleep study yet. Diagnosis requires an overnight sleep study in a lab or a home sleep test. These tests measure your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other vital parameters throughout the night.

Once diagnosed, you’ll return to Newport Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss oral appliance options. Dr. Pannes will examine your mouth, jaw, and teeth to confirm you’re a good candidate. Certain dental conditions or jaw problems might affect appliance success, and we’ll address any concerns before proceeding.

We’ll take precise impressions of your teeth and bite registration records. These go to a specialized dental lab that fabricates oral appliances. When your custom device returns, you’ll have a fitting appointment, during which we adjust it for optimal comfort and effectiveness and teach you proper insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques.

Adjusting to Your Oral Appliance

Most patients adapt to their oral appliances within a few nights. You might notice some initial jaw tenderness or excessive salivation, but these effects resolve quickly. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to assess how well the device works and make any necessary adjustments.

Communication with your sleep physician remains important throughout treatment. A follow-up sleep study while wearing your oral appliance confirms its effectiveness. We’ll collaborate with your doctor to ensure your treatment achieves optimal results. Some patients benefit from combination therapy using an oral appliance and CPAP at a lower pressure setting.