Did you know that there are alternatives to CPAP machines? At Sleep Well Southeast Texas, our dental sleep specialist and team are proud to provide oral appliance therapy in League City, Texas, for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. These custom oral appliances help open your airway as you sleep and promote proper breathing and better rest. Schedule a visit with Dr. Tieken by calling us at 281-845-4792 today.
Snoring may seem like a simple, if annoying, inconvenience, but it can also be an indicator of more serious sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Beyond being a noisy sleeper, a person with sleep apnea may also be experiencing symptoms such as depression, drowsiness or inability to concentrate, and they may be at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke or hypertension. While a professional sleep doctor or primary care physician may be responsible for diagnosing your sleep apnea, our expert dental sleep specialist is here to help you find treatment with oral appliance therapy.
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your tongue rolls back into your throat or the soft tissues of your throat collapse while you sleep, blocking your airway and making it difficult to breathe. An oral appliance designed for sleep apnea will operate like a night guard that moves your lower jaw slightly forward while you sleep. With your jaw in the optimal position, the soft tissues of your throat will tighten so they no longer block your airway while you sleep, and your tongue will be held in place so it no longer rolls back into your airway. Specifically designed to fit your mouth comfortably, this mouth appliance can alleviate the symptoms associated with sleep apnea and help you and your entire household get a better night’s rest.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. Tieken is a dentist with specialized training in oral appliance therapy. His works closely with sleep physicians to diagnose and treat obstructive sleep apnea effectively, combining experience and expertise to design custom-fitted devices that align with your unique needs. Your oral appliance is tailored for maximum comfort and efficiency to help you receive the safe, effective and personalized treatment you need to improve your sleep quality and overall health.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
Many patients find oral appliances to be a better option for managing sleep apnea, and often prefer this treatment over CPAP machines. Here are a few key benefits of oral appliances:
- Comfort and Convenience: Oral appliances are custom-fitted devices that resemble a mouth guard or retainer, designed to keep the airway open by gently repositioning the lower jaw. Oral appliances are far less invasive and more comfortable to wear, especially for individuals who find CPAP masks cumbersome or uncomfortable during sleep.
- Ease of Use and Portability: One of the significant advantages of oral appliance therapy is its simplicity. The appliance is small and portable, making it an excellent option for patients who travel frequently or prefer a more discreet solution.
- No Noise: Oral appliances are silent. Patients who are sensitive to noise often find this aspect to be a significant reason to choose oral appliance therapy over CPAP.
- Better Compliance: Because of its comfort and simplicity, many patients adhere to oral appliance therapy more consistently than with alternative treatment option. The ease of wearing and maintaining the appliance encourages better long-term compliance, which can lead to more effective treatment outcomes for OSA.
- Improved Quality of Life: Patients who switch to oral appliance therapy often report better sleep quality and an overall improved quality of life. By providing a comfortable and effective solution, oral appliances help reduce symptoms like daytime fatigue, snoring and the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you or someone in your family struggles with a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, and you would like to know if an oral appliance can help, call our office today and schedule your consultation.