Aug
Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by episodes of obstructed breathing while you sleep. Your breathing may stop and start repeatedly for a few seconds as you sleep, causing you to wake up frequently. Needless to say, sleep apnea can keep you from getting quality sleep. At A Brush Above Family Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois, we can help counter the effects of this disorder with dental appliances.Â
Sleep apnea occurs more often in adults but can also be a problem for children and teens. The leading cause of this disorder is the collapse of throat muscles as you sleep. This narrows your airways and restricts airflow, making breathing hard. Lack of air causes you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night. As your brain signals you to breathe, it kicks back in, waking you up gasping for air. This off/on breathing pattern keeps you from sleeping soundly. Snorting and snoring are common sleep apnea symptoms. After you have undergone a sleep study and received a diagnosis, our dentists can recommend different dental appliance options for treatment.Â
Sleep apnea and oral appliance usage go hand in hand as these devices help counter sleep apnea symptoms so you can get a good night’s sleep. Some common appliances used for sleep apnea treatment include:
Need help with sleep apnea treatment? Contact the doctors at A Brush Above Family Dentistry in Chicago, IL, at (773) 840-0378.Â