Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing while they’re asleep. The two main types include interrupted breathing due to a throat obstruction and a lack of signaling from the brain. For the former, your dentist may have the best treatment. Thomas J. Munger III, DDS, in Anchorage, AK, regularly treats patients with sleep disorders. They practice oral appliance therapy to help patients with everything from snoring to obstructive sleep apnea.

How Your Dentist Will Help Your Sleep Apnea

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

The goal of oral appliance therapy is to support the jaw and upper airway. Sleep apnea patients wear a mouthpiece shaped similar to a mouth guard you’d wear while playing sports. The custom-made retainer molds to the contours of the mouth to keep the jaw in a forward position and stop the muscles at the back of the throat from collapsing and obstructing airflow. The appliance is only worn while the patient is sleeping, and it’s widely accepted as an effective treatment plan.

The Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. Oral appliance therapy offers the freedom and peace of mind to sleep comfortably without worry. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can be easily adapted to your lifestyle. Unlike other dental appliances, a sleep apnea retainer is easy to put in your mouth and doesn’t hurt. There are no loud machines or bulky equipment to keep you and your partner awake at night, and it’s extremely portable. You can take it with you when you travel, and caring for the appliance is as easy as maintaining any other mouthpiece. Above all, dentists recommend oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea because it works.

If you want to know more about how to treat your sleep apnea, your dentist is a valuable resource. Dr. Munger will give you honest answers to all your questions and offer a professional recommendation based on your personal health. Call Thomas J. Munger III, DDS, at (907) 345-3744, or visit their website for more information about sleep apnea treatment.