If you snore, toss and turn throughout the night, and wake up with a very dry throat, you may have sleep apnea. The sleep disorder can impact your rest and, consequently, overall quality of life. Without treatment, the condition can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, or type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, a dentist with the proper training can diagnose your issue and provide a solution, like oral appliance therapy. 

What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?

Oral appliance therapy involves using a small custom appliance that fits in your mouth to open your airway.  Thus treating sleep apnea.

How does the sleep appliance work to help snoring/sleep apnea?

The appliance moves the lower jaw forward and holds it there while the patient sleeps.  In doing this, the tongue is also pulled forward and is prevented from falling back and occluding the airway.

Is It Right for You?

Many people think that snoring through the night, experiencing drowsiness in the morning, and feeling low energy during the day is normal. However, any one of these symptoms can point to a more serious condition like sleep apnea. The problem typically arises from an abnormal anatomical makeup of the mouth; for example, a large tongue or obstructed nasal passage may inhibit breathing and cause low oxygen levels at night. An in-home sleep study is needed to confirm if you do have sleep apnea and if an intra-oral appliance is right for you.

If you think you suffer from mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring, you are likely a candidate for oral appliance therapy. Speak with the dentists at Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC,​ in Rochester, NY, about whether the solution is right for you. They have the training and expertise to diagnose the condition and prescribe the appropriate treatment. To learn more about how the dental team can support your needs, visit the website. You may also call the office today at (585) 247-7110 to schedule an appointment with a dentist.