Sleep apnea refers to a severe sleep disorder that is characterized by a disruption in breathing when a person is sleeping. Sleep apnea occurs in two forms: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the airways are obstructed while central sleep apnea typically comes about when there’s a problem with the central nervous system.

Oral appliances can help in the management of obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea requires a different sort of intervention.

You can get a sleep apnea oral appliance near you to help you sleep better without interruptions. Sleep apnea isn’t just an inconvenience. It can also significantly affect your body’s health, especially when your organs get deprived of the oxygen that they need. Call our dentist in Houston today if you’re looking for a long-term solution for obstructive sleep apnea.

What Causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Several factors can contribute to sleep apnea. These include:

• Being overweight or obese, especially in adults
• Enlarged tonsils or adenoids, in children
• Malocclusion—a significant overbite can lead to sleep apnea
• Congenital disabilities

Some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, restlessness during sleep, waking up fatigued, headaches, dry mouth upon awakening, irritability, and night sweats. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has severe complications, including cardiovascular disease and even death.

Types of Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances

During your appointment at New Teeth Dental Solutions, our dentist will carefully examine you to determine the root cause of your sleep apnea. Based on this assessment, our dentist will recommend the best type of sleep apnea oral appliance for you. There are different types of sleep apnea oral appliances. These include:

• Mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These resemble mouth guards and work by easing the lower jaw forward, thus alleviating obstruction as you sleep.
• Tongue-Retaining Devices (TRDs). TRDs hold the tongue in place, thus preventing obstruction of the airway by the tongue.
• Mandibular advancement splints (MAS). These custom appliances fit inside your mouth to ensure proper positioning of the mandible (jaw).

Call New Teeth Dental Solutions today if you’re looking for a sleep apnea oral appliance in Houston. Getting help for sleep apnea will help you sleep better and, consequently, live better.