Sleep Disordered Breathing Relief with Sleep Appliance Therapy
Tens of millions of people struggle night after night with disrupted sleep, waking up feeling exhausted despite spending hours in bed. You might blame stress, a busy schedule, or aging, but the real cause could be untreated sleep disordered breathing, also known as sleep apnea, which ranges from heavy breathing, snoring, or a partial or complete interruption of breathing during sleep.
Beyond leaving you tired and foggy during the day, untreated sleep disordered breathing increases your risk for serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Many patients don’t even realize they have sleep apnea because the condition occurs while they’re asleep.
Sleep Disordered Breathing: What to Look For
Symptoms often begin at night but can also manifest during the day. Common signs include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking noises at night
- Morning headaches
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
Early detection and treatment can improve overall health, mood, and energy levels, making it essential to address any concerns as soon as they arise.
Sleep Appliance Therapy: A Comfortable, Effective Option
At Bend Dental Group, we focus on whole-body health, including modern, effective sleep appliance therapy for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. This therapy uses a mandibular advancement device (MAD), a custom-designed oral appliance worn during sleep. The MAD works by gently moving the lower jaw forward. This slight repositioning supports the soft tissues at the back of the throat and prevents the base of the tongue from collapsing into the airway, keeping the passage open. Unlike bulkier continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, sleep appliance therapy is quiet, highly portable, and allows natural jaw movement, making it easier to wear consistently throughout the night.
Additional Tools for Optimized Sleep Care
We also provide advanced tools to support personalized airway therapy:
- Vivos Therapy: A specialized treatment program designed to address structural airway concerns in adults and children, improving long-term airway health and sleep quality.
- SleepImage Ring: A wearable device that tracks sleep patterns and airway activity at home, helping our team monitor progress and fine-tune treatment plans.
- DEKA Quiet Nite: CO2 laser procedure that helps reduce inflammation and improve collagen production along the soft palate and back of the oral cavity – creating a more patent airway and less resistance to nasal breathing.
These technologies support our comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving sleep, ensuring patients achieve the best outcomes from their therapy.
Benefits of Sleep Appliance Therapy
There are significant benefits to undergoing sleep appliance therapy, which include:
- Effective Results: Many patients experience a significant reduction in snoring and apnea episodes.
- Comfort and Fit: Customization ensures a comfortable and precise fit for each patient.
- Natural Jaw Movement: The device allows the mouth to open and close naturally during sleep.
- Durability: It’s made of high-quality, durable materials designed for long-term use.
- Data-Driven Adjustments: Using tools like the SleepImage Ring, treatment can be personalized based on real sleep data.
Caring for Your Mandibular Advancement Device
Maintaining proper hygiene is essential to keep your device functional and comfortable. Cleaning typically involves gentle brushing with mild soap or a specialized cleaner, followed by thorough rinsing. Storing the appliance safely when not in use and attending regular dental checkups to ensure it continues to fit well and work effectively.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Sleep
Sleep disordered breathing can affect both your nights and your days, but effective treatment is available. Sleep appliance therapy, along with Vivos therapy, SleepImage monitoring, and DEKA Quiet Nite, offers a simple, comfortable solution that fits your lifestyle. To learn more and determine if this therapy can help you, schedule a consultation with us at Bend Dental Group, located in Bend, OR. Start your journey toward restful nights and energized days with personalized care designed to help you breathe easier and sleep better.
