Sleep Apnea and Oral Appliances

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which a person can experience one or more pauses in breathing when sleeping.  The pauses in breathing usually last from a few seconds to minutes, and can occur over 30 times an hour.  This chronic condition disrupts sleep and can lead to excessive drowsiness and exhaustion during the daytime.

Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of stroke, obesity, heart attack, and high blood pressure.  In addition, arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats can become more likely.

San Francisco Dentist Dr. Mohamed Ali knows that sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.  Union Square Dentist Dr. Ali recommends a series of lifestyle changes that can help reduce the effects of sleep apnea including:

• Good sleeping habits
• Exercising regularly
• Losing weight

Dr. Ali also recommends the use of oral appliance therapy to help treat sleep apnea.  An oral appliance is the top non-surgical treatment for snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.  The appliance fits in the mouth during sleep like an orthodontic retainer and can prevent the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing.  With this dental device, the airways remain open during sleep, which promotes adequate air intake.

Dr. Ali consults with patients to ensure that the selection, fitting, and use of the custom- made oral appliance work to maintain an unobstructed airway in the throat when worn during sleep.  By making certain that the fit of the oral appliance is perfect for each individual patient, Dr. Ali helps reestablish restful sleep.

Learn More about Oral Appliances

If you would like to learn more information about oral appliance therapy, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Mohamed Ali.   Dr. Ali will answer all of your questions about creating your own oral appliance, and will discuss other lifestyle changes that can help your sleep apnea.

To find out more about oral appliance therapy, contact our friendly San Francisco team today.  Sleep apnea does not have to keep you from a good night of sleep any longer—learn more about oral appliances and sleep apnea today.