Is a Custom Oral Appliance Right for Your Sleep Apnea?
You were told you have sleep apnea. You tried CPAP therapy only to find that you’re sleeping no better. Sound familiar? At Highlight Family Dentistry, we proudly offer sleep apnea treatment, a quieter, more comfortable, and more convenient alternative to CPAP therapy that provides real relief for many of our valued patients. Ready to restore your restful sleep? Visit our Hutto practice to get started today!
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea, the most common of which is known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a serious sleep disorder characterized by the airway repeatedly collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep. Breathing can stop anywhere from a handful of times to well over a hundred times per hour. Each pause cuts off oxygen supply to the body and brain, triggering a brief arousal that pulls you out of deep, restful sleep, often without you ever realizing it happened.
People with untreated OSA often wake up exhausted, no matter how many hours they spend in bed. Over time, the sleep disorder has been linked to serious health concerns, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and chronic acid reflux. It can also make it harder to concentrate, manage stress, or feel productive or rested during the day.
What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?
Warning signs of OSA include the following:
- Loud, frequent snoring is the most widely recognized warning sign
- Gasping, choking, or snorting sounds as you wake up briefly to breathe
- Sleep interruptions and waking up feeling drained and exhausted
- Waking up with a headache or a dry, sore throat
- Difficulty staying focused on daily tasks or remembering things
- Mood changes, irritability, or increased anxiety
- Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as bruxism
- Unexplained weight gain
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt care.
Why Do Many Patients Struggle with CPAP?
With CPAP therapy, you’ll breathe pressurized air through a mask you wear during sleep. The challenge is that the machine generates noise, the mask can feel restrictive, and some people experience significant dry mouth from the pressurized air, which, aside from being an annoyance, may raise the risk of dental cavities over time. Studies consistently show that CPAP compliance rates are low due to discomfort or convenience concerns, often failing to provide long-term benefits.
What Is Oral Appliance Therapy?
A custom oral appliance is a small, precisely fitted device worn during sleep. Rather than forcing air into the airway, it works by repositioning the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open naturally. At Highlight Family Dentistry, we offer the FDA-cleared Vivos System, a non-surgical sleep apnea solution that goes further than most oral appliances, addressing the underlying structural causes of OSA rather than just its symptoms
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The Vivos System uses custom-fitted appliances to gently change the shape, size, and position of the jaw over time. Here is a look at the main Vivos options:
- Vivos DNA (Daytime-Nighttime Appliance): Worn during the day and night, this retainer-like appliance gently expands the upper arch, increasing the size of the nasal cavity space. It also moves the lower jaw and tongue into a more favorable position, helping keep your airway open.
- Vivos mRNA (Mandibular Repositioning Nighttime Appliance): Worn at night, this oral appliance shifts the lower jaw forward to align it with the upper jaw. It also expands the upper jaw and hard palate, helping widen the airway.
- Vivos mmRNA Modified-Mandibular Repositioning Nighttime Appliance): This nighttime appliance holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping keep your airway open. It also gradually expands the jaw and palate for lasting airway improvement.
Unlike conventional CPAP therapy, which is required indefinitely to manage OSA, Vivos treatment can deliver lasting results in as little as 12 months for many patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
Oral appliance therapy tends to work especially well for patients with mild to moderate OSA and for those who have tried CPAP with no relief. It is also an excellent option for those who travel frequently or patients wanting a more discreet, low-maintenance sleep apnea solution. Our experienced dentists will evaluate your specific situation, discuss your symptoms and history, and recommend the ideal solution for lasting relief.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Near Me in Hutto, TX
Good sleep is the foundation of your health, focus, mood, and quality of life. If you are looking for a CPAP alternative to manage sleep apnea, our experienced dentists and team at Highlight Family Dentistry of Hutto are here for you. We will walk you through your oral appliance options and recommend the ideal solution for lasting relief. We invite you to call (512) 886-2644 to schedule an appointment or book one online today!