Sleep Apnea Appliance Therapy in Spokane, WA
A Comfortable Alternative To CPAP
If you suffer from loud snoring, restlessness, daytime fatigue, or obstructive sleep apnea, an oral sleep appliance can help you sleep better and wake more rested. At Northview Family Dental, we offer Spokane’s custom sleep apnea appliance treatments to help you improve airway function and breathing at night, without the bulk and inconvenience of a CPAP machine. Many patients are surprised to learn that sleep apnea treatment can actually be simple, quiet, and comfortable! Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-made device that you wear while you sleep. This device gently pushes your jaw forward to keep your airway open at night.
What Is A Sleep Apnea Appliance?
A sleep apnea appliance is a custom-fitted, small device that sits on your teeth while you sleep. Unlike the bulky equipment and uncomfortable masks used with CPAP, an oral appliance is compact, portable, and easy to take on the go. This treatment method improves airway function at night to decrease the disruption in your breathing that contributes to poor sleep, fatigue, snoring, and more.
One of the greatest benefits of this method is patient comfort. Patients that struggle to wear a CPAP may find it much more comfortable to wear an oral appliance.
Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
Many people don’t know they have sleep apnea! Patients often overlook symptoms as just normal snoring or fatigue. However, sleep apnea can drain your energy, focus, physical health, and quality of life. Common symptoms can include loud snoring, waking feeling tired even after an 8-hour rest, fatigue throughout the day, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, headaches in the morning, or waking up gasping or choking during the night. If you or your partner suspect these conditions, it may be time for an evaluation.
A More Comfortable CPAP Alternative
While CPAP is an extremely effective treatment option, many patients struggle to keep up with wearing the equipment due to mask and tubing issues and general comfort issues. In some cases, patients may stop using CPAP therapy altogether. For mild to moderate sleep apnea, many patients may be better candidates for a custom oral appliance. A custom appliance is designed to work with your bite so that it feels very natural and easy to use at home or while traveling.
How The Process Works
We begin by evaluating your symptoms, sleep issues, and medical history to determine whether an oral appliance might be right for you. If needed, we may coordinate a sleep study or work with your physician to confirm an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis.
Once treatment is recommended, we take digital impressions so that the oral appliance can be created for your unique bite. At that appointment, the appliance is fit to the patient’s satisfaction, and the patient is shown how to properly wear and care for the device. A custom oral appliance gently pushes the jaw forward to keep the airway open so that breathing remains easy throughout the night.
Why Patients Choose Northview Family Dental
We focus on creating a comfortable experience for the patient through our treatment process, starting with the first consultation appointment. We explain your options and help design your custom appliance to meet your specific needs. At Northview Family Dental, we know how much poor sleep quality can impact your daily life. That’s why we work to identify treatments that patients can use every night to improve their sleep. For many, an oral appliance provides life-changing improvements in sleep quality and daily fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
For some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea, oral appliances are an excellent option if the patient cannot tolerate CPAP.
We find that many patients report less snoring after the treatment has begun.
Yes! Because they are custom-made, appliances can fit very comfortably into your mouth. Appliances are also smaller and more compact than a traditional CPAP setup.
If you snore, have fatigue, difficulty breathing while you sleep, headaches, or waking up gasping while you sleep, you may have sleep apnea. A sleep study may be needed to confirm your diagnosis.
Start Sleeping Better!
Are you tired of restless nights, fatigue, and the problems associated with poor sleep or CPAP treatment? A custom oral appliance for sleep apnea can help you breathe better and sleep comfortably. Contact us today to find out more about whether an oral appliance is right for you!