Appliance Therapy and Sleep Apnea in Tucson, AZ

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects millions of people all over the world. Sleep apnea appliances are devices that help treat sleep apnea. Our professional dentist in Tucson, AZ at Spera Dental provides sleep apnea appliances, which are worn in the mouth like braces and help treat sleep apnea by keeping the airways open.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes your breathing to stop or slow down during sleep. When your body is unable to get enough oxygen, it wakes you so that you can breathe again. You often don’t remember these awakenings. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause other serious health problems.

The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms include the following:

• Snoring
• Pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Waking up frequently at night
• Waking up with a headache
• Trouble concentrating
• Mood or behavior changes
• Dry mouth
• Morning headaches

Types of Appliances to Treat Sleep Apnea

Mandibular Advancement Devices

Mandibular advancement devices, also known as MADs, are oral appliances used to treat mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These oral appliances work by advancing the lower jaw forward, which opens the airway by positioning the tongue farther back on the throat.

Tongue Retaining Devices

Tongue retaining devices are a common treatment for sleep apnea and can help patients breathe easier while sleeping. These appliances are worn at night and help the tongue and soft tissues in the back of the throat remain stationary, keeping airways open. This prevents the tissues from blocking the airway, which commonly occurs in patients with sleep apnea.

Combination Appliances

An appliance that combines both elements of OAT and CPAP is referred to as a “combination appliance.” Combination appliances are worn at night and work by stopping the tongue from blocking the airway. These appliances are custom-made to fit the patient’s mouth. 

How do Sleep Apnea Appliances work?

Sleep apnea appliances work by supporting the jaw in a forward position. This helps you breathe more easily because your tongue and upper airway are less likely to collapse and block your airway.

The Benefits of Sleep Appliance Therapy

Addresses the Cause of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea appliances work by moving your tongue or lower jaw forward, opening your airway, and helping you breathe.

Relieves Snoring

Snoring is a sleep disruption that disturbs the sleep of your bed partner, and sleep apnea appliances reduce snoring for both parties.

To learn more about the benefits of sleep apnea appliances, visit Spera Dental at 5190 E. Farness Drive, Suite 102, Tucson, AZ 85712, or call (520) 323-3241 .