If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, our experienced dentist may recommend oral appliance therapy to help you breathe easily at night and get the rest you need. This simple treatment helps keep your airway open, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of sleep and improved overall health and wellbeing. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ashley Webb and learn more about oral appliance therapy in Pelzer, South Carolina, call Mill Town Family Dentistry today at 864-947-9886.

Oral appliance therapy is a noninvasive treatment often recommended for those experiencing mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or chronic snoring. Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where the airway becomes blocked, often due to the soft tissues of the throat collapsing or the tongue rolling back to obstruct airflow. This blockage can result in interrupted breathing and decreased oxygen levels, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Excessive daytime drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Frequent headaches, especially when waking
  • Difficulty staying asleep
  • Snoring

Untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and liver issues, as well as many other physical and behavioral conditions.

Oral appliance therapy offers a comfortable and convenient solution for many people with sleep apnea. This treatment involves a custom-fitted oral appliance, similar to a mouth guard, that is worn during sleep. The appliance gently repositions the lower jaw forward, which tightens the muscles and tissues of the upper airway, keeping them from collapsing or vibrating. This forward positioning also prevents the tongue from rolling back and blocking the throat. By maintaining an open airway, the appliance promotes normal breathing and can help reduce or eliminate symptoms like snoring, gasping or choking during sleep.

Patients often find oral appliance therapy to be a practical alternative to other sleep apnea treatments, especially for those who find continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy uncomfortable. Custom-designed to fit each individual’s mouth, the appliance is easy to use and travel with, ensuring uninterrupted treatment even on the go. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our dentist, contact our office today. We are here to help you achieve a healthier, more restful night’s sleep and improve your overall wellbeing.