Appliances to Stop Snoring and Treat Sleep Apnea

If your sleeping partner complains of your constant snoring, or if you wake up feeling fatigued even though you believe you’ve slept soundly, then you may be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Though the sleep disorder is common, not many patients realize they have it. Despite the fact that OSA causes you to stop breathing in your sleep, it doesn’t usually wake you from unconsciousness. Marked by patterns of loud snoring punctuated by moments of silence, many patients mistakenly believe that they merely have a snoring habit. However, the truth is often that snoring is merely a symptom of sleep apnea, and seeking treatment as soon as possible could be an important factor in their overall health.

The Benefits of a Snoring Appliance

Snoring and sleep apnea are caused by oral tissues partially blocking your airway while you sleep. In the case of OSA, that blockage completely fills your airway, stopping you from breathing for several moments until your body is forced to clear the airway. The constant disruptions can constantly interrupt your sleep cycle, making it impossible to reach the deep levels of sleep that you need to properly rest. The good news is that many patients can effectively stop snoring and treat sleep apnea with a custom-designed oral appliance. The appliance can often serve as a more comfortable alternative to the cumbersome CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine that requires patients to wear a mask while they sleep.