Braces as an adult? No way. At least, that was what I thought when my dentist told me that I was going to have to see an orthodontist about my crooked teeth. But my teeth were so misaligned that they were causing me pain when I chewed, so I decided to at least look into it. Turns out braces today are nothing like the ones my friends had when I was a kid. Mine were practically invisible, and I didn't need to wear them that long. I started this blog to encourage other people like me who are nervous about the prospect of wearing braces as an adult. My straight smile is so worth the trips to the orthodontist, and wearing braces was nowhere near as bad as I thought. Read on to find out more about how you can straighten your smile.
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A dental appliance could be a suitable treatment for your sleep apnea. If it works, you might be able to avoid using a CPAP machine, at least for the current time. Your doctor will determine if a dental appliance is safe to try based on your condition. If so, you'll need to go to a sleep apnea dentist to have the device made. Here's what to expect.
The Dentist Makes A Mold Of Your Mouth
The sleep apnea device is custom-made to fit your mouth. The dentist makes a mold of your mouth so your teeth and oral structures can be reconstructed in plastic. Then, the soft mouthpiece can be made and checked to make sure it works like it should. Although the device is made from a soft material so it is comfortable to wear, it is strong enough to hold your lower jaw forward so your airway stays open at night. When your airway stays open, the obstruction that causes your apnea is eliminated. As a bonus, the mouthpiece stops your snoring too.
How You Use A Sleep Apnea Mouthpiece
As long as you are awake, you don't need to use the appliance. All you have to do is put it in right before you go to sleep at night or take a nap during the day. Although you may think you won't be able to sleep with it in your mouth, it is actually easy to get used to. Leave the mouthpiece in all night so you can breathe easily. You may notice a difference in the way you feel right away if you usually wake up with headaches or feel groggy due to disrupted sleep.
The Benefits Of Using A Dental Device For Sleep Apnea
Besides the health benefits of improved sleep and reduced risk of health complications from nightly apnea, using a dental device has practical benefits as well. It's small, portable, and discreet so you can take it with you when you travel. You can wear it while you nap on an airplane and no one will know. The mouthpiece doesn't need electricity, so you won't have any concerns about using a medical device if your area has frequent power outages.
Your doctor will probably have you undergo sleep testing to see if an oral device is right for you. You may repeat the tests once you're using the device to make sure it's working. This dental appliance is convenient and easy to use. It's an option worth exploring so you can protect your health and feel better too.
Contact a clinic like Advanced Dentistry of St. Charles to learn more about treating sleep apnea.
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