« Obstructive Sleep Apnea Appliances

Do you snore? Do you feel groggy, irritable, or exhausted during the day? You may have sleep apnea. Other symptoms include forgetfulness, morning headaches, waking with a sore throat, waking up choking or gasping in the middle of the night, or falling asleep at times of low activity (like at work or while watching television). If you or a loved one have any of these symptoms, talk with Dr. Lawson about an oral appliance that could restore your sound sleep and give you better days.

Snoring and sleep apnea aren’t the same. Some people snore and don’t have sleep apnea. Most people with sleep apnea, however, do snore. Snoring is simply the sound of vibrating oral tissues as air passes over them. Sleep apnea – specifically obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – is a condition that causes breathing to stop completely, for 10-20 seconds or more, during sleep. A person with sleep apnea may have these bouts hundreds of times a night. Deep, refreshing REM sleep is never accomplished, so the OSA sufferer does not enjoy the restful sleep required for optimal daytime functioning. As a result, work performance can suffer, as can relationships, sexual desire, and concentration.

The key to correcting obstructive sleep apnea, and even snoring, is to clear a passage for free airflow. Oftentimes, the lower jaw relaxes backward, and this position allows soft tissues in the throat and mouth to hinder breathing. If air can get through the passageway, the tissues may vibrate and cause snoring. If air is completely blocked, breathing stops.

A simple oral appliance can reposition the lower jaw comfortably and correctly during sleep. With the jaw held in a slightly forward position, soft tissues don’t interfere with breathing. In this way, a snoreguard can eliminate snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea.

Don’t suffer any longer. Let Lawson Family Dentistry give you back your solid night’s sleep. Call our Urbandale dental office and schedule a consultation, second opinion, or routine appointment with Dr. Lawson. Our practice welcomes patients from Johnston, Grimes, Waukee, and the surrounding areas.