Sleep Apnea Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) in Gainesville

What Should I Expect With Sleep Apnea?

When you have this sleep-related breathing disorder, you’ll experience interruptions in your breathing when you’re asleep. The condition decreases the amount of oxygen that’s available to your body, and it puts lots of stress on your cardiovascular system. While people of all ages can develop this condition, it’s particularly common in people over the age of 40.

Which Sleep Apnea Symptoms Are Most Frequently Observed in Adults?

With this type of sleep-related breathing disorder, you may experience some of these symptoms:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Disrupted breathing during sleep
• Choking or gasping for air during sleep
• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Anxiety or depression
• Insomnia
• Night sweats
• Dry mouth or sore throat symptoms upon waking

What Should I Know About Sleep Apnea Causes?

When you’re awake, your throat muscles are stiff, and this helps air to flow into your lungs easily. During sleep, the muscles in your throat become relaxed. As a result, your throat narrows, and the flow of air may be obstructed. This is most likely to happen if you’re in any of these groups:

1. You’re a man.
2. You have a family history of this sleep-related condition.
3. Your neck circumference is more than 16 inches.
4. Your weight is classified as overweight or obese.
5. You have difficulty breathing through your nose.
6. You have congestive heart failure, Type 2 diabetes, asthma, or high blood pressure.

Which Treatments Could Be Right for Me?

If you have a mild case of this sleep-related breathing disorder, you may be able to manage your symptoms by making lifestyle changes. For example, you might notice an improvement in your condition if you lose weight. In addition, sleeping on your side could reduce breathing difficulties and snoring.

To keep your airway open, you may want to try wearing an oral appliance. Your oral appliance will push your jaw forward, and this mechanism makes it easier for you to breathe. If you decide to use an oral appliance, you’ll see your dentist for frequent checkups throughout the first year. During your visits, your dental team will ask you about your symptoms, and they will make sure that your oral appliance fits your mouth well. After you’ve used your oral appliance for 12 months, you’ll have routine checkups to keep an eye on your symptoms.

If your symptoms are moderate or severe, you may need to use a positive airway pressure device to keep your airway open. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are two types of devices that your medical team may recommend. These devices are available in several different styles, and you may need to try a few models to find the fit that works for you.

Surgical options might be necessary to alleviate the most severe symptoms. Your surgeon may suggest nerve stimulation, tissue shrinkage, tissue removal, or jaw repositioning. If these interventions aren’t successful, you may need to have a tracheostomy procedure to create a new airway as a last resort.

If you’re coping with sleep apnea in Gainesville, reach out to our dental experts to schedule an appointment. We will perform a thorough evaluation to find out if a custom-made oral appliance could improve your symptoms.

What Can I Expect When I Wear an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

The feeling of wearing a sleep apnea mouthpiece is very similar to the feeling of using a retainer or a mouth guard for sports. You’ll wear your appliance when you’re asleep, and it will hold your jaw in a forward position. This will expand your airway, and it should decrease breathing disruptions and other symptoms.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay When I Purchase My Sleep Apnea Mouth Guard?

If you have health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of your mouthpiece will depend on the coverage options that are available with your plan. In addition, the final cost will be influenced by the type of mouthpiece you select. When you visit us for your consultation, we will provide price estimates for the devices we make.

Could I Benefit From Using Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)?

Many of our patients enjoy the convenience and portability of OAT. Although BiPAP and CPAP machines can be difficult to clean, you can keep your oral appliance clean by brushing it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Best of all, OAT gives you the chance to improve your symptoms without the need for surgical interventions. To learn more about OAT, get in touch with our Patrick B. Toms, DMD staff in Gainesville to set up an appointment.

Is OAT Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, health insurance companies will offer full or partial coverage for OAT. Before you start your treatment, get in touch with your insurance company to find out about the coverage options for your oral appliance for sleep apnea in Gainesville.