Sleep Apnea Appliances
Sleep apnea is a serious, sometimes fatal medical disorder that affects around 10% of American men over the age of 40, and 6% of American women of the same age. Sleep apnea sufferers completely stop breathing during sleep, sometimes hundreds of times in a single night. Normal breathing ceases because the airway becomes obstructed, causing a serious reduction of airflow to the lungs.
There are a number of dental devices that can be used to alleviate this condition. The goal of most of these devices is to separate the jaws and push them forward slightly. This slight repositioning opens up the airway, and allows oxygen to flow freely again. Wearers of sleep apnea dental devices report that they stop loud snoring, feel more rested in the daytime, and are much more comfortable going to sleep. Sleep apnea appliances work best on patients who are not significantly overweight. They offer a viable alternative to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP).
The sleep apnea appliance Dr. Brock diagnoses for patients most frequently is the Somno Med Avant.
SomnoDent® Avant™ is their most comfortable appliance ever. The upper and lower splints are computer designed and manufactured to the shape of your teeth – using a single piece of dental acrylic – this makes the splints stronger, so they last longer.
There is a soft Bflex liner to cradle and support your teeth. It cushions the device against your teeth. With a Bflex liner, the appliance feels more comfortable to wear and doesn’t fall off your teeth while you are sleeping. If it’s more comfortable, you are more likely to wear it, and be better treated for your sleep apnea.
The innovative design of the SomnoDent® Avant™ gently closes your mouth, so you breathe through your nose while you are sleeping. This eliminates snoring in most people, as well as preventing dry mouth, which is a common complaint with other oral appliances (and CPAP).
If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea appliances, please ask your dentist.
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