12/22/2022
When doctors diagnose sleep apnea, they are likely to prescribe continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a mask that goes on the face and attaches by a hose to an air pump. The air pump forces air into your throat to hold it open.
Though CPAP is a very effective treatment (almost 100% when used properly), it’s not a very comfortable treatment. Between the restrictive nature of the mask, potential skin irritation, and discomfort of having air blown into the throat, few people really like the treatment. Many people dislike it so much that they don’t use it, even when they know it might save their life. Studies show long-term compliance with CPAP hovers around 50%.
On the other hand, an oral appliance is an easy way to treat sleep apnea. You just slide it in and it holds your jaw in a more supportive position. This keeps your airway open. Most people who use an oral appliance use it all night every night for years, which makes it a better treatment option in many cases, since they actually use it.
Whether you can’t fall asleep, can’t stay asleep, or just wake up unrested, we can probably help. Jaw problems can contribute to your sleep problems and with an oral appliance, we can address the root cause. Learn more about this alternative to CPAP at https://www.bitealign.com/sleep-dentistry/!
