Sleep Apnea Treatment in Middletown, CT

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by breathing pauses during sleep. Central sleep apnea (CSA) involves lapses in breathing due to signaling issues in the brain stem, differentiating it from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by physical blockages of the airway during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most prevalent form and occurs when the airway is obstructed, impeding oxygen flow through the nose or mouth. People with this condition experience excessive relaxation of the throat and mouth muscles during sleep, leading to their collapse and subsequent airway blockage, resulting in breathing difficulties.

What Are the Indications of Sleep Apnea?

Individuals with this disorder may experience loud snoring, breathing cessation, abrupt awakenings, gasping for air, and difficulties achieving restful sleep during their sleeping hours. Moderate sleep apnea and moderate obstructive sleep apnea can lead to morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability throughout the day. Additionally, this condition is often associated with other medical concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, gastric reflux, and depression. If left untreated, sleep apnea can significantly impact your dental health and overall quality of life.

How Can I Determine if I Have Sleep Apnea?

A physician or sleep specialist can conduct a sleep study to determine if the disorder is present and assess its severity. The findings from this sleep study, along with other medical results, will be used to determine the recommended therapy. Understanding whether you have mild, moderate, or severe sleep apnea is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment.

How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is considered the gold standard for maintaining airways open during sleep and is commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers a steady stream of pressurized air into the respiratory system via a mask, preventing airway collapse throughout the night.

Individuals with mild to moderate sleep apnea or snoring are often recommended oral appliance therapy. These dental devices, similar to mouthguards or orthodontic retainers, are worn during sleep to prevent collapse of the tongue and soft tissues in the throat, ensuring the airway remains open. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) are the most common type, working by positioning the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. Tongue retaining devices (TRDs) hold the tongue in a forward position to prevent blockage. Various designs cater to specific needs, and the primary objective of treatment is to decrease the occurrence and duration of apneas, hypopneas, and snoring.

Understanding Different Types of Oral Appliances for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea oral appliances come in several forms, each designed to address specific sleep apnea symptoms. Mandibular advancement splints gradually move the lower jaw and tongue forward, creating more space in the upper airway. These appliances for sleep apnea work by keeping the upper and lower teeth in optimal position, preventing the lower teeth and upper teeth from shifting during sleep. Unlike a CPAP machine, oral appliances for sleep are quiet, portable, and comfortable for most patients.

You may be a good candidate for oral appliance therapy if you have mild to moderate sleep apnea or if you cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure therapy. Patients who experience jaw pain or teeth grinding may also benefit from custom-fitted dental appliances. A sleep specialist will evaluate your condition through a sleep study and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific needs. Research shows that oral appliances can be highly effective for treating OSA when properly fitted and monitored.