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

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that's characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing while you're sleeping. These breathing disruptions limit the amount of oxygen your body receives and can cause you to feel drowsy and fatigued throughout the day. It can even lead to more serious complications, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems. People of all ages can develop this sleeping disorder, although it's more common in people over the age of 40.

What Sleep Apnea Symptoms Should I Be Aware of?

The following list describes the most common symptoms of sleep apnea:

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping for air while sleeping
• Brief pauses in breathing during sleep
• Waking up with a headache
• Daytime sleepiness
• Having a dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

What Are the Most Common Sleep Apnea Causes?

Your throat muscles are stiff when you're awake, making it easy for air to flow into your lungs; however, these muscles can relax when you're asleep, which can narrow your throat and obstruct your breathing. These factors can also increase your risk:

• Excess weight
• Male gender
• Family history of the disorder
• Large neck size (greater than 16 inches)
• Alcohol use

What Are My Sleep Apnea Treatment Options?

Many of our patients have found relief from interruptions in breathing and excessive snoring by wearing a customized oral appliance from our dentists. When you wear this device, your jaw and tongue are kept in the correct position while you're sleeping, dramatically reducing your symptoms and improving the quality of your sleep. Small changes to your lifestyle may also help, such as sleeping on your side and losing weight. Surgery is a consideration only after these other methods have been ineffective. If you're considering treatment options for this condition, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation. Our experienced dentists will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you can benefit from a custom-made oral appliance.

What Is an Oral Appliance for Sleep Apnea?

Most people with this sleeping disorder can benefit from a custom-made sleep apnea mouthpiece. It's worn only during sleep and is designed to maintain the forward position of your jaw. This can improve breathing during sleep by keeping your airway open.

Your oral appliance is custom-fit by your dentist to ensure a positive treatment outcome. When you come in for your appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth. We'll send it to a dental laboratory that will create an oral appliance based on the unique shape of your mouth. After your device has been made, you'll come back to our office and your dentist will check the fit of your oral appliance and make adjustments if needed. Your dentist will also tell you how to clean your device and maintain it over time. Do you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea in Georgia? Contact our office today to make an appointment and learn how you can sleep better with an oral appliance.

How Much Will I Pay for an Oral Appliance?

The price of a sleep apnea mouth guard can vary and depends on whether you have medical insurance and the type of oral appliance you receive. Please call our office to learn more about the cost of your device.

What Are the Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy Treatment (OAT)?

Oral appliance therapy has many advantages in comparison to other treatments. As a non-invasive treatment option, your oral appliance can improve the quality of your sleep and reduce snoring without requiring surgery. Most of our patients enjoy the ease of use associated with their appliance and find that it's easy to clean and take care of. Since your oral appliance is designed to fit the unique shape of your mouth, our patients also find that their oral appliance is comfortable to wear every night while sleeping. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and learn how you can benefit from oral appliance therapy.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of My Oral Appliance?

In many cases, your dental insurance will cover some or all of the costs associated with oral appliance therapy. For more information about your coverage for an oral appliance, please contact your insurance provider.

With the help of our dentists, it's possible to eliminate snoring and instantly improve the quality of your sleep. If you're interested in learning more about the advantages of an oral appliance for sleep apnea in Georgia, contact our office today to make an appointment.