Dubuque Dentist provides Oral Appliances for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder. People with OSA stop breathing for more than ten seconds at a time, and this event repeats itself multiple times in an hour. Experts estimate that 1 in 5 adults may suffer from sleep apnea. Many humans are suffering from an inability to breathe well during sleep due to an abnormal upper airway. A sleep apnea oral appliance may be an option for those suffering from sleep apnea.
Symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- loud snoring
- episodes of stopping breathing
- gasping for air during sleep
- morning dry mouth
- morning headaches
- insomnia
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating and focusing while awake
- in children: poor behavior, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder ADHD
Untreated sleep apnea can be associated with the following:
- heart attack
- stroke
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- acid reflux
Poor sleep quality also leads to depression, impaired concentration, and frequent night urination. Sleep apnea results in daytime sleepiness that increases the risk of auto accidents and accidents at work.
Sleep studies are recommended for those who suspect they might have sleep apnea. Years ago, sleep studies were only done in hospitals. Now there are many great options for at-home sleep studies. A specialist physician must make the diagnosis of sleep apnea. Treatment options for OSA include CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, surgery, or oral appliance therapy.
A CPAP machine delivers pressured air through a mask. The CPAP machine is very effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea. However, some people stop using the CPAP because the CPAP can be noisy, cumbersome, difficult to travel with, and limit sleeping positions. Some people feel claustrophobic using CPAP machines.
Sleep Apnea Appliance
If a person is not able to use the CPAP machine, dentists with specialized training can fabricate a custom oral appliance that will help open the airway, decrease snoring, and decrease the severity of OSA. In February 2006, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine stated that oral appliances are appropriate for FIRST line treatment of mild to moderate OSA, and for patients who fail treatment such as CPAP and/or surgery.
Many oral appliances are FDA approved and their success is supported by research. Oral appliance therapy is 96% successful for treating snoring, and reduces the need for surgery & medications.
If you or a loved one snores, talk to a specialist physician and have a sleep test done. Then you can ask Dr. Kristen Berning if you are a candidate for an oral sleep apnea appliance. Thousands of Americans aren’t getting a good night’s sleep… and they are putting their health and their relationships at risk.
Dr. Kristen Berning offers free consultations to discuss oral appliances for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
Exceptional Dentistry provides family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, tooth whitening, clear aligner therapy, sleep apnea and snoring oral appliance therapy, and sedation dental care at 4200 Asbury Road, Dubuque, IA 52002 and serves the Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, IA and Galena, IL areas.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kristen Berning, or Dr. Alexia Oetken please call 563-556-2711 or contact us online.