Dental Sleep Apnea Therapy: Debunking Myths
If you struggle with wearing a Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for sleep apnea, you may think it’s your only option for a good night’s sleep.
After all, CPAPs are synonymous with sleep apnea treatment.
And you might think that you just have to contend with daytime sleepiness.
Well … have we’ve got news for you!
Dental sleep apnea therapyThis link leads to Sleep Apnea page is available and effective in many cases.
Advancements in treating sleep apnea have provided many options to help you sleep peacefully.
Now, let’s get to the truth of the matter.
Myth 1: CPAPs are the only way to go
CPAPs debuted in 1985 and have become more and more refined over time.
Think of nasal masks or pillows as opposed to full-face masks, among other advancements.
The bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine debuted years later.
This therapy provides two pressure levels, making the machine more comfortable.
However, for some people, no amount of changes to this equipment makes it easy to sleep in.
The mask, noise, and maintenance can make a CPAP or BiPAP an unreasonable option.
Fortunately, there is hope!
You can get sleep apnea treatment without a mask.
Some dentists, including Dr. SpoontThis link leads to Doctor Spoont’s page, offer dental sleep apnea therapy.
And it’s much more comfortable with so many other benefits.
Myth 2: dental appliances aren’t as effective as traditional treatments
According to the Cleveland ClinicThis link opens a new tab to the Cleveland Clinic website, CPAPs have a high effective rate for patients.
They can help people ward off the consequences of uncontrolled sleep apnea, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type II diabetes
- Liver problems
However, you won’t receive any of these benefits if you’re not using it.
And compliance with these babies is low.
We’re talking 33 to 50 percentThis link opens a new tab to the NCBI website or more might not use it as prescribed.
On the contrary, dental sleep apnea devices are more comfortable, easier to care for, and don’t make any noise.
Therefore, people are more likely to use them regularly.
The compliance rate is astronomically higher with dental appliances than CPAPs and BiPAPs.
Oral appliances tout a 90 percent compliance rateThis link opens a new tab to the Sleep Apnea website.
Plus, studies indicate these devices have a high success rateThis link opens a new tab to the AADSM website.
Myth 3: my case is too bad. I won’t benefit from an oral appliance.
Oral sleep apnea therapy is most effective at treating mild cases.
Dentists can also treat moderate to severe cases.
Sometimes, a sleep specialist will recommend you continue using a CPAP.
However, you may be able to lower the pressure significantly.
That depends on your sleep specialist’s recommendations.
Myth 4: any dentist can provide sleep apnea treatment
You can walk right into any dentist and request sleep apnea treatment.
You’ll receive results.
This is absolutely not the case!
Only dentists who undergo specialized training can safely and effectively treat sleep apnea.
So, for the sake of your health, research your little heart out.
Make sure the dentist has experience and training with sleep apnea.
Don’t be afraid to contact the practitioner’s office directly to ask.
Myth 5: oral appliances are more expensive than a CPAP
Something more convenient will be more money. (True?)
Or, so you would think.
Initially, oral appliances are more.
While oral appliances and CPAP machines have an approximate 5-year lifespan, the simplicity of oral appliances makes them more affordable.
With CPAP, you must regularly replace the masks, tubing, and filters.
If you choose to use distilled water rather than boiling your own, that also costs.
Potentially, that CPAP can cost you more over time.
Despite popular belief, many insurance providers cover oral appliances for sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea care from our team
We’re all about creating fantastic smiles and top-notch dental care.
Exciting news – we’re now offering comprehensive sleep apnea care at Big Boca Smiles!
Whether you’re in for cosmetic dentistry or restorative care, we’ve got you covered.
But wait, there’s more!
Your overall health is a big deal to us. We’re not just about fixing teeth; we genuinely want to boost your well-being in any way we can.
Fortunately, Big Boca SmilesThis link leads to Home page can now help you get a better night’s sleep!
Call or email us today for an appointment. We also have a convenient online tool.
Or:
- Call us at 561-482-8000
- Email us at info@bigbocasmiles.com
Boca RatonThis link opens a new tab to Google Maps is where we lay our scaler. Fortunately, that makes us near Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Pompano Beach Highlands, Hamptons at Boca Raton, and Sandalfoot Cove.
