At the Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic, we specialize in the treatment of Sleep Apnea, which is a potentially dangerous condition that threatens not only the sleeping habits of millions of individuals but also their safety. To safeguard wellness and encourage an optimal sleep cycle with adequate airflow, the Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic is proud to produce Sleep Apnea appliances that help you breathe and sleep easily, comfortably, and safely.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Before moving on to the specifics of our Sleep Apnea appliances, it is a good idea to clearly outline what the condition itself actually is. Sleep Apnea is a common sleep disorder, involving the process of an individual ceasing to breathe while asleep. There are two variants of the condition; Obstructive Sleep Apnea involves a blockage or obstruction in the airway that stops or limits breathing. Central Sleep apnea is a serious condition due to a loss of oxygen at night linked with symptoms such as strokes, heart failures, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, weight gain, fatigue, and depression. If left untreated, either variant of the condition can seriously harm an individual, resulting in everything from motor function damage to death in extreme circumstances.
The Issues with CPAP Machines
Traditional CPAP machines used to serve as the primary solution for Sleep Apnea, but more and more people are switching to more comfortable alternatives that are equally effective. CPAP machines blow air into the airway of the patient to ensure sufficient oxygen intake. These antiquated systems utilize a noisy oxygen production unit as well as cumbersome tubes affixed to a face mask. Therefore, CPAP treatments can be incredibly uncomfortable. They can also become inefficient due to a greater potentiality of air leakage. In fact, many people say they cannot sleep with a CPAP machine or feel claustrophobic when using one.
How do Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances Solve these Issues?
Oral appliances have been recently shown to be just as effective as CPAP machines for the treatment of most cases of sleep apnea. Their functionality is quite simple yet incredibly efficient. The appliance is designed to bring your lower jaw forward to open up the airway, which then allows for natural breathing and sufficient oxygen intake without any need for other support systems designed for the same purpose. Without tubes or cumbersome, noisy machines, the specially shaped oral appliance ensures for consistent, optimized airflow that protects the patient at night while they sleep.
How are the Oral Appliances Fitted?
To ensure that the oral appliance is an ideal, suitable solution for an individual, a preliminary examination is first performed to gauge their candidacy. The jaw has to move in a forward position, and the individual needs to have most of their teeth. Then, if they are deemed eligible, an impression is made of their lower and upper teeth as well as their occlusion.
if you suffer from Sleep Apnea, an oral appliance could be the best solution for you. To wear it is simple – just wear it over your teeth at night and take it off in the morning. Contact the Ottawa TMJ & Sleep Apnea Clinic today to learn more about this innovative and user-friendly treatment appliance.