Sleep Apnea
Millions of people around the world suffer from sleep apnea, a condition that causes a cessation of breathing during sleep. This interruption may last for “only” a few seconds, or it may last for several minutes. During this time, the body and brain are not getting the oxygen they need to function. These occurrences vary in frequency from individual to individual, but they’ve been known to occur up to 30 times an hour. Knowing this, it’s clear that sleep apnea needs to be treated.
Treatment For Sleep Apnea at Orthodontic Specialists
Orthodontic Specialists has offices in Parrish, West Bradenton, and East Bradenton, Florida. Each of these offices provides treatment for sleep apnea in Florida. Please call the office nearest you for a consultation and treatment options. We treat all ages, including youngsters and the elderly.
Two Kinds of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn’t the same for everyone. The word “apnea” means “pause.” In both kinds of sleep apnea, there is a pause in breathing. However, the underlying reason for this condition can be different. There are two different kinds of sleep apnea to be aware of. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. The other kind of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea, which is rarer but still prevalent. Below is an explanation of each kind of sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea happens when the throat muscles relax too much. This can close the airway, which interrupts breathing. It’s called obstructive because something is obstructing the flow of air – the muscles at the back of the throat.
Central Sleep Apnea
This type of sleep apnea happens when the process of breathing stops and starts again while a person is asleep. The underlying cause is understood to be related to a malfunction of brain signals in control of the breathing mechanism and muscles. This condition is often related to other health problems and can actually be a factor for stroke and heart failure.
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Sometimes, the person themselves may be unaware that they have sleep apnea, but in other cases, certain symptoms may start to cause enough problems where sleep apnea can be diagnosed. Following are some of the most common symptoms to look for:
- morning migraines or headaches
- inability to focus; feeling foggy-headed
- unexplained daytime fatigue, even after an early bedtime
- restless sleep
- loud or disruptive snoring
- chronic depression
- problems remembering things
- low libido
- general mood disorders
- waking up suddenly
- waking and feeling like you can’t breathe
- gasping awake
Note that you may not have all of these symptoms. Sometimes, a person may have only one or two symptoms. If you think that there’s a chance you have either type of sleep apnea, be sure to visit an Orthodontic Specialist for a consultation.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Apnea
There are many ways that sleep apnea can be diagnosed, including with the help of a sleep study done at a center or at home. Your orthodontist can also do a physical exam to see if there are physical obstructions at the back of your throat that may be contributing to an airway blockage.
Treatment for some kinds of sleep apnea can be done by an orthodontist. Certain appliances can be worn, and orthodontic treatment can be done to treat the condition. These oral appliances can help reposition the jaw and tongue, which keeps the airway unobstructed during sleep. If there is a physical reason why the airway is being obstructed during sleep, the orthodontist can come up with a treatment plan to resolve the situation.
Treatment For Sleep Apnea in Florida
Sleep apnea is highly treatable, especially obstructive sleep apnea. All it takes is a visit to your orthodontist for a consultation and a treatment plan. You may be advised to undergo a sleep study, have CPAP therapy, or make certain lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes may include dietary adjustments, such as limiting the intake of alcohol, managing meals so you aren’t eating too close to bedtime, or losing weight with diet and exercise.
Other treatments include positional therapy and the use of certain oral appliances. Your Florida orthodontist will give you details of treatment options during your visit.
Oral Appliance Therapy For Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy offers a solution for individuals suffering from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea or for those who snore. This custom-fitted device, supplied by your orthodontist, is designed for nightly use to adjust the position of the jaw and tongue. This adjustment is key in maintaining an open airway, thus preventing the soft tissue at the back of the throat from collapsing and interrupting breathing.
Advantages of Oral Appliance Therapy
This non-invasive method is an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, offering benefits such as portability, ease of use and maintenance and comfort. It’s particularly suited for those who find CPAP therapy challenging to tolerate. Also, it can be effectively combined with other treatment strategies like positional therapy and the lifestyle modifications mentioned above.
Importance of Regular Follow-Up
Consistent follow-up is essential in verifying the effectiveness and proper functioning of the oral appliance. During these visits, you’ll be checked for any dental or jaw issues and the orthodontist will adjust the appliance as needed.
When you need help and support for sleep apnea or chronic or disruptive snoring in Florida, contact Orthodontic Specialists with locations in Parrish, West Bradenton and East Bradenton, Florida. As a private, family-owned practice, we look forward to helping you resolve your sleep apnea issues.
