Albertville, AL
Obstructive sleep apnea cases are on the rise in the United States. According to the National Sleep Foundation, an estimated 18 million people suffer from this sleep disorder. Sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when your airway becomes partially or entirely blocked while sleeping, results in oxygen deprivation and other symptoms. Our Albertville sleep apnea dentists at Wall Street dentistry share on the blog today the potential missing link in treating sleep apnea patients. Through years of research, scientists found a link between sleep apnea and craniofacial issues, specifically oral resting postures. Find out what this could mean for you and sleep apnea sufferers alike.
What treatments are available for sleep apnea patients?
As sleep apnea patient numbers increase, so does the sleep apnea dental industry. Our sleep apnea dentists in Albertville received training to pre-screen patients for sleep apnea by assessing their airways. After receiving official sleep study results, treatment can be suited to your needs. In some cases, we recommend patients use a mandibular advancement device, also known as a removable oral sleep apnea appliance. The oral appliance will align your jaw and open your airways, allowing oxygen to flow freely into your lungs and the rest of your body.
What is oral resting posture, and how does it affect my oral health?
Oral resting posture is the natural position of facial muscles when relaxed and not eating or speaking. Our dentists in Albertville who treat sleep apnea explain that the ideal resting posture occurs when your teeth are together, your lips are closed, and your tongue naturally rests on the roof of your mouth. Correct resting posture encourages nasal breathing, which benefits your oral and overall health. However, when patients cannot maintain ideal oral resting posture, it can create orofacial issues that need additional treatment. Additionally, your chances drastically increase for mouth breathing, resulting in an increased likelihood that you will snore. Finally, incorrect oral posture over time may alter your dental arch shape, resulting in a narrower version that could make obtaining the ideal oral resting posture incredibly challenging.
Which treatment is best for treating my sleep apnea?
Each patient that visits our Albertville dental office receives a complete examination and consultation about their oral health condition. During the office visit, our knowledgeable dentists will share the results of their findings and which treatments they feel are best to remedy the problem. No two patients are exactly alike, so we create a personalized treatment plan based on your sleep apnea needs.
Standard treatment for patients who struggle with achieving the ideal resting posture is myofunctional therapy. Through this therapy course, you can expect a series of simple, painless exercises for your tongue, as well as facial and mouth muscles. Our Albertville dentists who offer sleep apnea solutions explain that the exercises can retrain your orofacial system, resulting in a shift back to the ideal oral resting posture when performed over time. Additionally, myofunctional therapy effectively addresses poor oral habits, like tongue thrust or thumbsucking.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Albertville, Alabama
The diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea change as dental technology progresses. Through research and scientific studies, new treatment methods for sleep apnea can create better results in a shorter time than traditional treatments. Patients who suffer from sleep apnea should visit a dentist in Albertville who treats sleep apnea for an airway assessment. Feel free to call Wall Street Dentistry at (256) 878-0525 or contact us online to schedule your consultation for a better night’s sleep.