Dentist near me in Gilbert area offers the snoring appliance treatment for chronic snoring and obstructive sleep apnea

Snoring is a common problem that can be troublesome for sleeping partners. Those who share a bed or a room with an individual who snores may be losing sleep and wondering if there is a more serious issue causing the snoring. In some cases, it is obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that affects millions of Americans. Often, it goes undiagnosed. Patients are not aware they even have the condition until their sleeping partner mentions them gasping for air every night and snoring loudly. Obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed when patients undergo a sleep study, during which they are analyzed throughout the night to see if they are experiencing lapses in breathing. This can occur hundreds of times a night, resulting in the inability to achieve the restful, restorative sleep necessary to feel their best throughout the day. This is due to a blockage in the airways often caused by excess fat on the neck or the tongue falling back into the throat, which stops breathing, and then the body jerks awake due to the lack of oxygen.

When patients are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, they are often told to use a continuous positive airway pressure machine, also called CPAP. The CPAP machine is a device that is attached to a facemask, worn at night to help keep the airways open. Many patients find these to be cumbersome, uncomfortable, and unattractive. Dr. Fritz often suggests an alternative known as oral appliance therapy.

Oral appliance therapy can help correct snoring and reduce obstructive sleep apnea, allowing patients and their bed partners to achieve a restful night of sleep. This appliance is worn in a manner similar to a mouth guard. It is made of high quality plastic, custom-made to fit over the teeth. It can hold the tongue down, keep the jaw aligned, and therefore, open the airways. Many patients prefer this treatment over a CPAP machine, and are excited to get a better quality of sleep every night with the use of a simple oral appliance.

Back to Snoring and Sleep Apnea Home Page