SERVING PITTSBURGH, ALLISON PARK, AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF PENNSYLVANIA
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices have long been the standard for treating the dangerous medical condition known as sleep apnea. And while the cumbersome machines can be effective, few patients continue using CPAP long-term.
For many patients with sleep apnea, oral appliances offer a comfortable and successful alternative. The Pittsburgh dentists at Dentonics have years of experience treating sleep apnea patients with the use of custom-made oral appliances.
CPAP requires sleep apnea patients to wear a mask attached to an air circulator during sleep. A blower pushes air through the mask and into the airway, allowing the patient to breathe continuously and free of obstruction.
Many patients, however, have difficulty adjusting to the nightly use of a mask and discontinue using CPAP. Oral sleep apnea appliances such as TAP and SomnoDent are similar to custom sports mouthguards and fit comfortably over your teeth. Dentonics is one of the few offices that can fabricate SomnoMed’s SomnoDent oral appliance, which many patients find is both comfortable and contributes to a relaxed, properly aligned bite.
Each sleep apnea appliance is made for your specific needs, and the type that’s best for you will depend on your individual condition. Some appliances are designed to support your jaw and promote airflow while others are intended to keep your tongue from moving and blocking your throat during sleep.
It is important to note that although oral appliances are effective for many patients, no single sleep apnea treatment works for everyone, and there is no cure for sleep apnea. Only a comprehensive assessment can determine the best treatment choice to help you manage your breathing and sleep better.
If you live in the Pittsburgh or Allison Park, Pennsylvania, areas and would like to learn more about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, please contact Dentonics to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Joe or Dr. Charles Frye. We would love to meet you and help you and your partner regain regular, peaceful sleep.
