Last Updated on October 31, 2024
Article about: Oral Appliances.
If you are someone who wakes up unrested and grumpy in the morning, then either you or your partner suffers from snoring or sleep disorders. When you can’t get deep sleep at night, the quality of your life suffers. But more than that, the person who suffers from snoring or sleep disorders suffers from headache, nausea, and lack of productivity, just because they could not get enough sleep.
Understanding Snoring and Sleep Disorders
Many people never address the problem of snoring and sleep disorders, assuming that it’s part of life, despite its repercussions. That’s why it’s all the more important to understand snoring and sleep disorders, to improve the quality of your life.
Causes of Snoring
Snoring is typically caused by the relaxation of the throat muscles and tissues during sleep, which can obstruct the airway and create the characteristic snoring sound.
Here are the common factors that contribute to snoring:
- Excess weight or obesity
- Nasal congestion or blockages
- Alcohol consumption before bedtime
- Certain sleep positions, such as sleeping on the back
- Aging, as the throat muscles tend to relax more with age
Causes of Sleep Disorders
Like snoring, other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can significantly impact your health and well-being. Sleep apnea is a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing frequent interruptions in breathing and disrupting the natural sleep cycle.
Risks Associated with Snoring and Sleep Disorders
An incomplete sleep cycle can have the following impact on your life.
- Excessive daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
- Increased risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabete
- Impaired cognitive function and memory
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to drowsiness
Solution: Oral Appliances
Oral appliances have emerged as a comfortable and effective solution when it comes to addressing snoring and sleep disorders. Oral appliances are custom-made devices designed to reposition the jaw or tongue, keeping the airway open and preventing the soft tissues from obstructing breathing during sleep.
The biggest benefit of oral appliances is that they are a non-invasive and reversible treatment option. Unlike surgery or other more invasive interventions, oral appliances can be easily adjusted or removed, allowing for a personalized and adaptable approach to managing sleep-related issues.
Additionally, oral appliances are often more comfortable and easier to tolerate compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which can be bulky and inconvenient for some individuals.
Thus, oral appliances can significantly improve the quality of sleep and reduce the symptoms of snoring and sleep disorders, ultimately enhancing overall health and well-being.
Types of Oral Appliances
There are two major types of oral appliances.
Mandibular Advancement Devices
Mandibular advancement devices, or MADs, are a popular choice for those seeking relief from snoring and mild to moderate sleep apnea. These appliances work by gently moving the lower jaw (mandible) forward, which helps to keep the airway open during sleep. By repositioning the jaw, MADs effectively reduce the vibrations that cause snoring and improve airflow, leading to a more restful night’s sleep.
Tongue-Retaining Devices
Tongue-retaining devices, or TRDs, are another type of oral appliance that can be beneficial for individuals with sleep disorders. These devices hold the tongue in a forward position, preventing it from falling back and obstructing the airway during sleep. By keeping the tongue in place, TRDs help to maintain an unobstructed flow of air, reducing snoring and improving overall sleep quality.
Benefits of Oral Appliances
Oral appliances offer many benefits for individuals struggling with snoring and sleep disorders. The following are the benefits of using oral appliances:
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms
- Improved quality of life
- Increase in productivity
- Rejuvenated living
Conclusion
Oral appliances are a safe and effective solution for snoring and sleep disorders. These custom devices, designed by dental professionals, provide a comfortable, non-invasive way to tackle the root causes of these issues. If you struggle with sleep disorders or snoring, book a consultation with us at Riverview Dental Arts.