Dear Dr. Shetter – I have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).  My treatment includes use of a continuous positive airway pressure system (CPAP).  I hate the device.  Are there any other options? – Laurie

 

Dear Laurie – Sleep apnea affects more than 18 million Americans and refers to episodes where a person stops breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep numerous times over the course of the night.  Sleep apnea is a complex of factors that can have very serious consequences including high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.  Persons with mild to moderate apnea can often be treated with oral devices that change the position of the lower jaw to open the airway for normal breathing.   We use the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP) in our office.  We work with your physician to determine the cause of your problem, to determine that you are a candidate for oral appliance treatment and confirm that dental appliance therapy is managing your problem.

Sleep Apnea is not just a disease of the old or overweight.  If your family is hearing loud snoring punctuated by silence or gasping this could be sleep apnea.  Severe tooth grinding and sleep problems in children can also signal apnea.  Morning headaches and daytime sleepiness or waking with a dry mouth are all signs of possible sleep apnea.  In all cases if sleep apnea is suspected you should seek a consultation with a sleep specialist physician.  The CPAP approach is still considered the “gold standard” for treatment.  However, oral appliance treatment can be an option in some cases.

 

 

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