Benefit from an easy-to-use, low-maintenance alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea 

Options to treat sleep apnea abound and are available at your trusted family dental practice in Byron Center. Michigan. Our team at VanderLaan Family Dentistry provides alternatives to the long-time, go-to treatment of obstructive sleep apnea: CPAP. With oral appliance therapy (OAT) designed and overseen by our talented dentist, Dr. Matthew VanderLaan, you avoid many complaints associated with the CPAP device. While an effective treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, CPAP has a low compliance rate. And what good is a therapy if it does not get used? 

Since CPAP therapy involves wearing a mask connected to a large, noisy machine that delivers continuous air pressure to the patient, many users have cited complaints ranging from discomfort and nasal dryness to problems properly cleaning and transporting the machine. You avoid these complaints with easy-to-wear, easy-to-care-for, discreet, and highly portable oral appliances. 

OAT for sleep apnea 

Sleep apnea is characterized by interruptions in breathing when at rest/during sleep. These interruptions are primarily associated with lax tissues. These tissues may relax so much that they block or obstruct the airway. It is essential to seek out effective treatment promptly. Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include chronic fatigue, which puts the patient at increased risk of having accidents at the workplace or on the road. Additionally, individuals with sleep apnea often complain of mood changes, irritability, poor memory, impaired concentration, and other problems that affect their quality of life. Partners may also be affected because OSA is associated with loud, habitual snoring. 

Without proper treatment, OSA is a dangerous condition. The oxygen deprivation related to interruptions in breathing during sleep can stress the body’s internal organs and systems. Untreated OSA is a risk factor for everything from diabetes to stroke. We can restore your well-being and quality sleep and prevent potentially deadly complications with customized oral appliances or devices. The device’s design depends on your specific needs; however, the common appliance for OSA is MAD, the mandibular advancement device. Patients slip these devices into their mouths before going to bed. These unobtrusive devices reposition the mandible of the lower jaw, bringing it forward or advancing it. So that way, the lax tissues are also transferred to no longer block or obstruct the airway during sleep. 

You cannot afford to sleep on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, nor should you hit snooze on finding alternatives to the CPAP machine you barely use and can’t tolerate. For more information, VanderLaan Family Dentistry welcomes your call to (616) 288-2554 today.