04
Aug
Four Commonly Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea Treatment with Oral Appliances
Do you feel tired despite a full night’s sleep? Always battling morning headaches and chronic snoring? The culprit could be obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which affects millions of Americans. Untreated OSA is a risk factor for several health issues, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, and stroke. Effective treatment is essential to restore your health and quality of life.
Struggling with sleep apnea? Welcome to Athens Dental Group for sleep apnea relief. Drs. Drew Richardson and Brant Sandifer use oral appliance therapy as a comfortable yet effective solution for managing sleep apnea.Â
FAQs about sleep apnea oral appliances
Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. OSA occurs when throat muscles relax excessively, blocking the airway when sleeping. Common symptoms include snoring, daytime fatigue, headaches, insomnia, etc. The good news is that OSA is treatable and rarely involves surgery.
Our office uses oral appliances to treat sleep apnea. To help you get the most from this treatment, we’ve answered commonly asked questions about oral appliance therapy. Don’t hesitate to call us if you don’t see what you are looking for.
1. How do oral appliances work for sleep apnea?
Oral appliances are customized devices used to treat OSA. Unlike CPAP machines that use masks to keep the airway open with pressurized air, an oral device repositions the jaw or tongue to keep the airway open during sleep.
We treat sleep apnea with a custom-fitted oral appliance called a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD). This device gently positions the lower jaw into a more forward position. MADs significantly improve sleep apnea and snoring symptoms.
2. What is the process of getting a sleep apnea oral appliance
If you have been diagnosed with OSA, you’ll first schedule an appointment with your Watkinsville sleep apnea dentist. The dentist will take digital scans of your teeth and gums to create a customized appliance that matches the exact specifications of your dentition.
Once your device is shipped to our office, we’ll notify you to pick it up. A few adjustments may be necessary to provide a better fit. Wear your appliance every night during sleep. Your device will feel unnatural in the first few days, but this is temporary. Over time, your nightguard will become a natural part of your nightly regimen.
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New Patients: (706) 666-4611 | Existing Patients: (706) 353-1958
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3. Does my insurance cover oral appliance therapy?
Coverage depends, although many insurance plans cover part of the treatment cost. Contact your insurance provider to find out exactly what your plan covers.Â
4. What are the benefits of oral appliance therapy?
Oral appliances offer several benefits for treating sleep apnea. One of the biggest advantages is their effectiveness. Many users experience noticeable improvements after just a few days of nightly wear.Â
Other benefits of oral appliance therapy include:Â
- Comfort: Compared to CPAP machines, oral appliances provide a comfortable experience. Many patients report sleeping soundly without feeling restricted.Â
- Portability: An oral appliance is so small it can fit in your pocket, so you can travel with it anywhere.Â
- Improved quality of life: Better sleep often leads to increased energy, elevated mood, and high productivity.Â
Sleep apnea treatment in Watkinsville, Georgia, reduces the risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and other systemic illnesses. Addressing sleep apnea promotes better long-term health outcomes.Â
Sleep apnea treatment near me in Watkinsville, GA
Poor sleep affects more than your rest—it affects your mood, energy, and health. Don’t let sleep apnea control your life. Call (706) 666-4611 and reserve an appointment with Athens Dental Group. Let’s help you sleep soundly and wake up refreshed.Â
Dr. Brant Sandifer Connect Dr. Brant Sandifer on LinkedIn
Highly regarded local dentist Dr. Brant Sandifer graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Biology degree from the University of Georgia. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. Since 2017, Dr. Sandifer has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care in Athens. He is passionate about creating healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Dr. Sandifer is actively involved in the community and is trusted by his patients to provide the highest standard of dental care.
Dr. Drew Richardson Connect Dr. Drew Richardson on LinkedIn
An esteemed local dentist, Dr. Drew Richardson earned his Biology degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia. As a Hinman Scholar, he graduated second in his class at the Dental College of Georgia, joining Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Societies. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the L.D. Pankey study club and has advanced cosmetic training from Spear Academy. He volunteers at Georgia dental clinics such as Hope Dental Clinic and Christ Community Clinic and has participated in dental missions to Haiti.