Sleep Apnea & Snoring Solutions in Stratford, CT: Is Oral Appliance Therapy Right for You?

Snoring may seem like a minor nighttime annoyance, but persistent, loud snoring can sometimes be associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can interfere with restful sleep and affect your overall well-being. At Advanced Dentistry of Connecticut, we offer oral appliance therapy in Stratford, CT, as a treatment option for certain patients with sleep apnea and chronic snoring.

Understanding Sleep Apnea and Snoring

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the muscles and soft tissues of the throat relax during sleep and partially or completely block the airway. These interruptions can occur repeatedly throughout the night.

Snoring happens when air moving through a narrowed airway causes nearby tissues to vibrate. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, ongoing snoring combined with other symptoms may warrant further evaluation.

Common signs that may be associated with sleep apnea include:

•          Loud or persistent snoring

•          Gasping or choking during sleep

•          Frequent nighttime awakenings

•          Morning headaches or dry mouth

•          Excessive daytime sleepiness

•          Difficulty concentrating during the day

If sleep apnea is suspected, obtaining an appropriate diagnosis is important before determining which treatment is right for you.

How Oral Appliance Therapy Works

Oral appliance therapy uses a custom-fitted device that is worn while you sleep. A common type is a mandibular advancement device, which gently positions the lower jaw forward. This can help prevent the tongue and soft tissues from collapsing into the airway.

Oral appliances provide a non-surgical approach that is compact, portable, and does not require electricity. Because each appliance is customized to your mouth, it is designed to provide a comfortable fit while helping maintain an open airway.

Is an Oral Appliance Right For You?

Oral appliance therapy may be appropriate for people with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. It may also be considered for patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy.

CPAP remains an important and highly effective treatment for many people, particularly those with moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, some patients struggle with the mask, airflow, equipment, or traveling with the machine. A custom oral appliance may provide an alternative for appropriately selected patients.

Oral Appliances For Snoring

Even when obstructive sleep apnea is not present, oral appliance therapy may help certain patients with chronic snoring. By adjusting the position of the jaw and tongue, the appliance can help create more room for airflow and reduce the tissue vibration that produces snoring.

Personalized Sleep Apnea Care in Stratford, CT

At Advanced Dentistry of Connecticut, Dr. Mohamed Elnazer provides custom oral appliance therapy based on each patient's oral health, airway needs, and treatment goals. We can evaluate your mouth and jaw and determine whether an oral appliance may be an appropriate part of your sleep apnea or snoring treatment.

Schedule a consultation with Advanced Dentistry of Connecticut to learn if oral appliance therapy is right for you. Contact our office in Stratford, CT by calling (203) 375-1649 to book an appointment.