Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can result in anything from snoring and mild morning headaches to poor mental health and memory impairment. For the loved ones of patients who suffer from sleep apnea, the snoring associated with the condition can deprive them of their sleep, as well. Your Livonia dentist is committed to finding the sleep apnea solution that fits best fits your needs, without causing you to lose sleep over the expense.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
The most common treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or “CPAP.” The breathing machine is effective at alleviating the breathing issues associated with sleep apnea, but only about half of the patients that try it stick with it. The noise emitted by the machine keeps some from being able to sleep, and others complain of a claustrophobic feeling due to the mask. For mild to moderate cases of obstructive sleep apnea, Dr. Stewart offers an alternative to the CPAP machine.
Oral Sleep Apnea Appliances
Oral appliances are a more affordable alternative to the various CPAP-based machines. The appliance is custom-fitted to your mouth and typically feels far less obtrusive than the CPAP machinery. The following four are slightly different in design, but all fit in the mouth with the purpose of maintaining an open airway during sleep:
•TAP 3—Is most effective for the most severe cases of apnea.
•SOMNOMED —The lower jaw can be adjusted incrementally to improve overall comfort.
•SUAD—Non-restrictive appliance allows the patient to speak and open and close mouth.
•EMA—Enables lateral movement of the jaw and does not interfere with open mouth breathing.
Should these four not aid in the treatment of your sleep apnea, then Dr. Stewart also offers two custom mask variations that are less cumbersome than the CPAPs:
• TAP-PAP CS
• TAP-PAP CM
Call Today Before Your 2012 Deductible Slips Away
With the end of the year quickly approaching, don’t let your 2012 dental benefits slip away as the New Year slides in. Call our Livonia dentist office today at 734-425-4400 to schedule an appointment. Your Livonia dentist and his staff welcome patients from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and surrounding communities.