Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire IL
Suffering from sleep loss not only makes you tired, but it could also cause memory loss, mood swings, and create extensive health complications. For those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there is no longer a need to continue suffering because there are treatments available. The leading sleep apnea dentists in Lake Forest at Lake Forest Smiles share sleep apnea treatments that don’t involve a CPAP machine so that you can get a restful night of sleep.
What is OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea is episodes where your brain wakes up when your airway becomes temporarily obstructed. The obstruction often causes gasping or choking sounds while breathing or loud snoring while sleeping. Unfortunately, several sleep apnea sufferers may not be aware of a restricted airway condition. However, the friendly Lake Bluff dentists at Lake Forest Smiles may recommend a sleep study to determine your extent of sleep apnea. Based on the outcome, a customized treatment plan can provide direction to rid you of sleepless nights and restore a better life balance.
Can a sleep apnea sufferer find relief from a CPAP?
Fortunately, there are treatments for those who suffer from sleep apnea. Typically, a CPAP machine is the most common solution to the problem of sleep apnea. The unit moves air through positive air pressure into your airway while sleeping to provide adequate airflow to your lungs. The CPAP machine is a viable yet effective treatment method for some people.
However, almost 70 percent of people who use the CPAP machine for sleep apnea treatment discontinue the device’s use after approximately six months. Based on reports from patients, the CPAP machine could make you feel claustrophobic or keep your partner awake from the amount of noise the device emits. Users report that their CPAP is cumbersome to manage when traveling. Lake Forest airway dentists understand the science of OSA. The dentists acknowledge that the major downfall of the CPAP machine is that it forces air into your airway, but it does not address the underlying cause of OSA. Therefore, the CPAP machine is only a temporary fix to a lifelong problem.
What are the other available treatment options?
Due to advancements in technology and dentistry, an additional method of treating OSA is through a custom-designed repositioning device. The device is acrylic, only worn when sleeping, and is ideal for treating mild to moderate OSA cases. The oral appliance aids in holding your lower jaw in the proper alignment resulting in a more open airway. Your Lake Bluff sleep apnea dentists at Lake Forest Smiles can adjust the appliance to suit your changing needs as part of your sleep apnea treatment process. Due to the customized design, you cannot find the same quality of appliance that produces high-level results at your local retail store.
Patients who suffer from severe sleep apnea conditions may seek a more permanent solution to the problem. Orthotropics can be an ideal, permanent solution for sleep apnea as it corrects the condition through natural growth guidance provided by orthodontics, surgery, or a combination of both depending on your situation. Your Lincolnshire family-friendly dentists at Lake Forest Smiles advise that OSA treated with orthotropic is most effective in children due to softer bones that are under constant development. Therefore, the manipulation of the facial structure can help relieve sleep apnea more naturally than in adults.
Sleep Apnea in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Suffering from sleep apnea is a critical health condition that demands treatment to prevent additional health complications. Even though a CPAP may fail you, take comfort in knowing that there are more treatment options available that can provide long-term relief. If you have questions about sleep apnea or are ready to schedule your consultation, feel free to contact the professional sleep apnea dentists at Lake Forest Smiles by calling (847) 234-4800 or contact us online.