Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is characterized by pauses in breathing that can last more than 10 seconds during the sleep. If left untreated, it can result in major health issues like vascular diseases and premature death.
Main sleep apnea symptoms:
- Snoring
- Drowsiness
- Morning headaches
- Sleep apnea noticed by someone close
The diagnosis of sleep apnea is based on an excessive number of occurrences (apnea and hypopnea) during a polysomnography recording.
Treating sleep apnea with a dental appliance
Your health care professional (doctor or dentist) can prescribe a dental appliance specifically designed to ease your moderate sleep apnea symptoms.
This appliance fits over your teeth and should be used when you sleep. It helps to keep your tongue and jaw towards the front so that they don’t slip back and block your airway.
Your dentist, along with your sleep specialist, is in the best position to give you advice on choosing the model that suits you best.