The Alternatives to a CPAP Device
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that impacts millions of Americans by disrupting their behavior and sleep routine. If left untreated, the consequences can take a toll on your overall health and well-being. The common solution is to seek a remedy with CPAP therapy. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and is oftentimes used to treat sleep apnea. However, due to its bulkiness, intrusiveness, loud and irritating therapy, many resort to alternative devices to help them get a sound slumber.
In Bryan, TX, Dr. Michael Reece and his skilled team use oral appliance therapy to relieve patients of overwhelming symptoms for their sleep apnea. We believe in the positive long-term effects of dental treatment and strive to help patients regain their full night’s sleep.
ORAL APPLIANCES
Living with sleep apnea is no easy feat. In fact, it can take a major toll on your social and personal life if left untreated. Our Bryan, TX dentist offers treatment through dental devices that help alleviate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of this debilitating sleeping disorder.
The FDA-approved oral appliances offered by Dr. Reece are often used to treat mild to moderate OSA. Similar to customized mouth guards, sleep apnea oral appliances help re-position the jaw to prevent the collapse of soft tissue and a blockage of airflow. As a result, the mouth-guard not only helps in keeping the airflow open but may eliminate both snoring and OSA.
Sleep Apnea
With more than 200,000 US cases per year, sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders affecting individuals of all ages – with 50% of diagnosed patients not getting the proper treatment.
Consequences
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your ability to sleep. The sleep deprivation caused by OSA can quickly compromise your overall well-being.
Treatments
At Michael K. Reece D.D.S, we strive to help patients restore their ability to sleep throughout the night with our effective and personalized treatments.
Dr. Michael K. Reece D.D.S.
Dr. Reece is a highly trained and qualified dentist who has been serving patients in Bryan/College Station, TX and surrounding communities for multiple years. His combination of experience and confidence has earned him a respectable reputation in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Reece is a strong believer in continuing education and he’s devoted to participating in continuing education courses that augment his knowledge of sleep apnea. Over the duration of his dental career, our Bryan, TX dentist has devoted hundreds of hours to Continuing Education courses. Dr. Reece has earned the Master Dentist (LVIM) designation from the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dentistry – the most prestigious post-graduate dental learning institute in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dentists treat sleep apnea?
Yes, dentists can provide treatment options for sleep apnea. While a physician may prescribe a CPAP (continuous-positive airway pressure) machine for sleep apnea treatment, this isn’t your only treatment option. Many people dislike their CPAP and seek an alternative.
Dr. Reece can provide a convenient and comfortable oral appliance. These oral appliances are like mouthguards, but they’re created uniquely to treat sleep apnea by keeping your airway open. Dr. Reece can also provide guidance on how you can alleviate your sleep apnea symptoms through lifestyle changes.
How can a dentist tell if you have sleep apnea?
A dentist can tell if you have sleep apnea because there are often signs of the disorder in your mouth and throat. Your dentist is likely the person who examines your throat and mouth the most often. Dentists are educated on the health of these areas, so they’ll be able to tell if something is wrong.
While your dentist may be able to point out signs of sleep apnea, you must be formally diagnosed by a physician to receive treatment. You’ll be diagnosed with the help of a sleep test, which monitors your body while you’re asleep to detect any issues.
Once you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea, Dr. Reece can help you with a treatment plan. With a convenient mouthguard and some lifestyle changes, you won’t have to worry about sleep apnea.
Do mouthguards help with sleep apnea?
Yes, customized oral appliances can help with sleep apnea. But regular mouthguards don’t help with sleep apnea. The difference between regular mouthguards and sleep apnea mouthguards is that an oral appliance can keep your airway open while sleeping.
In many cases, oral appliances are just as effective as CPAP machines for treating sleep apnea. Your health can begin to improve and you’ll have more energy throughout the day to spend with the people you love and on the activities that bring you joy.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a sleep test. This is a study that can be done in a sleep clinic or in the comfort of your own home. For the test, you’ll be hooked up to a non-invasive machine that’ll monitor your body while you’re asleep.
A physician will examine your test results and let you know if you have a sleep disorder. Once you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Dr. Reece can help you find a sleep apnea treatment that works the best for you. Through the use of an oral appliance along with some lifestyle changes, you can feel more energized.
Learn The Difference Between Normal Airways & Obstructed Airways
Michael K. Reece D.D.S is proud to offer sleep apnea treatments to patients in Bryan, TX and neighboring cities. If you’re having trouble sleeping and would like professional treatment, contact Dr. Reece for an appointment or consultation. Our practice will provide you with information, resources, and the most advanced sleep apnea remedies in Bryan and surrounding areas. We look so forward to working with you.