Do You Dream of Not Being Tired?

Dentistry For You offers oral sleep appliances, an alternative to CPAP, for those with sleep apnea.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, some 70 million ­people in the United States have a sleep problem. About 40 million adults suffer from a chronic sleep disorder, and an additional 20 to 30 million have intermittent sleep-related ­problems. “Sleep apnea is a widespread silent killer,” explains Dr. Steven Deem of Dentistry For You in Broken Arrow. “Many people are unaware of how serious sleep apnea is, and that you can die from it. This condition increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, gastric reflux, obesity, diabetes, and even car wrecks.”

The majority of people with sleep apnea utilize the CPAP, but unfortunately for many, this device is intolerable, rendering it completely ­ineffective for them. Dr. Deem wants everyone to know that other options are available if the CPAP isn’t working for you. “I am very enthusiastic about the oral sleep appliances now ­available, which augment the effectiveness of the CPAP or can be a comfortable alternative for many. Not only will this improve quality of life, it can actually save lives. ”

An oral sleep appliance is a custom-fabricated mouthpiece similar to an orthodontic ­retainer or sports mouth-guard worn over the teeth. The ­appliance works by comfortably ­repositioning the lower jaw and tongue forward or by restraining the tongue to keep the airway from collapsing during sleep. Snoring and sleep apnea are then effectively managed and good quality sleep can be achieved without interruption. “Many people may think they slept through the night, but it is not quality sleep, and they are tired the next day. It is not ­normal for a person to want naps or have to consume lots of caffeine to make it through the day,” says Dr. Deem.

A variety of custom sleep apnea oral appliances are ­available at Dentistry For You. Specifically, one of the newest released FDA-approved ­appliances is called the OASYS 2 and stands apart from its ­competitors, according to Dr. Deem. The OASYS 2 has nasal dilators to open the nasal ­passageway as well as a tongue positioner. “No other appliance offers both of these features,” says Dr. Deem. Dr. Deem will fit your oral appliance for ­comfort by using a mold of your mouth to design your unique fit. After a ­complete diagnosis, he will ­recommend an oral appliance if needed, and let you know which brand will work best for you. Oral appliances may be used in conjunction with other apnea treatments.

Sleep apnea not only affects those who suffer from it; it also affects the sleep of those who are near you. “Snoring is a ­common symptom of sleep apnea and can affect the sleep of your spouse or others around you,” says Dr. Deem. “However, you don’t have to snore to have sleep apnea.”

If you are not sure if you have sleep apnea but are tired during the day or have a snoring problem, search online for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This short questionnaire will help assess whether your sleep ­patterns are normal or if you are in need of a professional diagnosis. Fatigue in general is a symptom that needs to be tested.

“Sleep apnea is a serious condition that must be treated. When you are tired throughout the day, you are at a much ­higher risk for car crashes, work-related accidents and numerous other medical problems,” says Dr. Deem.     

Dr. Steven Deem has been changing patients’ lives for 30 years by giving them beautiful smiles. His office stays current on the latest dentistry ­technology available. Schedule your appointment today by ­calling (918) 355-1391.

 

For more information, contact

Dentistry For You

2522 E. Kenosha
Broken Arrow, OK 74012

(918) 355-1391